Network flow analysis is the art of studying the traffic on a computer network. Understanding the ways to export flow and collect and analyze data separates good network administrators from great ones. The detailed instructions in Network Flow Analysis teach the busy network administrator how to build every component of a flow-based network awareness system and how network analysis and auditing can help address problems and improve network reliability. You'll learn what flow is, how flows are used in network management, and how to use a flow analysis system. Real-world examples illustrate how to best apply the appropriate tools and how to analyze data to solve real problems. Author Michael W. Lucas compares existing popular tools for network management, explaining why they don't address common real-world issues and demonstrates how, once you understand the underlying process and techniques of flow management, building a flow management system from freely-available components is not only possible but actually a better choice than much more expensive systems.