Why Monitor Network Performance?

Network monitoring software is essential with the goal being preventive or proactive solutions and in-depth analysis of what’s happening in organizational networks. Let’s look into some of the biggest reasons your organization should be monitoring network performance

Create network diagrams. Network management software, which includes performance-monitoring capability, automatically creates a diagram of both local area networks and wide area networks. Those diagrams include data such as the vendor, model, and type of device so a technician can know which devices to manage. It also provides interface information such as:

• Description
• Type (physical protocol)
• Bandwidth (circuit configured speed)
• Maximum Transmission Unit size
• Physical Address
• Network Address
• Network Mask
• Bandwidth
• Operational Status (Up, Down, Testing)

Gain information about network health. If a server stops responding, a WAN circuit fails, or a LAN segment goes offline, the network monitor will send an immediate notice, usually just before users start calling. The software can give warnings about network slowdowns, overloaded circuits or servers, and other signs of potential trouble so technicians can address problems before they affect network users.

Better understand network trends. Network monitoring solutions create graphs and reports about network performance over various timespans. It shows a trend of what will be needed years from now so managers can budget accordingly. It also offers better planning for replacing servers, switches, and routers.

Improve your ability to check on Service Level Agreements (SLAs). A network monitor can keep track of uptime and other metrics on each connection. This will verify that the WAN links and ISP(s) are maintaining the contracted level of service.

Increase fault response. Performance thresholds can be set to trigger an alarm and an organization’s fault management process handles the alarm. Alarms vary depending upon the severity of the situation and the organization’s policies for dealing with that situation.

Reproduced from Global Knowledge White Paper: Network Performance Monitoring

Related Courses
Understanding Networking Fundamentals
TCP/IP Networking
Network Management: Tools, Optimization, and Troubleshooting