8 Best Network Monitoring Tools to look in 2024

What is Network  Monitoring?

Network monitoring is the process of constantly notice and examine the execution of computer network. It observes and corrects the performance issues that estimate the network regularly. All the information that a network supervisor wants to check whether the network is working or not in a given period is a network monitoring  work to provide the information. As the name suggest from network monitoring, that means tracking several networks parameters as likes packet loss, bandwidth utilization and device status to make sure security and optimal operation.

Definition as per Wikipedia: Network monitoring is the use of a system that constantly monitors a computer network for slow or failing components and that notifies the network administrator (via email, SMS or other alarms) in case of outages or other trouble. Network monitoring is part of network management.

Network monitoring play an important role in maintaining the security, reliability and stability of computer networks.

Why is Network Monitoring so important?

To know the importance of Network Monitoring go through to the several points:

• Network monitoring is important because it helps you to solve the exact problem on the network.
• It focuses on the network traffic, server and whatever as well whenever things go wrong it will inform the network administrators.
• It collects the data from the different sources (network) and it supports or handles and regulates the network.
• It is also used in different factors like email, application, server etc.
• It saves your time as well as your pocket.

8 Best Network Monitoring Tools in 2021

1. Datadog

Datadog was established in 2010 to aid Gin, Django, Spring; these are the famous web frameworks. You can use it for free but it has a paid version also which charges $5 per host per month. This appeal provides you with the concept of network traffic and the search with tags. It detects errors by using machine learning and monitoring cloud instances, hybrid architectures, Monitor containers and on-premises.

In a similar position, users can get overall perception into traces, log, network traffic by combining metric-based (Network Device Monitoring) with flow-based Network Performance Monitoring. It is good for all organizations whether it is small, medium or large.

2. ntopng

ntopng is an open-source tool that is easy and quick and with the network, it’s building an HTML mess and edict as a web server. It controls the traffic on the network for a certain point. This tool is free, a small scale industry can utilize this tool. This is one of the strongest tool that provide insight visibility into the  behavior and traffic of network. It also support monitoring protocols as likes IPFIX, NetFlow and sFlow etc that also allow you to collect traffic data from switches, routers and other network devices.

3. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

It handles the characteristics of NetPath which solves the problem on the network. It can easily observe and then solve the trouble in the performance of the network. It also regulates the uptime of routers, switches, feedback time etc. It has a paid version but you can use it for free on a trial period of 30 days.

4. Logic Monitor

This is one of the best monitoring tools for window servers as well as SaaS-based monitoring solutions. This tool has the paid version and it is easy to regulate . It provide a strong and user-friendly platform for handing and monitoring IT infrastructure, that support the organization to optimize the performance and also verify the availability and improve operational efficiency. Logic Monitor tool constructed in a way to support numerous devices and monitoring metrics across hybrid, on-premises and cloud environment for your organizations.

5. PRTG Network Monitor

It is beneficial for the customer and it is easy to use for a developer for the improvement of the network. This is the best for all organizations  whether it is small, big or large. You can use it for free as well. It has a paid version at $130. One of the main features of PRTG is to collect the data, and handle the IP address.

Key Features of PRTG

Some of the features of PRTG are as follow:

• Collect the data
• Handling the IP address
• Having Internet User
• Dashboard
• Services Level Agreement (SLA)
• Analysis of Network
• Easy to use and easy to handle
• It is acceptable for all organization either it is small, big large.

6. Observium

It supports several devices and networks such are Dell, HP, Cisco etc. It can handily solve the problem simply in the way of network performance as well it’s easy to put any tools on Observium. You can set up this tool effortlessly, it is easy to use and can infer quickly. It has a paid version but you can use it on a free trial.

7. Monitorix

It provides information related to the network and has limitations because it’s a free tool. It does not have more features of network monitoring.

8. LibreNMS

You can use this tool on your Mobile, it’s an Mobile friendly tool as it aids Cisco, Foundry, Linux and Juniper there are the operating system. One of the best features of this tool is you don’t have a big team of people for regulating.

Conclusion: As we conclude this journey, it’s clear that the right network monitoring tool is not just a necessity but a strategic asset. From real-time performance metrics to in-depth analysis of network traffic, these tools provide a lens into the heartbeat of your infrastructure.

The diversity of available tools caters to the needs of organizations large and small, across various industries. Whether you’re safeguarding against downtime, optimizing resource utilization, or ensuring compliance, network monitoring tools offer a comprehensive suite of features to meet your objectives.