In the current business world, IT networks are crucial. If your network isn’t working well, it can slow down data flow and services, impacting your business.
That’s why having good server and network monitoring tools and software is essential. These tools do more than just spot problems; they also help maintain network health. This ensures that things like financial transactions and collaboration can run smoothly.
Keep reading, as this article talks about network monitoring tools and how they can benefit your business. It also reviews some top solutions on the market to help you choose the right tools for your needs.
What Are Network Monitoring Tools?
Network monitoring tools refer to the use of specialized software to continuously observe and evaluate the health and reliability of a computer network. These network performance monitoring (NPM) systems generate detailed topology maps and actionable insights based on collected performance data, providing IT teams with comprehensive visibility into network components, application performance, and related infrastructure.
By monitoring network resources regardless of their location (on-premises, data centres, cloud-hosted, or hybrid environments), these systems can detect issues such as malfunctioning devices, overloaded resources, high error rates, or sudden spikes in network traffic. Key features of NPM software include real-time alerts for performance issues, traffic flow analysis, and performance measurement against predefined thresholds.
How Network Monitoring Works?
Network monitoring tools come in various types. For example, email monitoring checks how quickly emails are sent and received, while web server testing measures how fast a webpage loads.
First, we identify devices and their performance. Then, we decide how often to check them. Laptops and printers don’t need constant checking, but routers and servers do.
Most network monitoring tools use SNMP to manage the network. Each device has an SNMP agent to adjust settings, take devices offline if needed, or gather performance data. These tools regularly “ping” devices and alert us if something’s wrong. Routers and switches use ICMP to talk about IP operations and send error messages if something goes wrong.
Types of Network Monitoring Tools
1. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is a tool that allows users to monitor networks from multiple vendors simultaneously. This means you can keep an eye on different types of networks at once. It provides detailed insights into the overall health of these networks, giving you a comprehensive view of their performance.
Some of its key features include network availability monitoring, intelligent network mapping, critical path visualization, performance analysis, and advanced alerting. One notable feature is its ability to track VPN tunnel status, helping users ensure stable connections between different sites. SolarWinds offers a seven-day free trial for users to test the tool before deciding on a subscription plan.
2. Auvik
Auvik is a network monitoring tool and management tool known for its quick implementation process. Users can set up and start using the tool with ease, thanks to its user-friendly interface. It provides in-depth visibility into network activities, making it easier to troubleshoot network issues quickly.
Auvik also offers automation capabilities, allowing users to automate network visibility tasks. It provides real-time updates on network issues and configuration changes, helping users stay on top of network performance.
3. Datadog Network Monitoring
Datadog Network Monitoring tools is a comprehensive solution that caters to both on-premises devices and cloud networks. One of its standout features is its visualizations, offering graphical representations of network connections for easier understanding. Users can track key metrics such as network latency, connection churn, and TCP retransmits, providing insights into network performance.
The tool allows monitoring of network health at different endpoints, including application, IP address, port, or process ID levels. Other notable features include automated log collection and user interface monitoring for enhanced network management.
4. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
Paessler’s PRTG Network Monitor is praised for its clean user interface and comprehensive network visibility across multiple devices. It enables users to monitor various types of connections, including LANs, WANs, servers, websites, applications, and services. The tool seamlessly integrates with different technologies, making it versatile for various applications. It offers distributed monitoring capabilities, allowing users to monitor network connections across different locations. Paessler also provides mobile apps for monitoring network health on the go.
5. ManageEngine OpManager
ManageEngine OpManager is a robust network monitoring and management tool designed for users who require a detailed view of network health and issues. It offers over 2000 network performance monitors to track and monitor connections, enabling detailed analysis of network issues. The tool provides over 200 dashboard widgets for customizable dashboards tailored to user preferences.
Other features include CPU, memory, and disk utilization monitoring for both local and virtual machines. Users can set network performance thresholds and receive notifications in case of violations, ensuring proactive network management.
6. Domotz
Domotz is a comprehensive network monitoring tool that offers a wide range of features for monitoring network connections. Users can customize their network monitoring preferences and retrieve data through custom scripts. It allows connections to open ports on remote devices while maintaining network security.
Domotz enables global network scanning and monitoring, providing insights into network health across different locations. The tool also offers backup and restoration of network configurations for switches, firewalls, and access points, along with alerts for configuration changes.
7. Checkmk
Checkmk is an automation-focused tool that allows users to automate various network monitoring tasks. It offers customizable operations, enabling the automation of tasks without manual intervention. The tool can identify network and security components automatically, reducing manual setup efforts.
For example, it can detect firewalls even without manual configuration. Checkmk’s Agent Bakery feature allows users to manage agents and automate agent updates, streamlining network monitoring tools processes. The tool also includes over 2000 plugins for enhancing network monitoring capabilities.
8. Progress Whatsup Gold
Progress Whatsup Gold is a straightforward network monitoring software with a minimalistic user interface and essential features for device monitoring, application monitoring, network traffic analysis, and configuration management.
The tool supports monitoring of cloud devices, detection of suspicious connections, automated configuration backups, and identification and resolution of bandwidth issues.
Conclusion
Let’s wrap up this article by saying that, network monitoring tools are crucial for modern businesses dealing with digital systems. They help IT teams keep an eye on networks, spot problems quickly, and ensure smooth operations. Besides technical benefits, these tools save money by reducing downtime, improve cybersecurity by spotting threats, help plan for growth, and ensure compliance with regulations through detailed reports.
As businesses rely more on digital processes, investing in good network monitoring is essential. It will help you stay competitive, safe, and adaptable.