What should I use to ping multiple IPs and get notified of time outs?

Question

I've been using MultiPing to ping hundreds of IPs (from access points and such) and check their performance (packet loss, latency) and uptime. The program is very easy to use, but I was wondering if someone could recommend me something that would work better and that would also work in Linux. The features I'm looking for are:

• Notification Types: At least desktop notifications and SMS, but it would be great if it also had e-mail, IM, or other types of notifications. (MultiPing has some of these, but they don't work too well.)
• Being notified about the root problem only: Since some devices are dependent on others, I'd like to be notified only about the root problem. E.g. Let's say I have A[x.x.x.222]>B[x.x.x.33>C[x.x.x.44]>D[x.x.x.55], and B goes down, therefore C and D will also be down. Is it possible to get a notification only about B being down?
• Light on resources.
• Ideally multiplatform or at least available for both Linux and Windows.

I've heard about Nagios and Shinken being used for monitoring. Would you recommend that I use something of the sort or would that be too much for my needs? If using Nagios, Shinken, or similar software is recommended, can anyone tell me what sites I should go to or what books I should get that would be good for someone who is totally new at this?

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Answer 1

I would personally use Nagois. There are several resources you can use:

1. The nagois website itself. It has a nice Documentation section, which will help you with setup and should be able to help you with administration as well

2. The Nagois Book. It's a bit outdated, but should still hold true.

Hope this helps!