netdata_netdata/docs/observability-centralization-points/metrics-centralization-points

Metrics Centralization Points (Netdata Parents)

• Netdata Streaming and Replication:

  • Copies recent past samples (replication) and real-time new samples (streaming) from production systems (Netdata Children) to metrics centralization points (Netdata Parents).
  • Netdata Parents store the database for these metrics based on retention settings.

• Netdata Child Behavior:

  • Each Netdata Child can stream to only one Netdata Parent at a time.
  • Multiple Netdata Parents can be configured for high availability, but only the first working one will be used.

• Netdata Parent Capabilities:

  • Receives metric samples from multiple Netdata Children.
  • Can re-stream received metrics to another Netdata Parent, forming an infinite hierarchy of Parents.
  • Supports Netdata Parents Clusters for high availability.

Feature	Netdata Child (Production System)	Netdata Parent (Centralization Point)
Metrics Retention	Minimal retention; can use ram or alloc mode.	Stores metrics for all connected systems.
Machine Learning	Can be disabled (default: enabled).	Runs anomaly detection for all connected systems.
Alerts & Notifications	Can be disabled (default: enabled).	Monitors health and sends alerts for all systems.
API & Dashboard	Can be disabled (default: enabled).	Hosts the dashboard using its own retention settings.
Exporting Metrics	Optional (default: enabled).	Exports all collected metrics.
Netdata Functions	Child must be online to function.	Forwards function requests to connected Children.
Netdata Cloud	Not required.	Registers all connected systems to Netdata Cloud.

Supported Configurations

For Netdata Children

• Full Mode (Default):
  • All Netdata features are enabled (machine learning, alerts, notifications, dashboard, etc.).
• Thin Mode:
  • Only collects and forwards metrics to a Parent.
  • Some local retention is kept to handle network issues, but all other features are disabled.

For Netdata Parents

• Standalone:
  • A single Parent in the infrastructure or the top-most Parent in a hierarchy.
• Cluster:
  • A group of Parents that share the same data from the same Children.
  • Provides high availability.
• Proxy:
  • Stores received metrics locally and forwards them to a higher-level Parent (Grand Parent).

Cluster Configuration

• A Cluster consists of circular Proxy nodes, where each Parent acts as a Parent to the others.
• Only the top level of a multi-level hierarchy can be configured as a cluster.

Best Practices

For detailed guidelines, check Best Practices for Observability Centralization Points.