Network Monitoring & Network Efficiency

Network monitoring and its role in network efficiency.

One can tell how well a network monitoring system operates by simply investigating how mature the monitoring program is. This can be discovered when looking at the single pane of glass view, as an immature system’s method of performance tracking is nearly impossible to see. As immature networks lead to unplanned downtime, it puts a business in a position that’s more reactive than it should be. This reason alone is one of the many instances where network efficiency through mature network monitoring systems pays great dividends when conducting long-term business.

How Network Monitoring Systems Operate

A network monitoring system monitors a computer system in the event that one of the components fails or operates slowly. When a component fails or operates slowly, the network monitoring system sends an alert to the network administrator so the issue can be corrected.

As intrusion detection systems protect networks from outside threats, network monitoring systems search for issues such as crashed/overloaded servers, poor network connections, or devices causing problems within a network. For example, a network monitoring system could send an HTTP request to determine the status of a web server’s page. When testing emails, a network monitoring system could send a test message through an SMTP to be retrieved by a POP3 or IMAP.

The metrics network monitoring systems commonly focus on are uptime, availability, and response time. Other metrics such as reliability and consistency have been growing in popularity over time.

Mature Network Monitoring System Perks

Such perks that come with a mature network monitoring system include:

• It can notify an administrator if a system is down.
• It can issue alerts based on the time of day.
• It can notify an administrator if a network is over utilized.
• It can notify an administrator if a power supply fails.
• It can issue review trends on equipment so that bandwidth usage can be monitored.
• It allows a business to see how their system is performing from a single pane of glass (such as everything being up or if the network is having performance issues).

Network monitoring systems require routine maintenance to make sure all components are operating correctly. Since routine maintenance can be difficult to manage, Centerpoint IT is the trusted choice when it comes to staying ahead of the latest information technology tips, tricks, and news. Contact us at (404) 781-0200 or send us an email at info@centerpointit.com for more information.