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Network monitoring is a computer network’s systematic effort to detect slow or failing network components, such as overloaded or crashed/frozen servers, failing routers, failed switches or other problematic devices. In the event of a network failure or similar outage, the network monitoring system alerts the network administrator (NA). Network monitoring is a subset of network management.
Network monitoring is generally carried out through software applications and tools. Network monitoring services are widely used to detect whether a given Web server is functioning and connected properly to networks worldwide. Many servers that perform this function provide a more complete visualization of both the Internet and networks.
Techopedia Explains Network Monitoring
While constantly monitoring the health/reliability of a network and searching for trends, the monitoring system tracks and logs network parameters. These include data transmission rate (throughput), error rates, downtime/uptime, use-time percentages, and response time to user and automated inputs and requests. When predetermined parameter thresholds are reached, alarms are triggered and network fault management processes are initiated.
Ping is one of the most basic-level network monitoring tools. Other industrial software applications can include a network monitoring system that is built to manage an enterprise network or an entire business. Network monitoring systems make use of applications to monitor the network traffic, such as the video stream monitoring, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) monitoring and mail server (POP3 server) monitoring.
