How does the Cacti system collect data and graphically display it?

The Cacti system is a PHP-based network graphing solution that allows users to collect, store, and display performance data for network devices.

The data collection process typically involves the following steps:

1. Set up SNMP agent: Enable SNMP agent on the device to be monitored, and configure the appropriate security parameters.
2. Create a data query: Set up a data query within the Cacti system, specifying the devices to monitor and the types of data to collect.
3. Create a data source: Set up a data source for each data query, specifying the parameters and frequency of the data query.
4. Create graphic templates: create a graphic template for each data source, specifying the style and display parameters of the graphics.
5. Regular data collection: The Cacti system regularly sends SNMP queries to devices through agents, collects performance data, and stores it in a database.

The process of visual representation typically involves the following steps:

1. Create a graph: In the Cacti system, make a new graph by selecting the appropriate data source and graph template.
2. Adjusting the graphical parameters to customize the time range, scale, and style of the graph to meet user needs.
3. Deploy graphics: Place the graphics onto the monitoring page of the Cacti system, allowing users to access and view them through the web interface.
4. Regularly update graphs: The Cacti system automatically retrieves the latest data from the database and updates the graphs to keep them current.

Users can easily collect performance data of devices and display it graphically through the above steps, assisting them in gaining a more intuitive understanding of the operating status and performance of network devices.