Network performance monitoring helps you ensure the optimal efficiency of your network by constantly tracking and analyzing various performance metrics. This process is important in ensuring your network’s safety and monitoring potential issues.
This article explains what network performance monitoring is, how to use it, and which aspects of a network should be monitored.
Network performance monitoring - definition
Network performance monitoring (NPM) is the ongoing process of observing, analyzing, and assessing the key metrics and behaviors within a computer network, such as bandwidth utilization, latency, packet loss, and device performance, to ensure optimal functionality, troubleshoot issues, and maintain overall network health and efficiency. To continuously monitor network performance, companies use various network performance monitoring tools.
Explore our monitoring services to learn what network monitoring can do for you.
Why is network performance monitoring important?
The backbone of any business lies in its networks. Lost productivity during a network outage can lead to significant financial losses. Network monitoring solutions can anticipate potential outages and address network issues proactively, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted workflow.
These solutions enable businesses to remotely visualize network performance, monitor network services, and assess factors like bandwidth utilization, switches, routers, and network traffic flow. By leveraging network performance monitoring software, organizations can identify and resolve issues efficiently. Furthermore, organizations can optimize network performance, ensuring that the system operates at an optimal level for sustained business operations.
How do you monitor network performance?
To monitor network performance, you need a range of tools and methodologies. One common approach is through the use of specialized network monitoring software, which allows administrators to track key metrics such as bandwidth usage, latency, packet loss, and device performance. A network performance monitoring solution can provide real-time insights into the health of a network, enabling proactive identification and resolution of potential issues before they impact productivity. Here are some examples of network performance monitoring tools:
- SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
- SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer
- OpManager by ManageEngine
- Paessler PRTG
- Netflow Analyzer
- Catchpoint
Additionally, network administrators may use protocols like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) to collect and organize information from network devices. Analysis of log files and the establishment of baseline network performance metrics are integral components of effective network performance monitoring. By adopting a comprehensive strategy that combines automated tools and human expertise, organizations can ensure that their networks operate optimally, minimizing downtime and supporting the consistent delivery of services.
Which aspects of network performance should you monitor?
Monitoring network performance essentially means gathering, storing, and analyzing data. From this network data, you can derive insights, such as trends and patterns, that can serve as a foundation for predictive analytics.
The metrics you choose should be based on your infrastructure and business needs. Here is a list of metrics you can include in your network performance monitoring strategy
Availability
Availability refers to the uninterrupted accessibility and functionality of network services and resources. It reflects the reliability of a network in providing continuous service to users and applications. Monitoring availability involves tracking the uptime and downtime of network components, servers, and services. Downtime, even for a brief period, can have significant consequences for businesses, leading to productivity losses and potential financial implications.
Network performance monitoring tools assess availability by continuously monitoring devices, servers, and services, promptly detecting and alerting administrators to any disruptions. This proactive approach enables swift responses to potential issues and ensures that the network can meet the demands of users and applications.
CPU and memory
The CPU serves as the brain of network devices. It executes tasks and processes data packets. Monitoring CPU utilization is essential to ensure that the processing power meets the demands of the network. High CPU usage can lead to network performance bottlenecks and impact the responsiveness of network services. Memory, including RAM (random access memory), is crucial for temporarily storing data that the CPU is actively using.
Monitoring memory helps to prevent potential issues caused by insufficient memory, which can result in slow response times and system instability. An effective network performance monitoring strategy includes keeping a close eye on CPU and memory metrics, ensuring that these components have the necessary resources to maintain optimal network responsiveness.
Traffic
Traffic is a metric that reflects the movement of data within a network which influences its efficiency. Monitoring network traffic involves analyzing the volume and patterns of data transmission providing insights into how resources are utilized. Peaks in network traffic can highlight periods of heightened demand or potential issues, while sustained high traffic levels may indicate the need for bandwidth upgrades.
By analyzing traffic patterns, network administrators can identify bottlenecks, optimize data flow, and ensure that the network can accommodate the demands of applications and users. It’s also crucial for security, enabling the detection of unusual or malicious activities that may be threats to the system.
Errors and discards
Errors and discards is a metric that provides insights into the health and integrity of data transmission. Errors refer to corrupted or lost data packets during transmission, while discards indicate packets that network devices choose not to forward due to issues like congestion or buffer overflow. Monitoring these metrics helps administrators pinpoint potential issues such as faulty hardware, network congestion, or configuration errors. High error and discard rates can lead to degraded network performance, increased latency, and compromised data integrity.
By actively tracking and analyzing these metrics, network administrators can identify and address issues promptly, ensuring a more reliable and efficient network infrastructure.
WAN performance metrics
WANs (wide area networks) connect remote offices, data centers, and cloud services, facilitating data exchange across diverse locations. Monitoring WAN performance involves tracking key metrics like bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss to ensure efficient communication and responsiveness. By employing network monitoring tools, administrators can gain insights into the health of the WAN, identifying potential bottlenecks or issues that may impact data transmission.
Proactively addressing WAN performance concerns is essential for maintaining a seamless flow of information between dispersed locations, enhancing the user experience, and ensuring the overall reliability and productivity of the network across the broader organizational landscape.
Want to learn more about monitoring? We encourage you to check out our previous publication about IT infrastructure monitoring.
Conclusion
Monitoring network performance is a way of staying proactive and prepared for any issues. A good network performance monitoring strategy can mitigate potential issues, providing a robust defense against downtime and associated costs arising from network outages. This approach involves tracking crucial metrics such as bandwidth usage, latency, and network device performance to ensure optimal network functionality. Using network monitoring tools, organizations can identify and address issues in real-time, preventing disruptions and minimizing the financial impact of downtime.
Network performance monitoring helps maintain a resilient and efficient network infrastructure, reducing operational risks, enhancing user experience, and optimizing the entire network.
