Experience Signal Without the Noise

Netdata runs 18 independent unsupervised k-means models per metric, each trained on different 6-hour time windows staggered at 3-hour intervals. Anomalies are flagged only when ALL 18 models unanimously agree. This consensus approach achieves a theoretical false positive rate of 10^-36 (1% per model raised to the 18th power). Traditional single-algorithm approaches generate excessive noise because they lack this multi-model validation.

Netdata uses unsupervised k-means clustering that learns normal behavior patterns from minimal data. The 18 models analyze different time windows simultaneously, requiring only 15 minutes of data collection to begin detection. Full confidence is achieved within 48 hours as all models complete training. Competitors using supervised learning or complex neural networks require weeks of ‘perfect’ baseline data because their algorithms are more data-hungry and less adaptive.

Netdata detects point anomalies (unusual high/low values), contextual anomalies (pattern deviations), collective anomalies (multivariate issues), concept drifts (gradual baseline shifts), and change points (sudden state changes). The 18-model consensus approach catches both sudden spikes and gradual degradation patterns like slow memory leaks or capacity exhaustion that static thresholds miss entirely.

Yes. Unlike statistical methods that struggle with sparse data, Netdata’s k-means clustering adapts to actual data distribution regardless of volume. The 18 models learn what’s normal for YOUR specific traffic patterns—whether that’s 10 requests per second or 10,000. Low-traffic applications benefit from the same consensus-based accuracy as high-traffic systems.

Edge-based ML (Netdata) trains models locally where data is generated, providing sub-2-second detection latency, zero data egress charges, complete data sovereignty, and linear scalability. Cloud-based ML (traditional solutions) centralizes data for processing, adding 20-90 seconds of latency, incurring egress charges, creating compliance complexity, and introducing central bottlenecks. Edge ML wins on speed, cost, privacy, and scale.

Netdata’s philosophy is that 99% of tuning time is spent fighting false positives caused by single-algorithm decisions. The 18-model consensus eliminates that problem at the architecture level, so tuning is rarely needed. If you require specific business logic (e.g., expected maintenance windows), layer that on top using alert configuration. The ML models themselves are designed to work automatically without tuning.

During the first 15 minutes, Netdata collects data and begins training the 18 models. You still have full metric visibility, pre-configured static threshold alerts (400+ out-of-box), and all visualization capabilities. ML-based anomaly detection activates at 15 minutes with increasing confidence over the next 48 hours as all models complete training. There’s no ‘blind period’—you’re protected from installation.

When you select an anomalous time window on any chart, Anomaly Advisor analyzes all metrics across your infrastructure, comparing anomaly rates within the selected window to a baseline (4× window length). It ranks thousands of metrics by anomaly severity and correlation, surfacing the top 30-50 most relevant results. The root cause typically appears in these top results, along with the sequence of cascading failures. Learn more about Anomaly Advisor.

Yes. The 18 models train on different time windows (6-hour windows with 3-hour stagger), capturing daily, weekly, and other cyclical patterns automatically. Models retrain every 3 hours to adapt to changing patterns. This continuous adaptation handles seasonality, business cycles, and gradual infrastructure changes without manual intervention.

Netdata’s ML uses approximately 18KB RAM per metric for all 18 models combined, and 2-4% CPU for 10,000 metrics. ML runs as low-priority background tasks that automatically yield to data collection. The University of Amsterdam study confirmed Netdata as the most energy-efficient monitoring solution—even while running ML on every metric at per-second granularity.

Yes. Netdata integrates with existing observability stacks through 800+ integrations, including Prometheus, Grafana, OpenTelemetry, and major cloud platforms. You can use Netdata’s anomaly detection alongside your current tools, or gradually migrate as you see the benefits. Netdata’s edge architecture complements rather than replaces your existing investments.

Anomaly detection is included in Netdata’s flat per-node pricing with no additional charges. Business plan provides predictable per-node pricing (with volume discounts) and includes unlimited metrics, unlimited ML models, unlimited users, and all AI features. There are no per-metric charges, no data volume fees, no ML processing fees. Monitor 20,000 metrics per node with ML on all of them for the same price.

Netdata uses k-means clustering instead of neural networks for three key reasons: (1) Explainability—you can see and understand why anomalies are flagged, critical for compliance and debugging; (2) Resource efficiency—k-means requires far less CPU/RAM than neural networks; (3) Immediate effectiveness—k-means works with minimal training data, while neural networks need extensive datasets. The 18-model consensus provides accuracy comparable to neural networks without the black-box complexity.

Yes. Netdata’s edge-based ML trains completely locally without requiring internet connectivity or cloud services. All 18 models train on-premises where data is generated. For unified dashboards in air-gapped environments, Netdata Cloud On-Premises provides the control plane within your datacenter. Complete data sovereignty and compliance by design.

Anomaly detection and alerting are separate signals in Netdata. ML-based anomaly detection provides an additional layer of insight—visible as anomaly ribbons on every chart and powering the Anomaly Advisor for root cause analysis. Alerts are driven by Netdata’s 400+ pre-configured component-level health checks with intelligent thresholds. You can create alerts based on anomaly rates, but the 99% false positive reduction applies specifically to anomaly detection, not to the alerting system.

Organizations typically see immediate ROI through: (1) Accurate anomaly detection—engineers spend less time investigating noise; (2) Faster MTTR—80% reduction through automated root cause analysis; (3) Prevented outages—catching issues before they cascade; (4) Lower costs—90% reduction vs traditional solutions. Most customers report positive ROI within the first month of deployment.