Network-Monitoring Software: Understanding the Basics
Monitoring network traffic is a great way to understand what’s happening within your network. You can gauge how well your network is performing and see the kinds of actions and activities executed by users who have access to your network. This empowers you to identify anomalies and operational issues that could result in unwarranted downtime and security problems.
What Is Network Monitoring Software?
The best way to collect, track, analyze and apply network traffic data is by using network traffic monitoring software. The right network monitoring software can help you extract important information such as performance statistics, bandwidth usage data by application or type of traffic, usage patterns over time, end-user experience, and other metrics. It can also help you:
- Detect which protocols and applications consume the most bandwidth
- Identify users, services or devices that hog bandwidth and slow down the network
- Determine if bandwidth is distributed effectively across the entire network
- Prevent network outages
Essentially, network traffic monitoring software can help you effectively monitor and analyze network traffic to identify the root causes of performance issues and streamline troubleshooting efforts.
What Are Some Examples of Network Monitoring Software?
Network traffic monitoring software can be classified into the following categories:
- Availability monitoring
- Configuration monitoring
- Performance monitoring
- Cloud infrastructure monitoring
Some notable examples include:
- SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
- Atera
- Datadog
- ManageEngine OpManager
- Dotcom-Monitor
- Site24x7 Network Monitoring
- PRTG Network Monitor
- Zabbix
- LogicMonitor
- Spiceworks
What Is the Best Network Monitoring Software?
When it comes to picking a network monitoring software, you’re almost spoiled for choice due to the large number of programs on the market. However, you should look for the right tool that’s suitable for your unique needs and designed to work in your specific environment. To help you get started, let’s take a look at some of the best network monitoring software available.
ConnectWise Automate Network Monitoring Software
ConnectWise Automate is a robust remote monitoring and management solution that enables you to remotely access endpoint devices and assess the availability, performance and health of your network(s). You can automatically or manually resolve performance- and security-related issues without disrupting users’ connections and activities. With ConnectWise Automate, you can monitor, view reports and audit remote control sessions, as well as observe and document access to agent and agentless devices.
LabTech Network Monitoring Software
LabTech is a powerful but affordable software solution for remote monitoring, automation and management of IT assets. LabTech’s remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform enables you to remotely monitor the complex mix of software, hardware and human elements that make up your network. It provides you with a 360-degree view of your network’s health by continuously monitoring network traffic, protocols, ports, services, devices and activities to detect, diagnose and resolve operational issues and improve performance.
Is There Free Network Monitoring Software?
There are several free network monitoring solutions on the market. Some examples include Zabbix, Spiceworks Network Monitor and Paessler PRTG Network Monitor.
Although these free network monitoring solutions can help you monitor, identify and resolve performance issues within your network, they have severe limitations. They aren’t effective at managing large networks, provide limited support, aren’t typically customizable or scalable, and do not offer automation or remote monitoring capabilities.
