What is Network Performance Monitoring?

Network performance monitoring is the practice of tracking, measuring, and managing the various factors that affect the performance of a network. This includes network components such as routers, switches, and servers, as well as network traffic and utilization. By understanding how these factors impact network performance, organizations can take steps to improve network stability and reliability. Network performance monitoring can be performed manually or through the use of software tools. In either case, it is important to have a clear understanding of the network architecture and traffic patterns in order to identify potential problems. Once potential issues have been identified, corrective action can be taken to improve network performance.

How does Network Performance Monitoring work?

NPM tools are used to monitor network traffic, identify trends and bottlenecks, and diagnose network problems. NPM can be performed manually or automatically using network monitoring software. The most common types of NPM tools are packet sniffers, NetFlow collectors, and flow analyzers. Packet sniffers capture network traffic and provide detailed information about each packet, such as the source and destination IP addresses, the protocol used, and the size of the data. NetFlow collectors collect data about network flows, such as the source and destination IP addresses, the bandwidth used, and the duration of the flow.

SNMP’s

SNMP is a protocol that allows for the monitoring and management of networked devices. It uses a simple, text-based message format to communicate between devices and clients. SNMP messages are typically sent using UDP, which is a connectionless protocol. This means that each message is sent independently of any other messages, and there is no guarantee that the message will reach its destination. However, this also makes SNMP very lightweight and easy to implement. SNMP agents are typically embedded within devices, such as routers or switches. These agents listen for SNMP requests from clients and return the requested information. SNMP clients, such as network management systems, can then use this information to monitor and manage the network.

Flow Data

Flow data is the foundation of network performance analysis. Without them, it would be impossible to understand what is happening on the network or identify and diagnose problems. Flow data can be thought of as a snapshot of network activity, providing information about the source and destination of traffic, the types of traffic, and the amount of data being transferred. This data can be used to understand network utilization, identify bottlenecks, and solve a variety of other performance issues. In addition, flow data can be used to monitor compliance with SLAs and detect security threats. As you can see, flow data play a vital role in ensuring that networks operate smoothly and efficiently.

Full Packet Capture

A full packet capture (FPC) is a comprehensive record of all data packets that flow through a network. FPCs can be used for a variety of purposes, including troubleshooting, performance analysis, and intrusion detection. When used properly, they can provide invaluable insights into the operation of a network.

FPCs are typically generated by network devices such as routers and switches. These devices can be configured to record all data passing through them, or only data that meets certain criteria (such as being part of a specific conversation or originating from a particular IP address). Once captured, the data packets can be stored locally on the device or transmitted to a central location for further analysis.

If you’d like to find out more information about network performance monitoring, you should check out Axiros. They specialise in device management and have an abundance of useful content and guides about the subject in their knowledge base and blog.