Install zabbix sender

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To install Zabbix sender, a crucial command-line utility for sending custom metrics to your Zabbix server or proxy, here are the detailed steps, broken down by your operating system of choice. This is often needed for pushing data from custom scripts or applications that don’t run as part of the Zabbix agent’s standard checks, or for implementing Zabbix Trapper items to receive unsolicited data.

Here’s a quick guide to get zabbix_sender up and running:

  • For Debian/Ubuntu users (apt install zabbix sender):

    1. Add Zabbix Repository:
      • wget https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/<Zabbix_Version>/<OS_Name>/pool/main/z/zabbix-release/zabbix-release_<Zabbix_Version>-<Release>+<OS_Version>_all.deb (Replace placeholders with your specific version and OS, e.g., 6.4, ubuntu, ubuntu22.04).
      • sudo dpkg -i zabbix-release_<Zabbix_Version>-<Release>+<OS_Version>_all.deb
    2. Update Package List: sudo apt update
    3. Install Zabbix Sender: sudo apt install zabbix-sender

  • For CentOS 7/8/9 users (yum install zabbix sender / dnf install zabbix sender):

    1. Add Zabbix Repository:
      • CentOS 7: sudo rpm -Uvh https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/<Zabbix_Version>/rhel/7/x86_64/zabbix-release-<Zabbix_Version>-<Release>.el7.noarch.rpm
      • CentOS 8/9, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux: sudo rpm -Uvh https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/<Zabbix_Version>/rhel/<RHEL_Version>/x86_64/zabbix-release-<Zabbix_Version>-<Release>.el<RHEL_Version>.noarch.rpm (Use 8 or 9 for <RHEL_Version>).
    2. Clean Cache (for yum/dnf):
      • CentOS 7: sudo yum clean all
      • CentOS 8/9: sudo dnf clean all
    3. Install Zabbix Sender:
      • CentOS 7: sudo yum install zabbix-sender
      • CentOS 8/9: sudo dnf install zabbix-sender

  • For Windows users (zabbix_sender install windows):

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    1. Download Zabbix Agent: Visit the official Zabbix download page (e.g., www.zabbix.com/download_agents).
    2. Select Version: Choose your Zabbix agent version (e.g., Zabbix Agent 6.4), Windows OS, and the appropriate architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
    3. Extract: Unzip the downloaded archive. You’ll find zabbix_sender.exe inside the bin subdirectory (e.g., bin\win64).
    4. Placement: Copy zabbix_sender.exe to a convenient location, such as C:\Program Files\Zabbix Agent\.
    5. PATH (Optional but Recommended): Add this directory to your system’s PATH environment variable for easier execution from any command prompt. Otherwise, you’ll need to use the full path when running zabbix_sender.exe.

Remember to replace placeholders like <Zabbix_Version>, <Release>, <OS_Name>, <OS_Version>, and <RHEL_Version> with the actual values corresponding to your Zabbix server version and your operating system. For instance, 6.4 for Zabbix version, ubuntu22.04 for Ubuntu 22.04, or el7 for CentOS 7. Once installed, zabbix_sender is ready to dispatch data for Zabbix Trapper items.

Table of Contents

Understanding Zabbix Sender’s Core Functionality

Zabbix sender is a lightweight, command-line utility designed to send performance data to a Zabbix server or proxy. Unlike the Zabbix agent, which actively pulls data, zabbix_sender pushes data. This is particularly useful for scenarios where data generation is asynchronous, sporadic, or originates from systems where a full Zabbix agent isn’t practical or necessary. It acts as a bridge, allowing any application, script, or custom monitoring solution to feed metrics into your Zabbix environment, complementing the agent’s capabilities and providing greater flexibility in data collection.

Why Zabbix Sender is Essential for Monitoring Flexibility

The true power of zabbix_sender lies in its ability to handle custom metrics and asynchronous data. Consider a script that runs only once a day to generate a report, or a transactional system that logs specific event counts after each transaction. A standard Zabbix agent polling interval might miss these transient data points or be inefficient for such checks. zabbix_sender allows these scripts or applications to push their data to Zabbix precisely when it becomes available. This is crucial for:

  • Script-based monitoring: Running a custom shell script, Python script, or PowerShell script to collect unique metrics (e.g., database integrity checks, custom application health) and send the results.
  • Application integration: If your application generates its own internal metrics, it can directly call zabbix_sender to report them.
  • Batch processing results: Sending the outcome of nightly batch jobs, data synchronization tasks, or long-running computations.
  • Historical data submission: Pushing data that was collected offline or temporarily stored.

In 2023, custom metrics sent via zabbix_sender accounted for an estimated 15-20% of all monitored items in large Zabbix deployments, highlighting its significance in advanced monitoring strategies.

The Role of Zabbix Trapper Items with Zabbix Sender

Zabbix sender operates in conjunction with a specific type of Zabbix item called a Zabbix trapper item. While a Zabbix agent item requests data from the agent, a trapper item passively waits for data to be sent to it. When zabbix_sender executes, it connects to the Zabbix server or proxy (usually on port 10051 by default) and sends a key-value pair. The Zabbix server then matches this key with a pre-configured Zabbix trapper item for a specific host and stores the received value. This push mechanism ensures that data is processed immediately upon arrival, making it ideal for event-driven monitoring.

It’s vital to ensure that the item key specified with zabbix_sender exactly matches the item key configured in the Zabbix frontend for your Zabbix trapper item. Any mismatch will result in the data being dropped by the Zabbix server. Furthermore, the Zabbix server/proxy must be configured to accept incoming connections on the Zabbix trapper port, and firewall rules should allow this traffic. Json.stringify examples

Installing Zabbix Sender on Debian/Ubuntu

For Debian and Ubuntu-based systems, the zabbix-sender package is readily available through the official Zabbix repositories. The installation process involves adding the Zabbix repository to your system’s package sources, updating the package list, and then installing the utility using apt. This method ensures you get the correct version compatible with your Zabbix server and keeps your system’s package management clean and organized.

Adding the Zabbix Repository

Before you can apt install zabbix sender, you need to tell your system where to find the package. Zabbix provides a release package that sets up the correct repository.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Identify your Ubuntu/Debian version and Zabbix version:
    • For example, if you’re on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and want Zabbix 6.4:
      wget https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/6.4/ubuntu/pool/main/z/zabbix-release/zabbix-release_6.4-1+ubuntu22.04_all.deb
    • If you’re on Debian 11 (Bullseye) and want Zabbix 6.0 LTS:
      wget https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/6.0/debian/pool/main/z/zabbix-release/zabbix-release_6.0-1+debian11_all.deb
    • Always check the official Zabbix repository (repo.zabbix.com) for the precise URL corresponding to your operating system and Zabbix version.
  2. Install the repository package:
    • After downloading, install it using dpkg:
      sudo dpkg -i zabbix-release_<Zabbix_Version>-<Release>+<OS_Version>_all.deb
    • For the Ubuntu 22.04 / Zabbix 6.4 example:
      sudo dpkg -i zabbix-release_6.4-1+ubuntu22.04_all.deb

This command adds the necessary repository definition to your /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory, allowing apt to find Zabbix packages.

Updating Package Lists and Installing Zabbix Sender

Once the repository is added, you need to update your package manager’s cache to recognize the new sources and then proceed with the apt install zabbix sender command. Text truncate not working

  1. Update package lists:
    sudo apt update
    This command fetches the latest information about packages available from all configured repositories, including the newly added Zabbix one.
  2. Install zabbix-sender:
    sudo apt install zabbix-sender
    This command will download and install the zabbix-sender utility and its dependencies.

Verification: After installation, you can verify it by checking the version of zabbix_sender:
zabbix_sender --version
You should see output similar to zabbix_sender (Zabbix) 6.4.x, confirming a successful install zabbix sender ubuntu or install zabbix sender debian process.

Installing Zabbix Sender on CentOS/RHEL-based Systems

For CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Rocky Linux, and AlmaLinux, the zabbix-sender utility is available through the Zabbix official RPM package repositories. The installation process here involves adding the Zabbix RPM repository, cleaning your package manager’s cache, and then using yum or dnf to install the package. This ensures proper dependency handling and integration with your system’s package management.

Adding the Zabbix RPM Repository

Similar to Debian/Ubuntu, the first step for install zabbix sender centos is to configure the Zabbix repository using an RPM package. The specific RPM URL depends on your RHEL version (CentOS 7, CentOS 8/9, Rocky/AlmaLinux).

Here are the commands based on common RHEL versions:

  1. For CentOS 7 (install zabbix sender centos 7): Ai voice changer online free female

    • For Zabbix 6.4:
      sudo rpm -Uvh https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/6.4/rhel/7/x86_64/zabbix-release-6.4-1.el7.noarch.rpm
    • For Zabbix 6.0 LTS:
      sudo rpm -Uvh https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/6.0/rhel/7/x86_64/zabbix-release-6.0-1.el7.noarch.rpm

  2. For CentOS 8 / Rocky Linux 8 / AlmaLinux 8:

    • For Zabbix 6.4:
      sudo rpm -Uvh https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/6.4/rhel/8/x86_64/zabbix-release-6.4-1.el8.noarch.rpm
    • For Zabbix 6.0 LTS:
      sudo rpm -Uvh https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/6.0/rhel/8/x86_64/zabbix-release-6.0-1.el8.noarch.rpm

  3. For CentOS 9 Stream / Rocky Linux 9 / AlmaLinux 9:

    • For Zabbix 6.4:
      sudo rpm -Uvh https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/6.4/rhel/9/x86_64/zabbix-release-6.4-1.el9.noarch.rpm
    • For Zabbix 6.0 LTS:
      sudo rpm -Uvh https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/6.0/rhel/9/x86_64/zabbix-release-6.0-1.el9.noarch.rpm

Remember to visit the official Zabbix download page (e.g., repo.zabbix.com) to get the most up-to-date and specific RPM URL for your exact RHEL version and Zabbix release.

Cleaning Cache and Installing Zabbix Sender

After adding the repository, it’s good practice to clear your package manager’s cache, then proceed with the installation. The package manager command will vary slightly between CentOS 7 (using yum) and CentOS 8/9 (using dnf).

  1. Clean Package Manager Cache: Ai voice editor online free

    • For CentOS 7:
      sudo yum clean all
    • For CentOS 8/9, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux:
      sudo dnf clean all
      This step ensures that your package manager rebuilds its cache with the newly added Zabbix repository.

  2. Install zabbix-sender:

    • For CentOS 7 (yum install zabbix sender):
      sudo yum install zabbix-sender
    • For CentOS 8/9, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux (dnf install zabbix sender):
      sudo dnf install zabbix-sender

Verification: To confirm the installation, run:
zabbix_sender --version
You should see output indicating the installed zabbix_sender version (e.g., zabbix_sender (Zabbix) 6.4.x), confirming that zabbix_sender install centos was successful.

Installing Zabbix Sender on Windows

Installing zabbix_sender on Windows is a bit different from Linux as it’s not typically a package managed through a central repository. Instead, zabbix_sender.exe is usually distributed as part of the Zabbix Agent archive. You’ll need to download the appropriate agent package, extract the sender executable, and place it in a convenient location.

Downloading the Zabbix Agent for Windows

The zabbix_sender.exe utility is bundled within the Zabbix Agent package for Windows.

  1. Navigate to the Official Zabbix Download Page:
    • Open your web browser and go to https://www.zabbix.com/download_agents.
  2. Select Your Zabbix Agent Version:
    • Choose the Zabbix Agent version that matches your Zabbix Server version (e.g., Zabbix Agent 6.4 if your server is 6.4).
  3. Select Operating System and Architecture:
    • Under “Operating system,” select Windows.
    • Under “Architecture,” select your system’s architecture (e.g., amd64 for 64-bit systems).
    • Choose the desired OpenSSL or LibreSSL version. OpenSSL is generally more common.
  4. Download the Archive: Click the download button to get the .zip archive (e.g., zabbix_agents_6.4.x.zip).

This archive contains zabbix_agentd.exe (the Zabbix Agent daemon) and zabbix_sender.exe (the utility you need), among other tools. Is ipv6 hexadecimal

Extracting and Placing zabbix_sender.exe

Once you have the downloaded ZIP file, you need to extract the zabbix_sender.exe executable and put it in a location where it can be easily accessed.

  1. Extract the Archive:
    • Right-click the downloaded zabbix_agents_X.X.x.zip file and select “Extract All…” or use your preferred archiving tool.
  2. Locate zabbix_sender.exe:
    • Navigate into the extracted folder. You’ll typically find zabbix_sender.exe in a subdirectory like bin\win64 (for 64-bit) or bin\win32 (for 32-bit).
  3. Copy to a Convenient Location:
    • It’s recommended to create a dedicated directory for Zabbix tools, such as C:\Program Files\Zabbix Agent\.
    • Copy zabbix_sender.exe from its extracted location to C:\Program Files\Zabbix Agent\. You might also want to copy zabbix_agentd.exe and zabbix_get.exe if you plan to use them.

Adding Zabbix Sender to System PATH (Optional but Recommended)

For ease of use, you can add the directory where you placed zabbix_sender.exe to your system’s PATH environment variable. This allows you to run zabbix_sender directly from any command prompt or PowerShell window without typing its full path.

  1. Open System Properties:
    • Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Environment Variables:
    • Go to the “Advanced” tab and click “Environment Variables…”.
  3. Edit PATH:
    • Under “System variables,” find and select Path, then click “Edit…”.
  4. Add New Path:
    • Click “New” and add the path to your Zabbix sender executable, e.g., C:\Program Files\Zabbix Agent.
    • Click “OK” on all open windows to save changes.
  5. Verify (New Command Prompt):
    • Open a new Command Prompt or PowerShell window (existing ones won’t reflect the change).
    • Type zabbix_sender.exe --version and press Enter.
    • You should see the version information, indicating successful zabbix_sender install windows. If it doesn’t work, ensure the path is correct and try restarting your computer if necessary.

Using Zabbix Sender: Basic Commands and Examples

Once zabbix_sender is installed, understanding its basic syntax is key to leveraging its power. The utility sends data points, which consist of a host, an item key, and a value, to a specified Zabbix server or proxy. This forms the backbone of how zabbix_sender interacts with Zabbix Trapper items.

Essential zabbix_sender Command Line Options

The core command structure for zabbix_sender involves specifying the Zabbix server/proxy address, the port, the target host, the item key, and the value.

Here are the most common options: Ai urdu voice generator free online download

  • -z <hostname or IP address> or --zabbix-server <hostname or IP address>: Specifies the IP address or DNS name of the Zabbix server or proxy where the data should be sent. This is mandatory.
  • -p <port number> or --port <port number>: Specifies the port number for the Zabbix server/proxy trapper listener. The default is 10051.
  • -s <host name> or --host <host name>: Specifies the Zabbix host name as configured in the Zabbix frontend. This is case-sensitive and mandatory.
  • -k <item key> or --key <item key>: Specifies the item key of the Zabbix trapper item on the target host. This is case-sensitive and mandatory.
  • -o <value> or --value <value>: Specifies the value to send for the item key. This is mandatory.
  • -i <input_file> or --input-file <input_file>: Specifies an input file containing multiple data points to send in batch. Each line in the file should be in the format: "<host>" "<key>" "<value>".
  • -v or --verbose: Increases verbosity, showing more detailed output.
  • --help: Displays the help message with all available options.

Sending a Single Metric

The simplest use case is sending a single metric. Let’s say you have a Zabbix host named “MyCustomServer” and a Zabbix trapper item with the key “custom.script.status” that expects a numerical value (e.g., 0 for success, 1 for failure). Your Zabbix server IP is 192.168.1.100.

To send a value of 0 to this item:

zabbix_sender -z 192.168.1.100 -p 10051 -s "MyCustomServer" -k "custom.script.status" -o 0

If your Zabbix server uses a different port, say 10060, you would adjust the -p option:

zabbix_sender -z 192.168.1.100 -p 10060 -s "MyCustomServer" -k "custom.script.status" -o 0 How to rephrase sentences online

Sending Multiple Metrics from a File (Batch Sending)

For more complex scenarios or when sending data from a script that generates many metrics, using an input file is highly efficient. This method reduces the overhead of establishing multiple connections to the Zabbix server.

  1. Create an input file (e.g., metrics.txt). Each line must follow the format "<host>" "<key>" "<value>": 

    "MyCustomServer" "cpu.usage.custom" "25.7"
"MyCustomServer" "memory.free.custom" "1024"
"AnotherServer" "disk.io.operations" "500"
    • Important: Hostnames, item keys, and values should be enclosed in double quotes.

  2. Send the data using the -i option:

    zabbix_sender -z 192.168.1.100 -p 10051 -i metrics.txt

The output will show the number of processed, failed, and total values, along with the time taken. For example: Change delimiter in excel mac

info from server: "processed: 3; failed: 0; total: 3; seconds spent: 0.00123"

This indicates all three values were successfully sent. Batch sending is significantly more performant, especially when dealing with hundreds or thousands of metrics, drastically reducing the network round-trips.

Configuring Zabbix Trapper Items in the Zabbix Frontend

For zabbix_sender to work effectively, you must have corresponding Zabbix Trapper items configured in your Zabbix frontend. These items are the designated recipients for the data sent by zabbix_sender. Setting them up correctly involves creating an item of type “Zabbix trapper” on the appropriate host, defining its key, and selecting the correct data type.

Steps to Create a Zabbix Trapper Item

Follow these steps in the Zabbix web interface:

  1. Log in to Zabbix Frontend: Access your Zabbix web interface with appropriate administrative privileges.
  2. Navigate to Host Configuration:
    • Go to Configuration -> Hosts.
    • Find the host for which you want to create the trapper item (e.g., “MyCustomServer”) and click on its “Items” link.
  3. Create New Item:
    • Click the “Create item” button in the top right corner.
  4. Configure Item Details:
    • Name: Give your item a descriptive name (e.g., “Custom Script Status”).
    • Type: This is the most crucial part. Select “Zabbix trapper” from the dropdown menu.
    • Key: Enter the exact item key that zabbix_sender will use (e.g., custom.script.status). This must match precisely.
    • Type of information: Select the appropriate data type for the values you will be sending.
      • Numeric (float): For decimal numbers (e.g., 25.7).
      • Numeric (unsigned integer): For whole numbers (e.g., 0, 1, 1024).
      • Text: For short text strings (e.g., OK, ERROR).
      • Log: For multi-line text, often used for log parsing results.
    • Units (Optional): Specify units if applicable (e.g., MB, %, ops/sec).
    • Update interval: For Zabbix trapper items, this field is not used for polling. It essentially means “data will be received when zabbix_sender sends it.”
    • History storage period & Trend storage period: Define how long Zabbix should keep the received data.
    • Applications (Optional): Assign the item to an application for better organization.
  5. Add/Save: Click “Add” or “Update” to save the item.

Verifying Data Reception

After configuring the trapper item and sending data with zabbix_sender, you can verify that the data is being received and stored in Zabbix: Change delimiter in excel to pipe

  1. Navigate to Latest Data:
    • Go to Monitoring -> Latest data.
  2. Select Host:
    • Choose the host where you configured the trapper item.
  3. Find Item:
    • Locate your newly created trapper item.
    • You should see the last received value and the timestamp when it was received. If no data appears after sending, double-check your zabbix_sender command, the item key, and the Zabbix server/proxy configuration.

Correct configuration of Zabbix trapper items is paramount. An incorrect key, data type, or host name will prevent Zabbix from accepting the data sent by zabbix_sender, leading to monitoring gaps.

Troubleshooting Common Zabbix Sender Issues

Even with clear instructions, issues can arise during zabbix_sender installation or operation. Understanding the common pitfalls and their solutions can save significant time. Many problems stem from network connectivity, incorrect Zabbix frontend configuration, or simple syntax errors.

“ZBX_TCP_READ_ERROR: [Closed by remote host]”

This error typically indicates that zabbix_sender successfully connected to the Zabbix server/proxy but the connection was abruptly closed by the server.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

  • Incorrect Host Name (case-sensitive):
    • Issue: The host name specified with -s (--host) in your zabbix_sender command does not exactly match the host name configured in the Zabbix frontend. Remember, Zabbix host names are case-sensitive.
    • Solution: Verify the host name in Zabbix frontend (Configuration -> Hosts) and ensure it’s identical in your command.
  • Incorrect Item Key (case-sensitive):
    • Issue: The item key specified with -k (--key) in your zabbix_sender command does not exactly match a Zabbix trapper item key configured for that specific host in the Zabbix frontend. Item keys are also case-sensitive.
    • Solution: Check the item key in Zabbix frontend (Configuration -> Hosts -> Items) and correct it in your command.
  • Incorrect Item Type:
    • Issue: The item in Zabbix frontend is not configured as “Zabbix trapper”. If it’s a “Zabbix agent” or “SNMP agent” item, the server will close the connection because it’s not expecting zabbix_sender data.
    • Solution: Edit the item in Zabbix frontend and change its “Type” to “Zabbix trapper”.
  • Incorrect Data Type:
    • Issue: You’re sending a value that doesn’t match the “Type of information” configured for the item in Zabbix (e.g., sending text to a Numeric (float) item).
    • Solution: Adjust the item’s “Type of information” or send a value that matches the configured type.
  • Zabbix Server/Proxy Trapper Process Down/Unreachable:
    • Issue: The Zabbix server or proxy process responsible for listening for trapper data is not running, or there’s a firewall blocking the connection.
    • Solution:
      • Check Zabbix server/proxy logs for errors related to trapper processes.
      • Ensure the Zabbix server/proxy process is running.
      • Verify firewall rules on the Zabbix server/proxy (sudo ufw status, sudo firewall-cmd --list-all) and on the client machine to ensure port 10051 (or your configured port) is open.
      • Test basic connectivity with telnet <Zabbix Server IP> 10051.

“Connection refused” or “Network is unreachable”

These errors indicate a fundamental network connectivity problem. Text sort and compare

Possible Causes & Solutions:

  • Incorrect Zabbix Server/Proxy IP/Hostname:
    • Issue: The IP address or hostname provided with -z is incorrect or misspelled.
    • Solution: Double-check the IP address or hostname of your Zabbix server/proxy.
  • Firewall Blocking Connection:
    • Issue: A firewall (on the client machine, Zabbix server/proxy, or network) is blocking traffic on port 10051.
    • Solution:
      • Client side: Check ufw (Ubuntu/Debian) or firewalld (CentOS/RHEL) rules.
      • Server/Proxy side: Check ufw or firewalld rules. Ensure port 10051 (default trapper port) is open.
      • Network Firewall: If traversing different network segments, check if a network firewall is blocking the port.
  • Zabbix Server/Proxy Not Running or Listening on Correct Port:
    • Issue: The Zabbix server or proxy service is not running, or it’s configured to listen on a different port than 10051 (and you didn’t specify it with -p).
    • Solution:
      • Verify the Zabbix server/proxy status: sudo systemctl status zabbix-server or sudo systemctl status zabbix-proxy.
      • Check the ListenPort parameter in zabbix_server.conf or zabbix_proxy.conf to ensure it matches the port you’re using.

Troubleshooting Steps Checklist:

  1. Verify Zabbix Sender Installation:
    • Run zabbix_sender --version to ensure it’s installed and accessible.
  2. Check Zabbix Server/Proxy Status:
    • Ensure the Zabbix server or proxy is running and healthy.
  3. Firewall Check:
    • On both the zabbix_sender machine and the Zabbix server/proxy, confirm that port 10051 (or your custom trapper port) is open for TCP traffic.
    • Use telnet <Zabbix Server IP> 10051 to test basic connectivity. If telnet connects, the network path is likely clear.
  4. Zabbix Frontend Configuration:
    • Host Name: Is zabbix_sender -s "HostName" exactly the same as the host name in Zabbix frontend (case-sensitive)?
    • Item Key: Is zabbix_sender -k "item.key" exactly the same as the item key in Zabbix frontend (case-sensitive)?
    • Item Type: Is the item type “Zabbix trapper”?
    • Data Type: Does the value you’re sending match the “Type of information” for the item?
  5. Check Zabbix Server/Proxy Logs:
    • Examine the Zabbix server or proxy logs (/var/log/zabbix/zabbix_server.log or zabbix_proxy.log) for messages related to “trapper” or “sender” when you attempt to send data. These logs often provide precise reasons for data rejection.

By systematically going through these checks, you can diagnose and resolve most zabbix_sender issues efficiently, ensuring your custom data flows smoothly into your Zabbix monitoring system.

Best Practices for Zabbix Sender Implementation

Implementing zabbix_sender effectively goes beyond mere installation. Adopting best practices ensures reliability, security, and maintainability of your custom monitoring solutions. From how you structure your scripts to securing the communication, these tips will help you maximize the utility of zabbix_sender in your monitoring infrastructure.

Scripting with zabbix_sender

When integrating zabbix_sender into your scripts, consider these points to make them robust and maintainable:

  • Error Handling: Always include error handling for your zabbix_sender calls. Check the exit code of zabbix_sender. A non-zero exit code usually indicates a failure (e.g., connection refused, invalid parameters). Log these errors to a file or system logs.
    • Example (Bash): 
      #!/bin/bash
ZBX_SERVER="192.168.1.100"
ZBX_PORT="10051"
HOST_NAME="MyCustomServer"
ITEM_KEY="custom.metric"
METRIC_VALUE="42"

/usr/bin/zabbix_sender -z "$ZBX_SERVER" -p "$ZBX_PORT" -s "$HOST_NAME" -k "$ITEM_KEY" -o "$METRIC_VALUE"
if [ $? -eq 0 ]; then
    echo "Metric sent successfully: $ITEM_KEY = $METRIC_VALUE"
else
    echo "ERROR: Failed to send metric $ITEM_KEY = $METRIC_VALUE. Check Zabbix sender command." >&2
    # Add more specific error logging or alerting here
fi
  • Batch Sending for Efficiency: As discussed, for multiple metrics generated by a single script execution, use the -i option with an input file. This significantly reduces network overhead and improves performance. For example, if a script processes 100 log entries and generates a metric for each, collecting them in a file and sending once is far better than 100 individual zabbix_sender calls.
  • Absolute Paths: Use absolute paths for the zabbix_sender executable (/usr/bin/zabbix_sender on Linux, C:\Program Files\Zabbix Agent\zabbix_sender.exe on Windows). This avoids issues with the system’s PATH variable and ensures the script can find the executable regardless of where it’s run from.
  • Input Validation: Before sending, validate that the data you’re attempting to send is of the correct type (numeric, text) and format expected by the Zabbix trapper item.
  • Concurrency: If multiple scripts might try to send data simultaneously, consider implementing a simple locking mechanism (e.g., using flock in Linux) if they share a common output file for batch sending, to prevent race conditions.

Security Considerations for zabbix_sender

While zabbix_sender doesn’t inherently support encryption for data transfer (unlike Zabbix agent with TLS), you can still enhance security: Package json validator online

  • Firewall Rules: Strictly control network access to your Zabbix server/proxy’s trapper port (10051). Only allow incoming connections from known IP addresses or subnets where your zabbix_sender instances reside. This significantly reduces the attack surface. For example, using ufw on Ubuntu:
    sudo ufw allow from <SOURCE_IP_OR_SUBNET> to any port 10051
  • Dedicated Zabbix User: If zabbix_sender is run by a less privileged user account on the client machine, it limits potential damage if that user account is compromised.
  • Host-based Access Control (ServerSide): While zabbix_sender authenticates by matching hostname/key, you can also harden your Zabbix server by ensuring that the SourceIP parameter in zabbix_server.conf is correctly configured to only accept connections from expected sources.
  • Consider Zabbix Agent Active Checks: For scenarios where sensitive data is being transmitted or where a full agent is feasible, Zabbix agent active checks (where the agent initiates connection to the server) with TLS encryption offer a more secure data transmission method than zabbix_sender. Use zabbix_sender for non-sensitive, specific data pushing or when active checks are not suitable.

Monitoring and Alerting on zabbix_sender Failures

It’s crucial to monitor the success of your zabbix_sender operations.

  • Internal Zabbix Item: Create an internal Zabbix item (zabbix[trapper,<seconds>,<hosts>]) on the Zabbix server itself to monitor the number of seconds since the last data point was received from trappers, or the total number of hosts sending trapper data. This gives you a high-level overview.
  • Script Return Codes: As mentioned in error handling, capture the return code of zabbix_sender. If it’s non-zero, trigger an alert (e.g., send an email, Slack message) through your preferred alerting mechanism (which could also be another zabbix_sender call to a dedicated “sender_status” item).
  • “No Data” Triggers: For Zabbix trapper items that are expected to receive data periodically (e.g., every 5 minutes), configure “No data” triggers (nodata(<interval>)) in Zabbix. If data isn’t received within the specified interval, an alert will be fired, indicating that your zabbix_sender script or the sending process has stopped functioning.
  • Log Monitoring: Monitor the output or logs of your scripts that use zabbix_sender. If the script consistently fails or reports errors, you’ll want to be notified.

By adhering to these best practices, you’ll not only successfully install zabbix sender but also build a resilient, efficient, and secure custom monitoring system that truly complements your Zabbix infrastructure.

Comparing Zabbix Sender with Zabbix Agent Active Checks

When it comes to feeding data into Zabbix, two primary methods stand out: zabbix_sender (push model for Zabbix Trapper items) and Zabbix Agent active checks (pull model, but initiated by the agent). While both are powerful, they serve different purposes and have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Understanding when to use which is critical for an optimized Zabbix deployment.

Zabbix Sender (Push Model via Zabbix Trapper)

How it works: The client (machine running zabbix_sender) initiates the connection to the Zabbix server/proxy and pushes data. The Zabbix server/proxy listens passively for incoming data on the trapper port (default 10051).

Advantages: Json ld validator online

  • Event-Driven & Asynchronous Data: Ideal for data that is generated sporadically, irregularly, or as a result of specific events (e.g., custom script completion, application errors, batch job outputs).
  • Scalability for Custom Metrics: Reduces the load on the Zabbix server by not requiring it to poll individual clients for custom metrics. Clients push data only when it’s available.
  • Network Flexibility: Can be used from any host, including those without a full Zabbix agent installed, or behind firewalls if the outgoing connection to the Zabbix server is permitted.
  • Resource Efficiency on Client: The zabbix_sender utility is lightweight and only consumes resources when it’s actively sending data.
  • Historical Data Ingestion: Can be used to inject historical data points into Zabbix.

Disadvantages:

  • No Built-in Encryption for Data Transfer: Data sent via zabbix_sender by default is not encrypted (plain text). While you can secure the connection with an encrypted tunnel (e.g., VPN, SSH tunnel), it’s not a native feature of zabbix_sender itself.
  • Client Responsibility: The client machine is responsible for running the zabbix_sender command and ensuring its success. If the script or application fails to send data, Zabbix won’t know unless specifically configured with “no data” triggers.
  • Firewall Challenges: Requires outbound connectivity from the client to the Zabbix server/proxy on the trapper port, which might be restricted in some highly secure environments.

Zabbix Agent Active Checks

How it works: The Zabbix agent on the client machine periodically connects to the Zabbix server/proxy to request a list of active checks assigned to it. It then performs those checks locally and sends the collected data back to the server/proxy.

Advantages:

  • Native Encryption (TLS): Supports robust encryption for all data transfer between the agent and the server/proxy using TLS/PSK or TLS/Certificates, making it highly secure for sensitive data.
  • Simplified Client-side Configuration: Once the agent is installed and configured, adding new active checks is primarily done on the Zabbix server side, without modifying client scripts.
  • Server Controls Polling: The server dictates what data the agent should collect and how often, simplifying central management.
  • Automatic Host Discovery: Can be used with Zabbix’s auto-registration feature for easy deployment.
  • Handles Agent Crashes: If the agent process stops, Zabbix server will detect “agent unreachable” rather than just “no data,” providing more specific alerts.

Disadvantages:

  • Requires Full Zabbix Agent: A full Zabbix agent needs to be installed and running on the monitored host.
  • Periodic Polling: Less suitable for truly event-driven or sporadic data, as it relies on predefined polling intervals. While system.run can execute scripts, it’s still bound by the agent’s check interval.
  • Network Overhead: For a very large number of hosts, each agent periodically connecting can contribute to network overhead, though typically minimal for modern networks.

When to Use Which:

  • Use zabbix_sender when: Best free online movie sites

    • You need to push event-driven data (e.g., a script finishes and reports a status, a service goes down unexpectedly and pushes an alert).
    • The data source is a custom script or application that doesn’t run continuously as an agent.
    • You need to send historical data or data collected in batches.
    • You are monitoring a device where a full Zabbix agent cannot be installed (e.g., some network devices, IoT devices, or highly restricted environments, if you can still send data out).
    • Security is managed at the network layer (e.g., VPN, isolated network segment) or the data is not highly sensitive.
    • You need to install zabbix_sender as a lightweight tool, rather than a full agent.

  • Use Zabbix Agent Active Checks when:

    • You are monitoring standard system metrics (CPU, memory, disk, network) on servers where a full agent is feasible.
    • Data encryption is a high priority (e.g., sensitive configuration data, critical application performance metrics).
    • You want central control over item configuration and polling intervals.
    • You need robust agent-server communication with built-in retry mechanisms and agent status monitoring.

In summary, zabbix_sender is your tool for precise, on-demand data pushing, particularly for custom metrics and event-driven scenarios where security is handled externally or less critical. Zabbix Agent active checks are the go-to for secure, standardized, and centrally managed metric collection from hosts where a persistent agent can run. Often, a combination of both provides the most comprehensive and flexible monitoring solution.

Utilizing Zabbix Sender with Custom Scripts and Applications

The true power of zabbix_sender comes alive when integrated with custom scripts and applications. This allows you to monitor virtually anything that can generate a value, extending Zabbix’s capabilities far beyond standard system metrics. From application-specific counters to complex business logic outcomes, zabbix_sender acts as the conduit for these unique insights.

Integrating Zabbix Sender into Shell Scripts

Shell scripts are a common method for gathering custom data and piping it to zabbix_sender. This is particularly prevalent on Linux/Unix systems for tasks like:

  • Monitoring application-specific log counts: A script might parse a log file, count specific error messages, and send the count.
  • Checking custom process statuses: Beyond a simple ps -ef, a script might check the internal state of a complex application component.
  • Reporting backup success/failure: A post-backup script could send 0 for success or 1 for failure.
  • Tracking database query performance: Running a query and sending its execution time.

Example: Sending Disk Usage for a Specific Mount Point Best free online fax service

Let’s say you want to send the usage percentage of /data mount point on “MyLinuxServer”: 

#!/bin/bash

# Configuration for Zabbix Sender
ZBX_SERVER="192.168.1.100"
ZBX_PORT="10051"
HOST_NAME="MyLinuxServer" # Must match Zabbix Host name

# Define the mount point and item key
MOUNT_POINT="/data"
ITEM_KEY="vfs.fs.size.custom[${MOUNT_POINT},pused]" # Example: "vfs.fs.size.custom[/data,pused]"

# Get disk usage percentage, handle potential errors
DISK_USAGE=$(df -h "$MOUNT_POINT" | awk 'NR==2 {print $5}' | sed 's/%//')

if [[ -z "$DISK_USAGE" || ! "$DISK_USAGE" =~ ^[0-9]+$ ]]; then
    echo "ERROR: Could not get disk usage for $MOUNT_POINT" >&2
    # You might send an error metric here to Zabbix or log it internally
    exit 1
fi

# Send data using zabbix_sender
/usr/bin/zabbix_sender -z "$ZBX_SERVER" -p "$ZBX_PORT" -s "$HOST_NAME" -k "$ITEM_KEY" -o "$DISK_USAGE"

if [ $? -eq 0 ]; then
    echo "Successfully sent disk usage for $MOUNT_POINT: $DISK_USAGE%"
else
    echo "Failed to send disk usage for $MOUNT_POINT." >&2
    exit 1
fi

Scheduling: You would typically schedule this script using cron to run at regular intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes).

Integrating Zabbix Sender into Python Applications

Python is a popular choice for custom monitoring because of its versatility and extensive libraries. You can call zabbix_sender directly from Python using subprocess or utilize the official Zabbix Python client library py-zabbix for a more integrated approach.

Example (using subprocess for direct zabbix_sender call): 

import subprocess
import json
import random
import time

def send_zabbix_metric(zabbix_server, zabbix_port, host_name, item_key, value):
    try:
        # Construct the zabbix_sender command
        command = [
            'zabbix_sender', # Ensure zabbix_sender is in PATH or provide full path
            '-z', zabbix_server,
            '-p', str(zabbix_port),
            '-s', host_name,
            '-k', item_key,
            '-o', str(value)
        ]
        
        # Execute the command
        result = subprocess.run(command, capture_output=True, text=True, check=True)
        print(f"Zabbix Sender Output: {result.stdout.strip()}")
        print(f"Errors (if any): {result.stderr.strip()}")
        
        # Parse the output to check for successful processing
        if "processed: 1; failed: 0;" in result.stdout:
            print(f"Successfully sent {item_key}={value} for {host_name}")
            return True
        else:
            print(f"Failed to send {item_key}={value} for {host_name}. Output: {result.stdout.strip()}")
            return False

    except FileNotFoundError:
        print("Error: zabbix_sender executable not found. Make sure it's in your PATH or provide full path.")
        return False
    except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
        print(f"Error sending metric: {e}")
        print(f"STDOUT: {e.stdout.strip()}")
        print(f"STDERR: {e.stderr.strip()}")
        return False
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"An unexpected error occurred: {e}")
        return False

if __name__ == "__main__":
    ZBX_SERVER = "192.168.1.100"
    ZBX_PORT = 10051
    HOST_NAME = "MyPythonAppServer" # Must match Zabbix Host name

    # Example 1: Sending a random CPU usage metric
    cpu_usage = round(random.uniform(10.0, 90.0), 2)
    send_zabbix_metric(ZBX_SERVER, ZBX_PORT, HOST_NAME, "app.cpu.utilization", cpu_usage)
    time.sleep(1)

    # Example 2: Sending a status message
    status = "OK" if random.random() > 0.1 else "ERROR"
    send_zabbix_metric(ZBX_SERVER, ZBX_PORT, HOST_NAME, "app.service.status", status)
    time.sleep(1)

    # Example 3: Sending multiple metrics in a batch (more efficient for many items)
    # Prepare data for batch sending
    # The data needs to be in a specific JSON format for Zabbix Sender's --json option
    # Note: --json is available in newer zabbix_sender versions (Zabbix 6.0+)
    # If using older sender, you'd generate a file in the text format: "host" "key" "value"
    
    # Example using --json for batch (requires Zabbix Sender >= 6.0)
    batch_data = {
        "request": "sender data",
        "data": [
            {
                "host": HOST_NAME,
                "key": "app.connections.active",
                "value": random.randint(50, 200)
            },
            {
                "host": HOST_NAME,
                "key": "app.queue.size",
                "value": random.randint(0, 50)
            }
        ]
    }
    
    print("\nAttempting to send batch data (requires Zabbix Sender >= 6.0 with --json support)...")
    try:
        command_batch = [
            'zabbix_sender',
            '-z', ZBX_SERVER,
            '-p', str(ZBX_PORT),
            '-i', '-' # Read data from stdin
        ]
        
        # Use subprocess.Popen to write JSON to stdin
        process = subprocess.Popen(command_batch, stdin=subprocess.PIPE, stdout=subprocess.PIPE, stderr=subprocess.PIPE, text=True)
        stdout, stderr = process.communicate(input=json.dumps(batch_data))
        
        print(f"Zabbix Sender Batch Output: {stdout.strip()}")
        if process.returncode == 0:
            print(f"Successfully sent batch data for {HOST_NAME}")
        else:
            print(f"Failed to send batch data for {HOST_NAME}. Error: {stderr.strip()}")
            
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"Error sending batch data: {e}")

Using py-zabbix (a more Pythonic way): Best free online games for kids

For more complex integrations or a purely Pythonic approach, consider py-zabbix. This library provides a native Python interface to communicate with Zabbix server, including sending data.

  1. Install: pip install py-zabbix
  2. Example: 
    from pyzabbix import ZabbixMetric, ZabbixSender

# Configuration
ZBX_SERVER_IP = "192.168.1.100"
ZBX_SERVER_PORT = 10051
HOST_NAME = "MyPythonAppServer"

# Create metrics
metrics = [
    ZabbixMetric(HOST_NAME, 'app.requests.processed', 1234),
    ZabbixMetric(HOST_NAME, 'app.errors.critical', 5),
    ZabbixMetric(HOST_NAME, 'app.status.message', 'Application is running smoothly')
]

# Send metrics
result = ZabbixSender(ZBX_SERVER_IP, ZBX_SERVER_PORT).send(metrics)

if result.processed > 0 and result.failed == 0:
    print(f"Successfully sent {result.processed} metrics.")
else:
    print(f"Failed to send {result.failed} metrics. Result: {result}")

    This method abstracts away the command-line calls and provides a cleaner API for Python developers.

Whether you’re running zabbix_sender from a simple shell script or embedding it within a sophisticated Python application, the flexibility it offers for monitoring custom data is invaluable. Always remember to configure the corresponding Zabbix Trapper items in the frontend to receive these custom metrics.

Future Trends and Alternatives to Zabbix Sender

While zabbix_sender remains a robust and widely used utility for pushing custom data into Zabbix, the monitoring landscape is continually evolving. Modern approaches, cloud-native strategies, and the emergence of new data collection tools offer alternatives and enhancements. Understanding these trends helps you make informed decisions for your monitoring architecture.

Evolution of Data Collection in Zabbix

Zabbix itself is constantly evolving its data collection capabilities.

  • Zabbix Agent 2: The next-generation agent, Zabbix Agent 2, introduced in Zabbix 5.0, is written in Go and supports a plugin-based architecture. This allows for easier extensibility and more complex data collection logic directly within the agent, potentially reducing the need for external zabbix_sender scripts for certain use cases. Plugins can collect metrics for cloud services, databases, and more, offering a more integrated and secure approach (with native TLS) than relying solely on zabbix_sender for every custom metric.
  • Built-in Preprocessing: Zabbix’s powerful preprocessing options allow for significant data manipulation on the server side. This means your zabbix_sender script might only need to send raw data, and Zabbix can transform, filter, or aggregate it before storage, reducing the complexity of the client-side script.

Cloud-Native Monitoring Approaches

In cloud and containerized environments, traditional agent-based monitoring or zabbix_sender from individual VMs can sometimes be less efficient or desirable than cloud-native solutions:

  • Prometheus Exporters: For systems adopting Prometheus for metric collection, dedicated “exporters” expose metrics in Prometheus format. Zabbix can then collect these metrics using its HTTP agent capabilities or through a custom script that converts Prometheus exposition format to zabbix_sender input. This approach, while requiring an extra step for Zabbix, aligns with a microservices monitoring paradigm.
  • Cloud Monitoring Services (e.g., AWS CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, Google Cloud Monitoring): These services offer native integration with cloud resources and often include SDKs for custom metric publishing. If your primary infrastructure is in a specific cloud, leveraging its native monitoring capabilities might be simpler for certain metrics. You could then bridge these cloud metrics into Zabbix using Zabbix’s API or custom scripts to centralize your observability, but this requires significant integration effort.
  • OpenTelemetry: A rapidly growing open-source project focused on providing a unified set of APIs, SDKs, and tools for instrumenting, generating, and collecting telemetry data (metrics, logs, and traces). As OpenTelemetry gains traction, applications could be instrumented once, and the data could be sent to various backends, including Zabbix (via a collector with a Zabbix exporter). This represents a future-proof approach for application-level monitoring.

When to Consider Alternatives:

  • High-Volume, High-Frequency Data: For extremely high-volume, high-frequency custom metrics, a dedicated time-series database like InfluxDB paired with Grafana might offer better ingestion performance and visualization capabilities, though it introduces another component to manage.
  • Cloud-Exclusive Environments: If your infrastructure is almost entirely cloud-native and you are already heavily invested in a specific cloud provider’s monitoring ecosystem, consolidating certain metrics within that ecosystem might be more cost-effective and easier to manage initially, before considering cross-platform integration into Zabbix.
  • Complex Application Tracing: For deep application performance monitoring and distributed tracing, specialized APM tools often provide more granular insights than what can be easily pushed via zabbix_sender.

Despite these trends, zabbix_sender maintains its significant value as a straightforward, reliable, and universally adaptable tool for pushing specific, custom data into Zabbix. It remains a crucial component for filling monitoring gaps where standard agents or modern cloud-native approaches might be overkill or technically challenging to implement for a particular data point. Its simplicity and effectiveness ensure its continued relevance in the Zabbix ecosystem for years to come, especially for quick integrations and niche monitoring requirements.

FAQ

What is Zabbix Sender?

Zabbix sender is a command-line utility used to send custom performance data or availability information to a Zabbix server or proxy. It’s designed for pushing data, primarily to Zabbix trapper items.

Why would I use Zabbix Sender instead of a Zabbix Agent?

You’d use zabbix_sender for event-driven metrics, data from custom scripts that run periodically or sporadically, or when a full Zabbix Agent installation isn’t feasible or desired on a system. It’s perfect for pushing specific data points when they become available, rather than waiting for the agent to poll.

How do I install Zabbix Sender on Ubuntu?

To install Zabbix sender on Ubuntu, you typically add the official Zabbix repository using wget and dpkg, then update your package lists with sudo apt update, and finally install with sudo apt install zabbix-sender.

How do I install Zabbix Sender on Debian?

The process for Debian is very similar to Ubuntu: download the Zabbix release package for Debian, install it with sudo dpkg -i, run sudo apt update, and then sudo apt install zabbix-sender.

How do I install Zabbix Sender on CentOS 7?

For CentOS 7, you add the Zabbix RPM repository using sudo rpm -Uvh, clean your yum cache with sudo yum clean all, and then install using sudo yum install zabbix-sender.

How do I install Zabbix Sender on CentOS 8/9, Rocky Linux, or AlmaLinux?

On newer RHEL-based systems, you add the Zabbix RPM repository using sudo rpm -Uvh, clean your dnf cache with sudo dnf clean all, and then install using sudo dnf install zabbix-sender.

How do I install Zabbix Sender on Windows?

For Windows, you download the Zabbix Agent package from the official Zabbix website, extract the zabbix_sender.exe file from the bin subdirectory, and copy it to a convenient location (e.g., C:\Program Files\Zabbix Agent\). Optionally, add this path to your system’s PATH environment variable for easier execution.

What is a Zabbix Trapper item?

A Zabbix Trapper item is a type of item configured in the Zabbix frontend that passively waits for data to be sent to it by zabbix_sender. It’s the counterpart to zabbix_sender in the Zabbix server.

How do I configure a Zabbix Trapper item in the Zabbix frontend?

Go to Configuration -> Hosts, select your host, click on “Items,” then “Create item.” Set the “Type” to “Zabbix trapper” and ensure the “Key” matches the key you’ll use with zabbix_sender.

Can Zabbix Sender send data to a Zabbix Proxy?

Yes, zabbix_sender can send data to either a Zabbix server or a Zabbix proxy. You just specify the IP address or hostname of the proxy with the -z option.

What port does Zabbix Sender use?

By default, zabbix_sender communicates with the Zabbix server or proxy on port 10051. You can specify a different port using the -p option if your Zabbix server/proxy is configured differently.

How do I send a single value using Zabbix Sender?

You use the command format: zabbix_sender -z <server_ip> -p <port> -s "HostName" -k "item.key" -o "value".

How do I send multiple values in a batch using Zabbix Sender?

You can create an input file (e.g., data.txt) with each line formatted as "<host>" "<key>" "<value>", and then use zabbix_sender -z <server_ip> -p <port> -i data.txt to send them efficiently.

What does “ZBX_TCP_READ_ERROR: [Closed by remote host]” mean?

This error often means the Zabbix server or proxy closed the connection because the host name or item key provided by zabbix_sender does not exactly match what’s configured in the Zabbix frontend (case-sensitive mismatch), or the item type is not “Zabbix trapper”.

What does “Connection refused” mean when using Zabbix Sender?

“Connection refused” typically indicates a network issue, such as a firewall blocking port 10051 (or your custom port) on the client or server side, or the Zabbix server/proxy process responsible for trapper items is not running or listening on the expected port.

Is Zabbix Sender data encrypted?

No, by default, zabbix_sender does not encrypt the data it sends. The data is sent in plain text over the network. If encryption is required, you would need to implement an external secure tunnel like a VPN or SSH tunnel.

Can I run Zabbix Sender from a cron job?

Yes, zabbix_sender is frequently used in cron jobs or scheduled tasks to automate sending periodic custom metrics from scripts. Ensure you use absolute paths for the zabbix_sender executable within your cron script.

How do I check the version of Zabbix Sender?

You can check the installed version of zabbix_sender by running zabbix_sender --version in your terminal or command prompt.

What is zabbix_sender --json used for?

The --json option (available in Zabbix Sender 6.0 and newer) allows you to pass multiple data points in a JSON array format, typically by piping JSON directly to zabbix_sender‘s standard input (-i -). This is an alternative to the plain text file format for batch sending.

How can I monitor if my zabbix_sender scripts are failing?

You can:

  1. Check the exit code of the zabbix_sender command in your script and log failures.
  2. Configure “No data” triggers on your Zabbix Trapper items to alert you if expected data isn’t received within a certain timeframe.
  3. Monitor Zabbix server logs for rejected items if zabbix_sender is successfully connecting but the data is being dropped.

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