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Network MonitoringWHAT IS NETWORK MONITORING?Everyone in business knows the critical importance of the Server Network to their Organisation, to any Organisation. Take out all or part of a Server environment, and business literally stops dead, with the clock ticking as productivity dries up and in some cases - stops altogether. A Network Monitoring System monitors an internal I.T. Network for problems – potential and actual. It can discover and correct every-day Network glitches such as lags in internet performance, unusual user behaviour, delivery of files due to overloaded or crashed servers, and problematic Network connections or issues caused by third party devices. The Service Provider creates an updated ‘topology map’ showing all Networks which need monitoring for the client. It uncovers exactly what applications are running on which Servers, and the number of desktops and mobile devices connected to the Network. This map provides the required clarity right from the start, which then leads to the correct application of monitoring tools. The job of monitoring is to let you know how the Network is performing, rather than providing security. This is where - addition to Network Monitoring - Organisations also need to understand the importance of robust Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems, which detect attempted or actual breaches by outside parties and questionable activity from users involved in unauthorised activity internally. Network Monitoring is achieved using just software or a combination of software and hardware appliance solutions. It is possible to monitor just about any Network set-up, whether it is wireless or wired, corporate LAN, VPN or service provider WAN. Monitoring can cover devices like smart phones, tablet devices, to servers, routers and switches. Monitoring systems help identify specific activities and create performance data which can be analysed. This enables the Service Provider monitoring to then act on the results strategically. Like servicing a car, there are multitudes of on-going needs, which include eliminating security threats and offering much greater visibility of the operations. WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER NETWORK MONITORING?Proactive monitoring and maintenance of a Server Environment is not just an option, but a necessity. With an I.T. Network (and all that is at stake) monitoring must occur 24 hours a day. Every day. Broadly speaking there are three reasons why it is crucial:
Add to this, Network Monitoring also helps over time to create a database of critical, historical information which can be referred to for use in the future. Much like a visit to the Dr or the mechanic with your car – monitoring mixes experience, judgement and technology to ascertain the I.T. network’s health and performance. Monitoring tracks data and it’s movement through connecting cable, servers, switches, connections and routers. It is alerted to suspicious activity that you would never otherwise know of. Directors or IT Managers are thus armed with the necessary data to justify any upgrades needed for the network or other expansions. An effective system will tell managers if any part of the network is meeting contractually mandated performance levels. CLICK HERE FOR OUR NETWORKING MONITORING SOLUTIONS |
