This article applies to PRTG Network Monitor 12 or later, as well as to previous (deprecated) versions

Using PageGate to relay notifications with PRTG Network Monitor

One software we have been recommending a while is PageGate from NotePage.

The following article provides a quick and easy overview of how to define and configure a PageGate notification under PRTG Network Monitor.

• Install PageGate.
• Create a carrier (e.g. PRTGCARRIER). Specify the protocol settings according to your needs.
• Add a recipient: In the example below we used a SMTP recipient for simplicity's sake.
• Make sure the PageGate service is running.

Screenshot of PageGate

• Create a .BAT batch file (e.g. PageGate.bat) within the \Notifications\EXE subfolder of your PRTG installation directory.
• Input the following text (please ensure the path definition matches the directory used):

C:\PageGate\sendpage32.exe prtg_admin %1 %2

Note: The path must match the path specified in Interfaces | GetAscii | Settings in the PageGate Admin tool.

(In this example, prtg_admin is the specified recipient. %1,%2 will be replaced with the notification.)

Screenshot of PageGate

• Define a new notification within PRTG: Choose Setup | Account Settings | Notifications from the main menu bar and click on Add new notification.
• Select Execute Program from the notification options by marking the according checkbox.
• Add the necessary parameters (ensure that the parameters are encapsulated with quotation marks " " because otherwise the individual parameter chains might contain empty spaces).
  Example: "[%sitename]" "%device %name %status %down (%message)"

• Save and test.

This method is particularly useful if you wish to ensure the possibility of relaying crucial SMS messages even at times that the main leased line is down and, as such, PRTG Network Monitor is unable to access normal messaging method, such as SMTP servers or SMS gateway.

Support for PageGate

For the specific steps on how to install PageGate, you'll want to have a look at either of these Video tutorials:

How to install PageGate on Windows XP, Server 2000, and Server 2003: http://www.notepage.net/videos/pagegate-xp-installation.htm

How to install PageGate on Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Server 2008: http://www.notepage.net/videos/pagegate-vista-installation.htm

Once you have PageGate installed, you'll need to configure carriers and recipients. A carrier is a messaging host such as Alltel, Nextel, Sprint, Verizon, etc. Recipients are individuals that receive messages on the carrier's device, such as a Sprint Cel phone or a USA Mobility pager.

Since the setup for the carriers and recipients can be a little complicated for first time users, feel free to email any questions you have to support at notepage dot com

After you have the carriers and recipients configured, you'll need to configure PageGate's GetAscii module as referenced in PRTG's configuration steps above. For a more detailed look at the PageGate side of those steps, please have a look at this video tutorial:

http://www.notepage.net/videos/pagegate-basic-ascii-setup.htm

After the GetAscii module has been configured, the final step is to switch PageGate's run style to a Windows Service. To do so, please have a look at this video tutorial:

http://www.notepage.net/videos/pagegate-run-styles.htm

Again, if you have any questions or run into any difficulties, please contact us at http://www.notepage.net or email us directly at support at notepage dot com

Using Mobile Master to Relay Notifications With PRTG

Some users reported they successfully use the software Mobile Master by vendor Jumping Bytes in combination with inexpensive GSM modems. Using the "Corporate Edition" of this product with the additional option "SMS Servant" you can send SMS messages on Windows command line, simply with SMS number message Using this functionality, they send SMS messages via PRTG's Execute Program notifications. You should be able to set up such a solution for 100 EUR incl. GSM modem.

Using MWconn Freeware Tool to Send SMS via GSM Modem with PRTG

Using the MWconn Freeware you can realize the transmission of IP-independent notifications from PRTG to your mobile phone both easy and cheap.

PRTG drops text files to a specific folder, and MWconn automatically collects them and sends the content to your mobile phone, using a GSM modem.

We successfully tested this with inexpensive hardware. For a very detailed example, including screenshots and a link to a list of supported hardware, please see the Paessler blog:

Blog: Sending Out PRTG SMS Notifications Using a GSM Modem and the MWconn Freeware Tool

Configure PRTG for Kentix AlarmManager-PRO

The Kentix AlarmManager-PRO has an embedded GSM modem which can send text messages via the mobile network. It is controlled by an HTTP interface. Using this device, SMS text message functionality via GSM can be integrated easily with PRTG.

The big advantage of this solution: You will not need to configure an executable notification, but the Kentix box will integrate directly with the existing HTTP SMS functionality of PRTG! Nevertheless, messages are sent natively (and reliably) via the GSM network (and not via an SMS provider on the internet).

For details, please see:

How can I send SMS text notifications using Kentix AlarmManager-PRO with PRTG?

Configure PRTG for Braintower SMS Gateway

With the Braintower SMS Gateway you can send notifications as SMS text messages from PRTG. For this, PRTG uses an HTTP API call to the gateway. You can set up this functionality in a quick and easy way.

You will not have to configure an executable notification, but the Braintower SMS Gateway will integrate directly with the existing HTTP SMS functionality of PRTG. So, even if the internet connection is interrupted, you will be able to receive notifications nevertheless.

For details and further instructions, please see this article:

How can I send SMS text notifications using Braintower SMS Gateway with PRTG?

I have found another way.

You can use a Mikrotik RB411U which has a built in Sim card slot. The Mikrotik itself can use netwatch to monitor your PRTG servers and if the server goes down, it will send an SMS.

PRTG can use Powershell and the SSH.NET library found here: http://www.powershelladmin.com/wiki/SSH_from_PowerShell_using_the_SSH.NET_library

The script will use SSH to communicate to the Mikrotik and forward variables generated in the notification section to the Mikrotik.

You can then create a central SMS gateway within your network that multiple PRTG servers can reach and in turn will alert you if connectivity to the PRTG server goes down.

Configure PRTG for SMSEagle SMS Gateway

To get notifications even if your internet connection fails, you can use the SMSEagle hardware SMS gateway as a perfect add-on for PRTG. Just set up SMSEagle in your network and provide the corresponding HTTP API call in the SMS notification delivery settings of PRTG. You can also integrate the SMSEagle hardware device into your monitoring to ensure your notification system works.

For details about SMSEagle and further instructions for using it with PRTG, please see this article:

How can I send SMS text notifications using SMSEagle SMS Gateway with PRTG?

I understand PageGate works, but has anyone used Notepager Pro? For $35. us it is MUCH cheaper than having to buy 5 licenses for PageGate @ $250.00 US.