HTTP Sensor

The HTTP protocol (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is most commonly used for the World Wide Web. Web browsers request webpages, graphics, etc. from webservers using this protocol. Parameters include:

·      URL—the URL address of the webpage to monitor (including the leading http://)

·      Mode—the HTTP request mode to use (GET, POST, HEAD)

·      POSTDATA—the data part when using the POST method

For simple web pages simply enter the URL (with http:// at the beginning) and keep the default mode selection of GET.

If you want to monitor a URL for a POST form you must select the POST method and enter the POSTDATA.

The HEAD method only requests the HTTP header from the server without the actual webpage. Although this saves bandwidth because less data is transferred it is not recommended because the measured request time is not the one experienced by your users and you might not be notified for slow results or timeouts.

Note: If your network requires a proxy to be used for HTTP requests or the URL requires authentication you must use the HTTP Advanced Sensor.

More:

Bandwidth Issues

Website Traffic/Logfile Analysis Issues

What it means when the HTTP sensor is up

What it means when the HTTP sensor is down