NRPE vs. check by ssh

[Carroll, Jim P [Contractor]]

(This isn't quite a FAQ, but it's starting to get there.  ;^)

The answer is:  It depends.

It's all about tradeoffs.  Do you need to punch through a firewall?
check_by_ssh might be the logical choice.  Are you running a *lot* of remote
checks from a dated piece of hardware?  If so, you can expect the multiple
check_by_ssh checks to bog down your system, thus making NRPE the logical
choice.

check_by_ssh is dependent on sshd being up on the remote host.  NRPE is
dependent on the nrpe daemon (or (x)inetd) being up and running on the
remote host.

You might want to try both approaches.  I know that if I were to suggest
that you stick with NRPE except for those hosts which are on the other side
of a firewall, someone here will tell you they're successfully using
check_by_ssh for 100% of their remote hostchecks.

I'd say the biggest issue with check_by_ssh is scalability.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that there are other options for checking
hosts remotely.  But my impressions from this list have been that NRPE and
check_by_ssh (and NSCA to a lesser extent) hold the lion's share.

HTH.

jc


> -----Original Message-----
> From: chbaker at powersystems.rockwell.com
> [mailto:chbaker at powersystems.rockwell.com]
> Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2003 8:09 AM
> To: nagios-users at lists.sourceforge.net
> Subject: [Nagios-users] NRPE vs. check by ssh
> 
> 
> Which is the prefered way to execute remote plugins, nrpe or 
> check_by_ssh?
> Are there any particular advantages either way?
> 
> Charles H. Baker
> chbaker at powersystems dot rockwell dot com
> work: 864.281.2409 fax: 864.281.2487 cell: 864.363.5302
> BOFH excuse #426:
> internet is needed to catch the etherbunny
> 
> 
> 
> 
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