Remote Network Performance Monitoring
Network Management vs Network Monitoring
Network management as a function has a broad scope. It involves network planning, monitoring and optimization for continuous and uninterrupted operation. Monitoring is part of Management as a discipline. Monitoring starts when networks are up and operational.
A network monitoring system is a set of tools and processes to collect data about and report on the state of various network components – memory & CPU utilization, bandwidth availability, link uptimes, and data losses, among various other metrics. Some tools go beyond simple collection of metrics data and analyze the overall health of the network and identify bottlenecks to optimal flow of data.
What constitutes Network Performance?
There are various network statistics, both qualitative and quantitative, that are collated by the monitoring tools on an ongoing basis. These are considered primarily from the user’s perspective. The overall set of these pre-defined parameters indicate if the network is performing at the expected Quality of Service levels as envisaged at the network design stage. The collation and analysis of these statistics helps measure Network Performance – Quality of Services being delivered by the network.
This process of measurement helps the network administrator gauge operational efficiency of the network, understand below-par metrics and work out solutions to these issues. Network performance is mainly measured through the following metrics:
- Capacity of the network for data transfer
- Throughput or the quantum of data actually transmitted over the network in a certain period of time
- Network delays and latency issues
- Data loss / errors during transmission
What Is Network Performance Monitoring?
The continuous monitoring of the multiple parameters that make up overall network performance, constitute Network Performance Monitoring. Any drop in the defined levels is considered a drop in performance. Based on this monitoring, Administrators can troubleshoot slowdowns and failures in the network, to pre-empt serious fallouts.
Notifications triggered during the monitoring process enable Administrators take immediate corrective action if required, before the problem assumes serious proportions. Statistics gleaned over a period of time help Administrators identify patterns in performance, gain insight on recurring problems.
The actual measure of quality or efficiency is as defined by the network designer. Mission-critical networks would set the bar high for QoS levels while other networks could be satisfied with a lower performance. Whatever the bar, good performance could be defined as that which exceeds the set levels.
What Is Remote Network Performance Monitoring?
Remote network performance monitoring, as the name indicates, monitors performance of networks in geographically remote locations, without physical presence.
Large enterprises spread over multiple locations have extensive network infrastructures connecting remote offices and equipment. Ensuring that various network components are performing at optimal levels is key to uninterrupted operations. However, such wide networks are a challenge for conventional ways of monitoring networks. Remote network performance monitoring enables network administrators to monitor the network operation regardless of location.
A remote network performance monitoring system installs monitoring devices at the given locations to monitor network performance between all these networks and sub-networks. These devices / programs receive real time data on the various measurement parameters, for example, unauthorized access.
Remote monitoring programs / systems are not only monitoring networks in real time, but they are also able to take necessary preventive action. Unauthorized access for example could invite a shut-down of the account. Managing a monitoring network system is a round-the-clock task. So, if issues are detected at odd hours, physical presence of Network Administrator is not required. Alerts could be received via email or text messages about several different events.
Such systems present the Administrator with a comprehensive view of the entire network and its equipment including laptops, desktops, mobile devices and other units, at all times. user activity can also be similarly monitored across locations.
Remote network performance monitoring systems could either be standalone applications or offered as a feature on a normal network performance monitoring tool. These solutions continuously monitor network performance in real time to find and fix network problems such as delays, data losses, and others.
Benefits of Remote Network Performance Monitoring
The returns on investment in a remote monitoring system exponentially increase with the number of equipment and locations. There are multiple reasons to invest in such a solution if your needs so warrant. Here are a few compelling benefits of Remote Network Performance Monitoring applications.
Save on Travel Expenditure
All network monitoring activity can be performed from one location and helps avoid travel and related costs and delays. This makes your business operations more efficient, responsive and cost-effective.
Comprehensive view of the entire network
The Network Administrator can now monitor the performance of individual sites as well as collective performance. Alerts can be set up to notify the Administrator if performance dips, along with the nature of the cause.
Save on manpower resources
Being centrally monitored, it reduces the need for additional staff, and allows the enterprise to redeploy existing resources on more strategic tasks.
Distributed Network Performance Monitoring
The ability to monitor your entire network through any web-enabled device gives the Administrator the room to be mobile and not be tied down to one location.