Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Run Zabbix Agent 2 on the VPS, enable its built-in Docker plugin, link the official Linux template, and then choose passive or active checks according to your firewall and routing. Passive checks let the Zabbix server or proxy request data from the VPS; active checks let the VPS retrieve its configuration and send values outbound. After the first values appear in Monitoring → Hosts → Latest data, add triggers and notification actions for stopped containers, an unavailable Docker daemon, resource saturation, and filesystem pressure.

The procedure below assumes Zabbix 7.4 examples. Keep the agent compatible with the server; Zabbix recommends installing an agent of the same version as the server. The current Linux integration page states that the Linux by Zabbix agent template requires Zabbix agent 7.4 or newer.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the monitoring path looks like

Zabbix describes the agent as “the process responsible for gathering data.” On a Docker VPS, the path is:

  1. The Zabbix Agent 2 service runs on the Linux host.
  2. Its built-in Docker plugin connects to the Docker daemon through a Unix socket or a controlled daemon endpoint.
  3. Docker item keys collect daemon, container, image, statistics, and data-usage values.
  4. Template items and low-level discovery create the host and container monitoring objects in Zabbix.
  5. Triggers evaluate those values and actions deliver alerts through the media configured for the responsible users.

Linking a Linux operating-system template alone does not guarantee container metrics. The Docker plugin must be able to query the daemon, and Docker items or discovery rules must be enabled and working.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Compressed Air Duster,130000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster,Rechargeable Brushless Blower,3 Gear Adjustable Blower with LED Light,Dust Remover for Computer/House/Outdoor/Car
  • Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
  • With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
  • Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
  • Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
  • Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.

Prerequisites and design decisions

  • A Zabbix server or proxy that can exchange agent traffic with the VPS.
  • Zabbix Agent 2 on the VPS, at a version compatible with the server. These examples use the 7.4 configuration model.
  • Docker running on the VPS and an agent process that can reach the Docker daemon.
  • A decision about passive or active checks before you create the host.
  • A controlled plan for Docker socket access. Access to the Docker socket is highly privileged and can effectively provide root-equivalent control of the host.
  • Media and action rules in Zabbix if alerts must reach people or an incident system.

Passive versus active checks on a VPS

Both modes collect the same kinds of Docker data, but they reverse who starts the connection. Choose the mode that matches your network path rather than treating one as universally better.

Consideration Passive checks Active checks
Connection direction The Zabbix server or proxy requests values from the agent. The agent retrieves its configuration and sends collected values to the server or proxy.
Firewall model Permit the server or proxy to reach the agent service on the VPS. Permit outbound connections from the VPS to the server or proxy; no inbound agent connection is needed.
Reachability Best when the monitoring side can route to the VPS directly. Best when outbound VPS connectivity is easier to secure, such as behind NAT or a restrictive inbound firewall.
Hostname requirement The host uses an agent interface address and port. The frontend Hostname must exactly match the agent’s Hostname setting.
Failure visibility An inbound path failure is visible when the server cannot poll the agent. An outbound outage can prevent fresh values from arriving; configure appropriate nodata or availability alerting.
Operational simplicity Simple in a flat, routable network, but requires an exposed inbound path. Often simpler for isolated VPS networks, but depends on correct active-check identity and outbound routing.

Use passive checks when the server can reach the VPS

Passive checks are a good fit when a private network, VPN, or proxy can reach the VPS reliably. Restrict the firewall rule to the monitoring server or proxy rather than opening the agent port to the public internet. If a proxy performs the polling, allow the proxy address and use the proxy in the host configuration.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use active checks when outbound access is easier

Active checks are useful for a VPS behind NAT or with no acceptable inbound route. The agent contacts the configured server or proxy, downloads the list of active items, and submits values. Set the exact same string in the frontend Hostname field and the agent’s Hostname parameter; a mismatch prevents the agent from receiving its active-check configuration.

Account for NAT and outages

Passive checks need a return route from the server or proxy to the VPS, so address translation and changing public addresses can complicate them. Active checks avoid that inbound dependency, but an outbound firewall failure, DNS failure, or route outage stops updates. Use an availability or nodata policy that distinguishes a monitoring-path outage from a single container problem.

Choose how to install Agent 2

Agent 2 can be installed from distribution packages, compiled from source, or run as a container. The right choice depends on how you manage upgrades and how much host integration you need.

Installation model Strengths Trade-offs to plan for
Distribution package Native service supervision, standard configuration paths, and package-manager upgrades. You must keep the Zabbix repository and package version aligned with the server and operating system.
Source compilation Control over the build and installation location. You own dependency management, service integration, upgrades, and rollback.
Agent 2 container Image-based deployment and a consistent runtime across hosts. The container still needs access to Docker’s daemon endpoint, persistent configuration, service supervision, and a deliberate upgrade and rollback process.

The documented container deployment path lists Docker 1.12 or later and Docker Compose 2.24.0 or later as prerequisites. Those requirements are version-sensitive, so verify the current guide before standardizing a deployment. Official Zabbix images cover agents, Agent 2, servers, proxies, web frontends, the Java gateway, web service, and SNMP traps.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
EVEO® Screen Cleaner Spray Kit (Streak-Free) TV Screen Cleaner for Smart TV, Lcd, LEd, Oled | Computer Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Microfiber Cloth - TV, Monitor, Laptop, iPad, Car - 6.7oz 1 Pack
  • Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
  • Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
  • Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
  • Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
  • Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth

Install and configure Agent 2 on the VPS

1. Record versions and the network path

Record the Zabbix server or proxy version, the VPS distribution, the Docker Engine version, and the route used for agent traffic. Use an Agent 2 release compatible with the server; matching the server version is the recommended starting point. Decide whether the server/proxy will initiate connections or the VPS will initiate them before editing the agent configuration.

For the examples in this guide, use Zabbix 7.4 packages and a host name such as vps-docker-01. Replace that example with a stable identity used only once in your Zabbix inventory.

2. Install the Agent 2 package

After adding the official Zabbix 7.4 repository for your Linux distribution, install the Agent 2 package with the distribution’s package manager. On Debian or Ubuntu the package command is:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install zabbix-agent2

On an RPM-based distribution, the equivalent package operation is:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
sudo dnf install zabbix-agent2

Package names and repository setup vary by distribution. Confirm that the installed binary is Agent 2 and that its service unit is present before proceeding. If you choose source compilation or a container instead, preserve the same identity, connectivity, Docker endpoint, and service-supervision decisions described below.

3. Set the agent identity and check mode

Edit the Agent 2 configuration, normally /etc/zabbix/zabbix_agent2.conf. Set only the parameters required by your selected mode.

Rank #3
Sale
BladeHawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad Extra Large Extended 31.5x12 Inch-Black | LED mouse pad with 14 lighting modes, covers keyboard & mouse, anti-slip rubber base, waterproof surface, USB powered
  • 【Large size】:Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
  • 【LED backlight mouse pad】:Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
  • 【Anti-slip rubber base】:Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
  • 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
  • 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Hostname=vps-docker-01
Server=monitoring.example.net
ServerActive=monitoring.example.net

For passive checks, Server identifies the permitted Zabbix server or proxy that may request data. Configure the VPS host in the frontend with an agent interface address reachable from that server or proxy.

For active checks, set ServerActive to the server or proxy endpoint that will provide the active-check configuration. The frontend Hostname must be exactly vps-docker-01. Active mode can be used without exposing an inbound agent interface, provided outbound routing and firewall rules permit the connection.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

4. Enable the Docker plugin

Agent 2 includes a built-in Docker plugin; Zabbix documentation labels it “Docker | Monitoring of Docker containers.” Configure the plugin to use the Docker daemon endpoint available on your host. For a standard local Unix socket, the setting is commonly represented as:

Plugins.Docker.Endpoint=unix:///var/run/docker.sock

Use the endpoint syntax supported by the Agent 2 version you installed. A remote or TLS-protected daemon endpoint can be used when your architecture requires it, but protect credentials and certificates and avoid exposing an unauthenticated Docker API.

5. Grant controlled daemon access

The Agent 2 service account must be able to query Docker. One common approach is adding the service account to the Docker group:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
sudo usermod -aG docker zabbix

Membership in the Docker group is powerful: a process that can control the Docker daemon may be able to start privileged containers, mount host filesystems, or otherwise take control of the host. Treat this as a security boundary, not as a harmless read-only permission. Prefer a controlled daemon endpoint, an appropriately restricted proxy, or another least-privilege design where your environment supports one. If you use a socket mount for a containerized Agent 2, apply the same risk assessment; putting the socket inside a container does not remove the daemon’s authority.

Rank #4
Sale
Vaydeer Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse, Computer Ergonomic Wrist Support Pad, Soft Memory Foam Arm Cushion for Desk, Palm Hand Office Laptop Typing
  • 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
  • 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
  • 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
  • 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
  • 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.

After changing group membership, restart the service or the host so the service process receives its new supplementary groups. Validate access as the account that actually runs Agent 2, not only as your administrative shell.

6. Start the service and validate locally

sudo systemctl enable --now zabbix-agent2
sudo systemctl status zabbix-agent2
sudo journalctl -u zabbix-agent2 --no-pager

Look for a running service and for Docker-plugin errors in the journal. Confirm that the Docker daemon itself responds from the VPS and that the endpoint in the Agent 2 configuration matches the endpoint you tested. If your installation provides the agent test mode, use it to query a Docker key such as docker.ping before enabling broad discovery.

Create the VPS host in Zabbix

  1. Open Data collection → Hosts and choose Create host.
  2. Enter the VPS host name exactly as it appears in the agent configuration. This exact match is mandatory for active checks.
  3. Assign the host to the appropriate host group.
  4. For passive monitoring, add an agent interface with the address and port reachable from the Zabbix server or proxy. Use the agent’s configured port rather than assuming a public address is safe.
  5. For active-only monitoring, follow the current frontend guidance for leaving the agent interface unset when the host uses active checks.
  6. Link Linux by Zabbix agent for passive checks or Linux by Zabbix agent active for active checks.
  7. Select the correct Zabbix proxy if the VPS is monitored through one, then save the host.

The Linux template supplies operating-system monitoring. Docker container inventory and statistics still depend on a functioning Docker plugin and the Docker items or discovery rules you enable.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Collect Docker data with item keys and discovery

Agent 2 exposes Docker-specific keys for targeted items and discovery. Select only the data needed to answer an operational question; collecting every possible statistic can create unnecessary load and a large item count.

Key What it is used for
docker.ping Checks whether the agent can reach the Docker daemon.
docker.info Collects Docker daemon information.
docker.containers Returns container information for inventory or summary monitoring.
docker.containers.discovery Discovers containers so item and trigger prototypes can be created per container.
docker.container_info Collects information about an individual container.
docker.container_stats Collects an individual container’s runtime statistics.
docker.images Collects Docker image information.
docker.images.discovery Discovers images for per-image monitoring.
docker.data_usage Collects Docker data-usage information.

Start with a small operational set

Begin with docker.ping, container discovery, container information, and container statistics. Add image discovery and data-usage monitoring when image growth, layer churn, or disk pressure is part of your operating model. Discovery should create items for stable identifiers and remove stale objects according to a retention policy that fits your environment.

Verify values in the frontend

Open Monitoring → Hosts → Latest data, select the VPS, and filter for Docker keys. Confirm that the daemon check has a current value, that discovered containers appear, and that statistics update at the expected interval. A host can show an available agent while Docker items remain unsupported; inspect the item error text and Agent 2 journal separately.

Best Value
Sale
Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, Metal Mesh Cable Management Under Desk with Clamp Mount, 2 Hole Cable Tray with Wire Management and Cord Organizer for Home Office Standing Desk
  • 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
  • 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
  • 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
  • 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
  • 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.

Build alerts that answer operational questions

When a container stops

Use container discovery and an item prototype that records each container’s state. Create a trigger prototype that fires when a monitored production container is no longer running. Exclude intentionally stopped, one-shot, or maintenance containers with discovery filters, tags, host groups, or a separate policy; otherwise routine jobs can generate false incidents.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

When Docker becomes unavailable

Alert on a failed docker.ping or equivalent unsupported Docker item. This catches a stopped daemon, a broken socket path, a permission change, or a TLS/endpoint error. Distinguish this condition from an individual container stop so responders know whether to inspect the daemon, the Agent 2 service, or the workload.

When CPU or memory usage spikes

Use docker.container_stats values and trigger prototypes for sustained rather than momentary saturation. Define the threshold and evaluation window according to the workload’s normal behavior. A short sampling interval with a sustained-duration condition is usually more actionable than alerting on one transient sample.

When filesystem pressure rises

Combine Docker data-usage values with the Linux filesystem metrics supplied by the operating-system template. Alert before the filesystem is full, because image layers, writable container layers, logs, and package caches can consume the remaining space quickly. Include the affected mount point and container or image identity in the event name where the item supports it.

Deliver notifications deliberately

Configure media for the responsible users, then create actions that route events by severity, host group, tags, or service ownership. Test a safe condition and confirm the event appears under Monitoring → Problems, that recovery closes the event, and that the intended notification is delivered. Do not rely on a trigger alone; an action and usable media are required for a human notification.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Validation and troubleshooting

Symptom Likely area Checks to perform
The host is unavailable in passive mode Routing or firewall Verify the server/proxy can reach the VPS agent address and port, confirm the interface address in the host, and inspect the Agent 2 service status.
Active checks show no data Identity or outbound path Compare the frontend Hostname with the agent’s Hostname character for character, verify ServerActive, and inspect the Agent 2 journal for connection or configuration errors.
Linux metrics work but Docker items are unsupported Plugin endpoint or permissions Check the Docker endpoint, test daemon access as the Agent 2 service account, confirm socket or TLS permissions, and review plugin errors in the journal.
Discovery returns no containers Discovery configuration Confirm docker.containers.discovery is enabled, the Docker daemon has containers to return, and filters are not excluding every result.
Some containers never alert Prototype or filtering policy Inspect the discovered item and trigger prototypes, verify the container is included by the discovery filter, and check that the trigger is not disabled or suppressed by maintenance.
Values stop during a network outage Selected check mode For passive checks, test the inbound route from the server/proxy. For active checks, test outbound DNS, routing, firewall rules, and the configured active endpoint; review the nodata policy.

Operate the setup safely over time

  • Keep Agent 2 aligned with the Zabbix server version and review compatibility before upgrading either side.
  • Use the narrowest Docker endpoint and network exposure possible. Never publish an unauthenticated Docker API to the internet.
  • Review Docker group membership and socket mounts during security audits; remove access when the monitoring design changes.
  • Control discovery scope so short-lived build containers and test workloads do not create permanent monitoring noise.
  • Set update intervals and retention to match the operational decision each metric supports.
  • Test both problem and recovery paths after template, plugin, firewall, or Docker upgrades.
  • Document whether the server or a proxy owns the connection and which firewall direction is expected; this prevents a later network change from silently disabling monitoring.

A practical rollout sequence

  1. Confirm the Zabbix server version, VPS distribution, Docker version, and preferred connection direction.
  2. Install the compatible Agent 2 package, source build, or container deployment.
  3. Configure the agent identity and Docker endpoint.
  4. Grant and validate controlled Docker access for the Agent 2 service account.
  5. Start Agent 2 and inspect its status and journal.
  6. Create the host, choose the matching Linux template, and configure the passive interface or active-only identity.
  7. Check Docker keys and discovery in Monitoring → Hosts → Latest data.
  8. Create stopped-container, Docker-daemon, resource, and filesystem conditions with appropriate filters.
  9. Exercise a safe test condition, verify the event in Monitoring → Problems, and confirm notification and recovery.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.