Agent -> Server Communication concepts, security

[MarkD]

Hi, I'm very new to Zabbix and trying to understand how communication works between server and agents.

I would like to monitor a remote Windows host. I know that I can do that by opening a port on the host that I want to monitor.

I would prefer not to open ports on the host and to open any ports only on the Zabbix Server. (I know that I can setup a VPN, but for purposes of my question lets assume that I don't.)

Is it possible to have the agent check things on the host - i.e. disk space, cpu usage, and then periodically initiate an outbound connection to the Zabbix Server? What concepts or features should I be reading to learn how to do this?

Thanks much!
Mark

[Atsushi]

You can use both passive and active monitoring methods with Zabbix.

Passive check using the Zabbix agent is a method of connecting to the Zabbix agent from the Zabbix server and collecting the value.
Active check is a method of connecting from a Zabbix agent to a Zabbix server and notifying the Zabbix server of the value.

These monitoring methods can be selected and used in combination according to network and security requirements.

However, log monitoring only supports active checking.

https://www.zabbix.com/documentation/3.0/manual/concepts/agent

https://www.zabbix.com/documentation/3.0/manual/appendix/items/activepassive#passive_checks

https://www.zabbix.com/documentation/3.0/manual/appendix/items/activepassive#active_checks

[MarkD]

Thanks very much, I'll read the links!