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Network Monitoring: Importance and Techniques

Whether it’s a small area network (LAN) or a larger and more complex global network, all computer networks need continuous monitoring, management and maintenance. This ensures that networks work efficiently, ensure compliance, respond securely and work without any disruptions. Here’s a look at the importance of network monitoring and the techniques used for their monitoring.

Importance of Monitoring

Optimize performance

The use of monitoring tools provides network administrators with the information necessary to optimize network performance, assign resources efficiently and be prepared for future growth.

Proactive issues

Monitoring networks is a proactive way to prevent downtime as problems can be detected before they escalate into major disruptions or outages.

Security Response

A crucial role is played by regular network monitoring when it comes to security, as security threats can be detected early and mitigated with immediate responses.

Resource usage

By monitoring data, organizations can better understand how network resources are being used and make better decisions such as when to invest in extra bandwidth or upgrade hardware, etc.

Troubleshooting

The troubleshooting and resolution process can be speeded up by utilizing the details collected by the network monitoring system.

Network Monitoring Techniques

Packet Analysis Tools

Packet analysis tools work by capturing and inspecting data as they traverse through the network. This way, traffic patterns, anomalies or security threats can be identified.

Simple Network Management Protocol

Also known as SNMP, it’s a protocol used to collect information about managed devices on a network including routers, switches or servers, and then send it to a central monitoring system to provide information about their performance.

Ping and Traceroute

These diagnostic tools test connectivity problems and work by tracing the route taken by packets as they move from one point to another on the network.

Flow Monitoring

To identify bandwidth hoggers or analyze traffic data, flow monitoring tools like sFlow or NetFlow can be used on network flows.

Log analysis

Log analysis tools analyze logs generated by network devices and servers as they contain valuable information that could help in identifying issues such as security theft.

Security Information and Event Management

Also referred to as SIEM, this system is helpful in collecting, correlating and analyzing security-related data from network devices, for better detection and response to security incidents.