Network Traffic

What is Network Traffic?

Network traffic refers to the amount of data that is moving across a network at a given point in time. Network traffic may also be referred to as network activity, network load, data traffic, or simply traffic.

When data travels over a network, it is broken down into small units called packets. An unusually large number of packets moving through the network can negatively impact network performance and create latency, jitter, and packet loss issues.

It’s important to prioritize different types of network traffic to ensure a seamless user experience (UX) across all applications. For example, VoIP services rely on real-time data transmission, so VoIP packets need to be prioritized to prevent dropped calls and ensure crystal-clear audio quality.

How Network Traffic Works

Network traffic consists of data packets that hop from one network node to another. Each packet contains part of a larger data payload as well as header and trailer control information that includes the packet’s source, destination, and packet sequence number.

The path each packet takes through a network is determined by the network topology and routing protocols. Once the last packet reaches its destination, the receiving device reassembles all the packets in the correct order. The entire process, from beginning to end, happens in fractions of a second.

Types of Network Traffic

Network traffic can be categorized in a number of ways according to the specific needs of the network administrator or analyst. Common categories include packet type, transmission method, packet flow, transmission protocol, QoS priority, connectivity, and source.

How to Monitor Network Traffic

Individuals, network administrators, and network operations center (NOC) teams can monitor network traffic manually through router settings or automatically with specialized network management tools like Wireshark.

In general, manual monitoring is suitable for high-level overviews and occasional checks, while automated monitoring is essential for continuous monitoring, detailed analysis, and proactively identifying potential traffic issues.

• Most routers have basic monitoring features that provide a list of devices currently connected to the network and the amount of data each device is sending and receiving.
• Software tools like Wireshark analyze data packets and use QoS policies to prioritize certain types of network traffic over others.
• Hardware tools like packet brokers physically connect to network cables and capture packets for analysis by a separate monitoring system.

Five Reasons to Monitor Network Traffic

Traffic monitoring helps you understand how your network is being used.

By analyzing network traffic patterns, you can:

• Detect and prevent unauthorized access and malicious activities.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks to maintain optimal network performance.
• Quickly isolate and address network issues and transmission failures.
• Ensure efficient bandwidth use and network resource allocation.
• Help meet regulatory requirements and maintain data integrity.

How to Measure Network Traffic

Both monitoring and measuring are important for effective network management. Monitoring gives you a qualitative understanding of network traffic, but measuring gives you quantitative data you can use to improve network performance.

You can use NetFlow to gain data-driven insights into traffic patterns and conversations between devices. Tools like Ping (for latency), Traceroute (for packet paths), and iPerf (for throughput) can be used to measure specific aspects of network performance.

If you need a high-level overview of bandwidth consumption, your router’s built-in tools or SNMP monitoring might be sufficient. For deeper analysis of traffic data, packet capture or event log analysis tools are more suitable.

How to Secure Network Traffic

Network traffic security requires a multi-layered approach and several lines of defense. Begin by securing the network perimeter and encrypting data in transit.

Be sure to regularly update network software and firmware to protect against known vulnerabilities. If you are a network administrator, you will also need to educate your users about network security. Encourage them to use strong passwords, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report any unusual activity.

Network Traffic Management Benefits and Strategies

Network traffic management helps reduce network congestion, optimize bandwidth allocation, prioritize critical network resource allocation, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure network reliability to provide a better user experience (UX).

Popular strategies for traffic optimization include network management techniques like load balancing and traffic shaping.

Common Network Traffic Problems

Network traffic problems can be caused by a variety of factors.

Common reasons include:

• High volumes of traffic during peak usage times.
• Bandwidth hogs that consume a disproportionately large amount of network capacity.
• Malfunctioning routers, switches, or other network devices.
• Bugs, outdated software, or misconfigured network device settings.
• Cyberattacks that flood the network with excessive traffic.
• Delays in data transmission due to long distances, excessively large hop counts, or inefficient routing that doesn’t adapt routes in real time.

The Bottom Line

Network traffic’s meaning highlights the importance of monitoring, measuring, and optimizing network traffic within and between network infrastructures.

Following network management best practices will help you ensure a reliable, secure, and high-performing network environment.

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