FAQs on Docker application and Docker agent

FAQs related to Docker application and Docker agent

  1. What is the necessity to have an exclusive docker agent?
    When changing from monolithic application deployments to cloud native microservices using AWS ECS, Kubernetes etc., an exclusive monitoring agent would prove to be more secure and flexible to keep track of your docker containers and hosts. Also, the agent follows the "container philosophy" i.e., any single active process is wrapped inside a container, thus making cluster management more easy.
  2. How does installation process vary between the docker agent and the Linux server moniotoring agent?
    The docker agent, when executed, will create a container with the agent, that will monitor the underlying host. On the other hand, the docker application will be auto-discovered once the Linux server moniotoring agent is installed. 
  3. Are the docker agent and server monitoring agent different?
    No, the method of installing the agent varies. It's the same agent installed either as the Linux agent or from the docker store as the docker agent.
  4. When installed as an agent, will the server also be monitored?
    Yes, once the docker agent is installed, a monitor will be created for the server and another monitor would be created for the docker.
  5. Can the docker agent be installed in a machine, where there is already a Linux agent?
    No, either the Linux or the Docker agent can run in a machine.
  6. Will there be high memory and CPU usage because of the docker agent?
    The docker agent needs a minimum of 256 Mi of CPU and 200 MB of memory. The user can also set limits as to how much memory and CPU should be consumed by the agent. 
  7. Will there be a change in the performance metrics while using the docker application and the docker agent?
    No, the performance metrics will remain the same, except for disk related metrics. To get disk related metrics for the docker agent, mount the volumes into the container and get them monitored. 
  8. Is there any licensing difference between the docker agent and the docker application?
    No, there is no licensing difference. Irrespective of whether an application or agent, docker is a basic monitor. 
  9. Any bulk installation techniques for the docker agent?
    Yes, we support AWS ECS and Kubernetes to bulk install the docker agent in your machines.
    Note: You can also find the Docker agent in GitHub and Docker Hub
  10. Are plugins and resource checks supported with the docker agent?
    Yes, we support 50+ plugin integrations and resource checks with the docker agent.
    Note: For plugins, go to the respective container by using the following command:
    docker exec -it site24x7-agent /bin/bash
    Then, create a folder in /opt/site24x7/monagent/plugins/<foldername> and place your plugin script file in this folder.