Network Traffic Monitoring Analyzer : Network Performance Management assists in Network traffic monitoring. It helps in reviewing, analyzing, and managing network traffic for any exception. A network traffic analyzer is a method that can impact network performance, availability, and/or security. Network traffic monitoring uses different tools and methods to study your computer network-based traffic.

When networks get busy it is very common that the overall speed of these networks decreases. A lot of other trends are getting famous in the IT infrastructure like a boost in the use of cloud servers, video, VOIP, etc. All these trends put enormous pressure on IT infrastructure aids. When the stress on any network grows, it is very common for businesses to monitor network traffic with the benefit of Network monitoring software.

The procedure is not only costly but it is also useful for a very concise period. When you deliver more IT infrastructure resources to the network but do not try to reduce the pressure, in the end, the infrastructure will again face identical problems which it was facing before the upgrade.

The best way to pinpoint the kind of network traffic and its source is the Netflow analyzers. In simple terms, Netflow is a feature that was first introduced in Cisco devices. It can collect IP-based network traffic by monitoring the influx and outflow of the data. Also, it allows the administrator to keep a check on the source and destination of the traffic, class of service, and reasons for congestion. It makes it more comfortable to understand the network traffic and handle it properly, as a quote from Peter Drucker (Management Guru) goes “What Gets Measured, Gets Managed”.

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Why Network Admin Needs Network Traffic Monitoring Analyzer

There are various defendable reasons to monitor overall traffic on the network. The information created by the network traffic monitoring tools could be used in multiple IT operational and security use cases. For example – To discover security vulnerabilities and also troubleshoot network-related issues and examine the effect of new applications on the overall network.

However, a critical note in this regard – not all the tools for monitoring network traffic are the same. Usually, they could be split into two broad types – Deep packet inspection tools and flow-based tools. Within these two types, you have the option of tools that do not require software agents or tools. Also, they should store historical data and tools with intrusion detection systems that monitor network traffic within the network as well as along the network edge.

#1. Internal network visibility

Network flow monitoring software that helps protocols such as Netflow, IPFix, JFlow, sFlow, etc. can provide full visibility of internal network traffic. With Motadata, the IT department can develop insightful reports about the following types and kinds of traffic

Traffic for Top Applications | Traffic for Top Conversations | Traffic Destinations with Host IP | Top Traffic Sources With IP address | Top Traffic Receivers with IP | IP to IP Traffic | Protocol-Traffic | Port Traffic | Application Traffic

#2. Identification of slow applications

Speed aka performance plays a vital role in user experience. One of the most submitted help desk tickets is about the application (web application, Go-to-Meeting, Skype, etc.) being slow or getting crashed. There can be several reasons out of which only one or two will be applicable at any particular time. Determining the reason is not only time-consuming but costly as well. The next-generation Netflow software can filter and report the exact cause. By connecting the internal data reports with external resources, the system administrator can know a lot about the system and the faulty network.

#3. Detection of spyware and other hacks

When these worms strike your network, they form a very unique data flow in and out. With the help of Netflow, these distinctive patterns are easy to catch. In case you are not using some data analyzer, these patterns often go unchecked because these are created to fool the human administrator.

Most of these worms often cause non-financial issues by creating a bad image for the company. However, in some cases, the impact of these worms can include high rates of financial loss as well.

#4. Detection of outflow of personal information of clients

This point is mainly applicable to the companies that deal in Payment Gateways or the Payment Card Industry. A good payment gateway never lets the personal data of the client get leaked out from its system. In a separate hack, such information may start flowing out which is instantly reported by the Netflow software.

#5. Departmental bandwidth usage

If you are tense about the overall usage of the network and are incapable of finding out which branch is using the data flow in a massive amount, Netflow can come in handy. It can hunt and point out IPs and devices which are using the network resources. The management can take proper action to decrease the pressure on the network then.

Conclusion

Netflow is a famous and widely supported protocol, Motadata platform endorses Netflow (versions: v5, v9), IPFix, sFlow, and JFlow. You should try the Motadata Network Traffic Analyzer tool today and see how it works. Try! Contact us Green Edge Computers to know more about Network Traffic Monitoring Analyzer.