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What is network monitoring software?
There are two categories of network monitoring software: the first monitors network devices, and the second tracks traffic patterns. A typical network device monitor will use the Simple Network Monitoring Protocol, which you will see referred to as SNMP. This is a universal system well-known to all device providers. All network devices that you buy will already have an SNMP agent installed on them, including switches, routers, and hardware firewalls. You will also find SNMP in your computer’s operating system.
Your network monitoring provider will have built the system so that it acts as an SNMP Manager, it broadcasts a status report request. Every device agent hears that request and sends back a report. The network monitoring system collates the data from the collected reports and creates a display in the monitoring console. The SNMP agent in your hardware might not be activated, in which case, the discovery process won’t pick it up.
A network traffic monitor uses a different type of protocol. The network device producer includes a statistical compilation system on each device, commonly referred to as a “flow protocol.” Network monitors can access the information that the devices compile. This gives information on traffic throughput volumes and also the capacity of each device interface. With these metrics, the network traffic monitor can forecast when devices are approaching full capacity, which could cause packets to be dropped.
Why is network monitoring important?
Network monitoring has transformed the quality of service IT departments provide to their user communities. Before these tools existed, systems would slow down, and software would go wrong without anyone knowing why. Users would contact the Help Desk to tell them something had gone wrong, and then a panic would ensue to determine what went wrong.
Now that IT departments use network monitoring software, they can see when problems are building on the network. This might be a device with a component fault or an interface reaching full capacity. Both of these events will cause traffic problems that ripple through to the software waiting for that traffic to arrive.
The ability to spot problems as they develop means that issues can be fixed before they cause user applications to seize up. This has drastically reduced the system failures that commonly occurred in the early days of IT. Thus, network monitoring ensures that business users keep working, improving the efficiency and profitability of an entire organization.
What should you look for in network monitoring software?
When selecting network monitoring software, consider these key features:
- Network Discovery: The ability to automatically identify all devices on a network.
- Inventory Management: Look for a network monitoring solution that registers the details of each discovered device in a network inventory and then continuously rescans to identify changes in the network.
- Topology Mapping: The best network monitoring software generates a network topology map from the details in the network inventory.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Real-time performance monitoring helps detect and address issues promptly, ensuring network reliability.
- Advanced Reporting and Dashboards: Comprehensive reporting and customizable dashboards provide insights into network device health and traffic performance.
- Performance Management: Tools for managing and optimizing network performance, including bandwidth usage and traffic analysis, are crucial.
- Alerts and Notifications: Advanced alerting systems that notify you of potential issues before they escalate can save time and prevent downtime.
These features will help ensure your network remains secure, efficient, and reliable.
FAQs
What is the best way to monitor your network?
The best way to monitor your network is to use an automated monitoring tool. There are two types of network monitors: a network device monitor and a traffic analyzer. With a device monitor, you get notified if a device, such as a switch or a router, develops a problem. A traffic analyzer will notify you if network device interfaces get overloaded or are approaching their full capacity.
Does Windows have a network monitoring tool?
Windows has a basic network monitoring tool in the Task Manager utility. Switch to the Performance view in the Task Manager, and you will see a list of graphs. One of these will show the traffic volumes of your active internet interface. However, this won’t help you manage your network, so it is better to get a third-party network monitoring solution.
How can I monitor network activity on my PC?
The best way to monitor network activity on your PC is to get a network monitoring solution. Some network monitors are available for free, and many are very easy to use. Network managers use a package called Wireshark, which installs on a PC and is free to use. This shows all of the packets traveling around the network and includes analytical tools.