Node exporter textfile collector requires periodic metric write with tailscale metrics write
infoconfigurationUpdated Jan 28, 2026(via Exa)
Technologies:
How to detect:
When using Prometheus node exporter's textfile collector to export Tailscale metrics, the 'tailscale metrics write' command must be run periodically to update the metrics file, as the textfile collector does not pull metrics dynamically.
Recommended action:
Set up a cron job or systemd timer to run 'tailscale metrics write <path>' at regular intervals (e.g., every 60 seconds). Configure Prometheus node exporter with the textfile collector pointing to the directory containing the metrics file. Ensure the file path is writable by the user running the command.