This project demonstrates how a MikroTik ROSE Data Server (RDS) can run Zabbix directly on RouterOS to monitor a production network with more than 500 devices. Using six 1TB NVMe drives in RAID5, the system is processing approximately 355 monitoring values per second while using only 2GB of RAM and 1.2–2% CPU, showing just how capable the RDS can be as an all-in-one network monitoring and storage platform.
Dennis Burgess, CTO of Link Technologies, emphasizes that effective network monitoring is foundational to ISP reliability and customer experience. He recommends deploying at least three core systems—a high-level overview tool (like The Dude), a deep monitoring platform (such as Zabbix), and external internet monitoring—to ensure visibility, rapid troubleshooting, and proactive alerting. A fourth system, BGP monitoring, becomes critical for networks with multiple upstreams to detect routing issues that may not trigger session failures. Together, these layered monitoring approaches improve uptime, reduce support load, and ensure a resilient, well-managed network.
