---
title: "Portal Overview"
slug: "portal-overview"
description: "Explore the Kentik portal's features, including Network Explorer, settings, and modules for efficient network management and monitoring."
status: "update"
updated: 2026-10-26T22:17:18Z
published: 2026-10-26T22:17:18Z
canonical: "kb.kentik.com/portal-overview"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.kentik.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Portal Overview

This article provides a basic introduction to the Kentik portal.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/082e25b5-afce-42d4-8f47-70bd3f1d02b7/Images/Documentation/portal-overview-main(1).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T23%3A46%3A57Z&se=2026-11-01T00%3A46%3A57Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=y5dSBJJJ%2Fxt%2BVFeRh%2BpEtPFYrUyB%2BlRK1HncMJqTpIY%3D)

*The default Kentik portal landing page is configurable to Network Explorer or other modules.*

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** For browser support and log in procedures for the portal, see [**Kentik Portal**](/v1/docs/kentik-portal).

## Portal Sections

The Kentik portal consists of features designed to help you efficiently access information for specific networking use cases. In the [**Portal Main Menu**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-main-menu), the most commonly used are featured at the top of the left column: [**Alerting**](/v1/docs/alerting)**,** [**AI Advisor**](/v1/docs/ai-advisor)**,** [**Kentik Map**](/v1/docs/kentik-map)**,** [**Library**](/v1/docs/library)**,** [**My Kentik Portal**](/v1/docs/my-kentik-portal), and [**Observation Deck**](/v1/docs/observation-deck). Access to certain modules is dependent on your [**access level**](/v1/docs/users#user-level) or [**RBAC permissions**](/v1/docs/kentik-rbac#about-kentik-rbac).

The remaining modules are categorized into the following main sections:

| Portal Section | Included Modules | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Settings** | [**Main Settings**](/v1/docs/main-settings) | Administrative controls to tailor your Kentik setup for you and your organization. |
| **Core** | [**Network Explorer**](/v1/docs/network-explorer)**,** [**Data Explorer**](/v1/docs/data-explorer)**,** [**Capacity Planning**](/v1/docs/capacity-planning)**,** [**Insights**](/v1/docs/insights)**,** [**Raw Flow Explorer**](/v1/docs/raw-flow-explorer) | Provides a comprehensive view of your day-to-day network operations. |
| **Synthetics** | [**Synthetics Dashboard**](/v1/docs/synthetics-dashboard#synthetics-dashboard-ui)**,** [**Tests**](/v1/docs/tests-page)**,** [**Agents**](/v1/docs/agents-page)**,** [**BGP Route Viewer**](/v1/docs/bgp-route-viewer)**,** [**State of the Internet**](/v1/docs/state-of-the-internet) | Continuously monitor network performance, enabling proactive testing with public and private agents. |
| **Network Monitoring System** | [**NMS Dashboard**](/v1/docs/nms-dashboard)**,** [**Metrics Explorer**](/v1/docs/metrics-explorer)**,** [**Query Assistant**](/v1/docs/query-assistant)**,** [**Devices**](/v1/docs/nms-devices)**,** [**Interfaces**](/v1/docs/nms-interfaces) | Provides a base layer of visibility by discovering and monitoring network infrastructure. |
| **Edge** | [**Traffic Engineering**](/v1/docs/traffic-engineering)**,** [**Connectivity Costs**](/v1/docs/connectivity-costs)**,** [**Traffic Costs**](/v1/docs/traffic-costs)**,** [**Discover Peers**](/v1/docs/discover-peers) | Enables Ops/Engineering teams to understand network utilization and manage costs related to external traffic. |
| **Protect** | [**DDos Defense**](/v1/docs/ddos-defense)**,** [**Mitigations**](/v1/docs/mitigations)**,** [**Botnet & Threat Analysis**](/v1/docs/botnet-threat-analysis)**,** [**RPKI Analysis**](/v1/docs/rpki-analysis) | Defends your network by detecting anomalies and providing response mechanisms against DDoS and other threats. |
| **Service Provider** | [**CDN Analytics**](/v1/docs/cdn-analytics)**,** [**OTT Service Tracking**](/v1/docs/ott-service-tracking)**,** [**Kentik Market Intelligence**](/v1/docs/kentik-market-intelligence) | Helps you understand service provider requirements and track performance for customers and subscribers. |
| **Cloud** | [**Kentik Cloud**](/v1/docs/kentik-cloud)**,** [**Kentik Kube**](/v1/docs/kentik-kube)**,** [**Cloud Traffic Overviews**](/v1/docs/cloud-traffic-overviews), [**Performance Monitor**](/v1/docs/cloud-performance-monitor)**,** [**Cloud Pathfinder**](/v1/docs/cloud-pathfinder) | Manages public and hybrid Cloud Networking by evaluating performance and minimizing costs. |

> [!NOTE]
> **Notes**:
> 
> - Additional modules not grouped in the main menu sections are covered in [**Portal Main Menu**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-main-menu).
> - The [**DDoS Defense**](/v1/docs/ddos-defense) and [**Mitigations**](/v1/docs/mitigation-overview) modules work with [**Alerting**](/v1/docs/alerting).
> - If you aren’t seeing Kentik Kube, it may not be enabled for your account. Please contact your [**Kentik Account Team**](/v1/docs/licenses#account-team).

## Portal Page Structure

The basic structure of portal pages is covered in this section.

### Portal Page Layout

The portal layout’s main elements are similar across most pages:

- **Navbar**: The primary horizontal navigation bar at the top of the screen. It includes links to global portal functions, such as search, notifications, and user settings (see [**Portal Navbar**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-navbar)).
- **Subnav**: The secondary horizontal bar located immediately below the navbar. Its layout and available controls dynamically update based on the specific module or page you are viewing (see [**Portal Subnav**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-subnav)).

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/082e25b5-afce-42d4-8f47-70bd3f1d02b7/Images/Documentation/main-sub-navs(3).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T23%3A46%3A57Z&se=2026-11-01T00%3A46%3A57Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=y5dSBJJJ%2Fxt%2BVFeRh%2BpEtPFYrUyB%2BlRK1HncMJqTpIY%3D)

*The Kentik portal’s main navbar with Network Explorer’s subnav shown directly beneath.*
- **Main menu**: The navigation overlay accessed via the hamburger menu icon on the left side of the navbar. It provides categorized access to all portal modules, workflows, and frequently used pages (see [**Portal Main Menu**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-main-menu)).
- **Main content**: The central workspace of the screen. This area houses your data visualizations, tables, query controls, and sidebars, which vary depending on your active workflow.

### Portal Navbar

The portal's main navbar is located at the top of the screen and includes the following options from left to right:

- **Menu** (hamburger icon): Opens the main menu, allowing navigation to portal modules and workflows (see [**Portal Main Menu**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-main-menu)).
- **Kentik logo**: Links to your designated landing page (see [**User-Specific Defaults**](/v1/docs/user-profile#userspecific-defaults)).
- **Search**: Opens the global **Search** modal to find portal text, favorites, and recently viewed pages (see [**Portal Search**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-search)).
- **Ask**: Opens [**AI Advisor**](/v1/docs/ai-advisor) in overlay mode.![Discovery process complete, showing one device found in the interface notification.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/082e25b5-afce-42d4-8f47-70bd3f1d02b7/Images/Documentation/PO-portal-navbar-discovery.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T23%3A46%3A57Z&se=2026-11-01T00%3A46%3A57Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=y5dSBJJJ%2Fxt%2BVFeRh%2BpEtPFYrUyB%2BlRK1HncMJqTpIY%3D)
- **Device Discovery**: Opens the [**Device Discovery**](/v1/docs/nms-setup#manage-nms-discoveries) page. Icon includes a badge for the number of devices discovered. Hover to get a summary popup.
- **Product Updates** (megaphone icon): Opens a popup containing the latest portal and Kentik product changes (see [**Product Updates**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#product-updates)).
- **Help and Support** (question mark icon): Opens the **Help and Support** popup to search the Knowledge Base or submit a ticket (see [**Portal Help and Support**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-help-and-support)).
- **Organization settings** (building icon): Drops down a menu of organization-wide settings (see [**Organization Settings**](/v1/docs/org-user-overview#organization-settings)).
- **User settings** (user icon): Drops down a menu of user-specific settings, including theme preferences and the option to log out (see [**User Menu**](/v1/docs/org-user-overview#user-menu)).

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** In addition to the **Organization Settings** and **User** menus, various administrative settings can be accessed via the central [**Main Settings**](/v1/docs/main-settings) page.

#### Product Updates

Accessed via the megaphone icon in the navbar, this popup keeps you informed about recent Kentik features and improvements:

- **Product updates:** Click the external link icon to launch the [**Kentik Product Updates**](https://new.kentik.com/) page in a new tab.
- **Close**: Click **X** to close the popup.
- **Subscribe:** Click to open another popup allowing you to select to receive product updates via email, Slack, or RSS.
- **Search:** Use the search field to find specific product updates.
- **Article list:** Displays cards for recent updates. Click anywhere on a card to open the full release note in a new tab.
- **Feedback:** Use the emoticons (happy, neutral, sad) or enter text at the bottom of any article card to submit quick feedback to the Product team.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note**: Click on any element except the feedback controls to open the full article in a new tab.

### Portal Subnav

The subnav is the secondary horizontal strip located directly below the navbar. Its contents adapt to the specific page you are viewing. It typically includes:

- **Breadcrumbs**: Indicates your current location within the portal and provides links to navigate up to a higher level.
- **Page-specific buttons**: Contextual controls for the active module, such as refreshing data, sharing content, creating a dashboard panel, or adjusting query parameters.

> [!NOTE]
> **Notes:**
> 
> - Breadcrumbs and page-specific buttons may not be available on some pages.
> - Several module landing pages, such as [**Observation Deck**](/v1/docs/observation-deck) and [**Alerting**](/v1/docs/alerting), do not feature a subnav.

### Portal Main Menu

The portal’s main menu is accessed via the hamburger menu icon at the far left of the navbar. It acts as your primary navigation hub and includes the following areas:

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/082e25b5-afce-42d4-8f47-70bd3f1d02b7/Images/Documentation/main-menu.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T23%3A46%3A57Z&se=2026-11-01T00%3A46%3A57Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=y5dSBJJJ%2Fxt%2BVFeRh%2BpEtPFYrUyB%2BlRK1HncMJqTpIY%3D)

*The Kentik portal main menu in its default state.*

- **Featured** (top left): Quick links to commonly used workflows, including [**Alerting**](/v1/docs/alerting)**,** [**AI Advisor**](https://kb.kentik.com/docs/ai-advisor)**,** [**Kentik Map**](/v1/docs/kentik-map)**,** [**Library**](/v1/docs/library)**,** [**My Kentik Portal**](/v1/docs/my-kentik-portal), and [**Observation Deck**](/v1/docs/observation-deck).![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/082e25b5-afce-42d4-8f47-70bd3f1d02b7/Images/Documentation/image(42).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T23%3A46%3A57Z&se=2026-11-01T00%3A46%3A57Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=y5dSBJJJ%2Fxt%2BVFeRh%2BpEtPFYrUyB%2BlRK1HncMJqTpIY%3D)
- **Top Talkers**: Hover over to display a contextual submenu over the center column of the menu. Click a link to open [**Network Explorer**](/v1/docs/network-explorer) .
- **Settings**: Hover over to display a contextual submenu over the center column of the menu. Click to open any of the displayed [**Settings**](/v1/docs/main-settings) pages.
- **Infoblox Portal** (only available for customers of both Kentik and Infoblox): Click to navigate to the Infoblox portal in the same tab.
- **Portal sections** (center columns): Categorized links to all available portal modules (e.g., Core, Network Monitoring System, Service Provider). See [**Portal Sections**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-sections) for a complete breakdown of these modules.
- **Discover** (right column): Helpful internal and external resources, including the Knowledge Base, [**Product Blog**](https://www.kentik.com/blog/category/product/), [**Integrations**](/v1/docs/integrations), a Demo Environment, and the API Tester.
- **Setup Tasks** (bottom right): If your setup isn’t yet complete, this area contains information about the progress of your tasks and helpful links to finish any remaining tasks.
- **Recently Viewed** (bottom right): A quick-access history of your most recently visited portal pages, if applicable.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** The portal sections list is covered by a contextual submenu when you hover over **Top Talkers** or **Settings**.

## Portal Search

The portal’s global search functionality allows you to instantly find network entities, dashboards, and settings. You can also navigate directly to specific portal screens or features. The portal search modal is accessible from the **Search** field in the main navbar or via [**keyboard shortcuts**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#search-keyboard-shortcuts).

![Search results for devices with navigation and saved filters displayed on the interface.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/082e25b5-afce-42d4-8f47-70bd3f1d02b7/Images/Documentation/PO-portal-search-results.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T23%3A46%3A57Z&se=2026-11-01T00%3A46%3A57Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=y5dSBJJJ%2Fxt%2BVFeRh%2BpEtPFYrUyB%2BlRK1HncMJqTpIY%3D)

*The Search Results tab*

#### AI-powered Navigation Search

The global portal search integrates with Kentik’s AI infrastructure to provide intelligent, natural language navigation. Even if you don’t remember the exact name of a workflow or module, you can search using conversational phrases. For example, entering “track IP transit notices” locates the **Discover Peers** feature. Search automatically identifies the relevant portal screen, lists it under the **Navigation** section of your results, and provides a direct link to its primary Knowledge Base (KB) article.

The search interface implements the following features:

- **Ask AI Advisor**: Converts your active search string into an interactive AI Advisor prompt. Clicking this option at the top of the search results launches the **AI Advisor** chat overlay with the query pre-filled with your search string.
- **Natural Language Navigation**: Employs prompt-based navigation logic. For example, entering "Interface Classification" displays all matching or related portal and KB entries. You can also input complex questions such as *"Where can I track my transit costs?"* to surface relevant features like Connectivity Costs.

> [!NOTE]
> **Notes**:
> 
> - Search results respect your Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) permissions and will not return screens or features you do not have access to.
> - The AI-powered natural language matching is active only if AI is enabled for your organization; however, standard dictionary-based navigation and object search remain active regardless.
> - The search is incremental, so you don’t need to press return after entering the term.

#### Portal Search UI

The portal search UI popup is organized into the following key components:

- **Search bar**: Extending across the top of the modal, the search bar includes:
  - **Text input field**: Area for entering search terms or natural language queries.
  - **Clear Search button** **(esc)**: Clears entered text while keeping the modal open.
  - **Help button (?)**: Displays keyboard shortcuts.
- **Tabs and shortcut indicators**: Contains the main [**portal search tabs**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-search-tabs) (**Favorites**, **Recents**, and **Search Results**) along with on-screen [**keyboard shortcut prompts**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#search-keyboard-shortcuts)**.**
- **Ask AI Advisor banner**: Located at the top of the search results area. Clicking this banner converts your active search string into a prompt and opens the [**AI advisor chat overlay**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#aipowered-navigation-search) pre-filled with your query.
- **Main results display area**: Displays matching entries arranged by category. Categories include **ASNs**, **CDNs**, **Cost Snapshots**, **Dashboards**, **Devices**, **Navigation**, **OTT Services**, and **Synthetic Tests**.

> [!NOTE]
> **Notes:**
> 
> - A maximum of five search results appear under each category. Click **+[number] more** to display the remaining entries.
> - Hover over a search result and click the return key to be directed to that search result in the portal. In the **Navigation** category only, you can also click on the KB icon to launch its corresponding KB entry in a new tab.
- **Category Filter sidebar:** Positioned on the right side of the modal. Displays the counts for matching objects and allows you to filter visible results by individual categories, all, or none.

#### Portal Search Tabs

The top of the **Search** modal features three lozenge-style tabs to help you navigate your data.

| Tab | Description |
| --- | --- |
| **Favorites** | Bookmarked portal views, dashboards, and saved views. To manage your favorites, click any star icon located to the left of page titles, the **Library** list, or the **Recents** tab to enable or disable the page in your list. Views marked as favorite display a solid icon; views not marked as favorite display an outlined icon. |
| **Recents** | A reverse-chronological list of your recently-visited dashboards and saved views. Each row displays the view name, an optional description, and when it was last accessed. |
| **Search Results** | Displays automatically as you begin typing in the **Search** field. Results are grouped by category (e.g., Interfaces, Views, Dashboards). Clicking on a result navigates you to that result (e.g., page, dashboard, saved view, or device) in the same tab. Filter visible categories using the sidebar on the right. |

> [!NOTE]
> **Notes:**
> 
> - When you open the **Search** modal without any text entered, it will default to your **Favorites**. If you have no favorites, it defaults to **Recents**, and if you have no recent history, it defaults to the empty **Search Results** tab.
> - Changes to your **Favorites** list are reflected the next time you open the popup.

## Portal Help and Support![Support request form with fields for summary, type, and additional details.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/082e25b5-afce-42d4-8f47-70bd3f1d02b7/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-07-27 at 10.02.11 AM.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T23%3A46%3A57Z&se=2026-11-01T00%3A46%3A57Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=y5dSBJJJ%2Fxt%2BVFeRh%2BpEtPFYrUyB%2BlRK1HncMJqTpIY%3D)

The **Help and Support** popup opens from the question mark icon in the [**Portal Navbar**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#portal-navbar). In this popup you can do the following:

- **Knowledge Base**: A button that opens the Kentik KB (in a new tab) and shows a list of articles that may be useful for using or understanding your current portal location (URL).
- **Submit a Support Request**: Fill out this form to report bugs, request help, or submit observations (see [**How to Submit a Support Request**](https://kb.kentik.com/docs/how-to-submit-a-support-request)).

## Portal Keyboard Shortcuts

Listed below are the global Kentik portal shortcuts, which can be used anywhere **except** within the **Search** modal. For search-specific hotkeys, see [**Search Keyboard Shortcuts**](/v1/docs/portal-overview#search-keyboard-shortcuts) below.

| Command | Keys | Action Taken |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Close Drawer** | `esc` | Closes any active side drawer, flyout menu, or open modal. |
| **Open Search** | `cmd` + `/` (MacOS) , `ctrl` + `/` (Windows), OR `shift` + `S`` `(all platforms) | Opens the global **Search** modal from anywhere in the portal. |
| **Data Explorer** | `shift` + `E` | Navigates directly to the Data Explorer module. |
| **Library** | `shift` + `L` | Navigates directly to the Library module. |
| **Observation Deck** | `shift` + `O` | Navigates directly to the Observation Deck module. |
| **Select Tab** | `Enter` | Activates the currently highlighted tab, option, or search result. |
| **Shortcut Legend** | `shift` + `?` | Opens an on-screen overlay displaying all global keyboard shortcuts. |

### Search Keyboard Shortcuts

The **Search** modal includes several dedicated keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate your results quickly.

| Command | Keys | Action Taken |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Open Search** | `cmd` + `/` (MacOS) , `ctrl` + `/` (Windows), OR `shift` +`S` (all platforms) | Launches **Search** from any page in the portal. |
| **Clear Search** | `esc` | When pressed once, clears any text in the **Search** field, keeping the Search modal open. |
| **Close Search** | `esc` | Exits the **Search** modal if the **Search** field is blank. |
| **Switch Tabs** | `Left/Right arrows` | Toggles between **Favorites**, **Recents**, and **Results** tabs. |
| **Navigate Lists** | `Up/Down arrows` | Moves your selection up or down within the active tab’s list. |
| **Go to Page** | `Enter` | Navigates to the page for the selected item. |

> [!WARNING]
> **Legacy Portal**: As of **March 31, 2025**, Kentik’s v3 portal is fully retired and is no longer accessible. For help transitioning to our current portal, see [**Customer Care**](/v1/docs/customer-care).

An IT infrastructure where an organization's network and resources are hosted in a public or private cloud platform and are available on demand using only an internet connection.