What it does
Kentik Network Intelligence Platform is a hosted observability service for network and cloud operators. It brings device flow records, network-management signals, routing data, cloud telemetry, and synthetic performance tests into a queryable view. Flow records describe IP conversations, including endpoints, protocols, ports, and traffic counters, which helps teams examine network usage and traffic changes. Synthetic tests detect reachability or performance symptoms, while telemetry queries and dashboards help operators investigate the affected devices, paths, or services. Remediation remains the responsibility of the network team.
Start with a low-friction signal
A team can begin with Kentik Synthetics before it has connected router flow data. The setup guide describes entering a hostname or IP address, choosing Kentik global agents, and reviewing expected monthly credit use. This is a useful first check for an internet-facing service: it can reveal differences in reachability or performance from selected locations without first changing a router. A Kentik account and organization setup are required before onboarding.
Add traffic telemetry for deeper diagnosis
For traffic analysis, the setup becomes infrastructure work. Configure network devices to export flow records using a supported protocol such as NetFlow, IPFIX, or sFlow, or use a documented agent-based path where appropriate. Kentik can then query the records alongside device and routing telemetry. Entering the network's CIDR ranges, and optionally its ASNs, helps classify traffic direction. This makes it possible to move from an alert about an unexpected traffic shift to questions about which endpoints, interfaces, or paths changed.
Flow visibility depends on what the devices export and on the plan's licensed flow-per-second capacity. Kentik documents automatic downsampling when received flow exceeds that limit; heavy downsampling can remove detail needed to spot anomalies. The product detects and contextualizes operational changes, but it does not configure a router or resolve the underlying network fault for you. The pricing page lists a 30-day trial and paid editions on annual contracts; included flow capacity and synthetic credits vary by plan, so the relevant allowance should be confirmed before ingestion is sized.
Strengths
- Network traffic analytics can combine flow records with device, cloud, routing, and synthetic telemetry.
- A synthetic hostname or IP test can be configured from global agents before connecting router flow data.
- Flow protocols and sampling behavior are documented, including indicators when ingestion exceeds licensed capacity.
Watch out for
- Traffic analysis requires network devices or cloud sources to be configured to send the relevant telemetry.
- Exceeding the licensed flow-per-second limit triggers downsampling, which can reduce traffic detail and anomaly visibility.
Best for
- Network operations teams investigating traffic patterns across routers, cloud networks, and service paths
- Checking external service performance from selected geographic vantage points
Sources
- The Kentik Network Intelligence Platform | Kentik (Oct 25, 2026)
- Getting Started (Oct 25, 2026)
- Flow Overview (Oct 25, 2026)
- Plans and Pricing | Network Intelligence Solutions | Kentik (Oct 25, 2026)