One reason network management is so challenging is because companies often use multiple tools to collect and analyze the data. The reason for this is that there are different kinds of data needed—low-level data from SNMP MIBs and higher-level traffic data—so the data feeds from different sources. Because multiple tools are used to collect the data, additional tools are then needed to correlate and analyze it.

Network Monitoring Is A Necessary Challenge

There are three major reasons for network monitoring: security threats, performance, and maintenance. The number and types of malware and network attacks continues to increase, and there’s no reason to think it will ever stop. Users expect high performance from applications and have little tolerance of network bottlenecks. Monitoring also provides status about the health of network devices, allowing preventative or just-in-time maintenance that minimizes impact.

Make Monitoring Easier

You can make monitoring easier and minimize the number of tools you need to use by:

1. Understanding your current network architecture. It’s impossible to monitor effectively if you don’t understand your network design. You should have inventory lists and network diagrams for both physical and virtual links.
2. Understanding your reasons for monitoring. Everything can be monitored, but everything doesn’t need to be monitored. You may want to focus on collecting data about the health and performance of the most critical devices and links. Know which devices enable access to critical applications like email and to high-sensitivity applications.
3. Planning how to use collected data. Data that goes into logs that are never reviewed is meaningless. Data that triggers too many false alarms is dangerous, because support teams become desensitized and less likely to respond to a real alert.
4. Leverage built-in tools before buying new ones. Be sure to make maximal use from your vendor-provided tools before introducing new ones. Cisco NetFlow allows you to collect data that can be analyzed in multiple ways, including identifying Denial of Service Attacks.
5. Keep your tools up to date. Your devices make a wide variety of data available, but if you have outdated versions of your network monitoring tools, you won’t be able to use it. It’s almost always easier to upgrade a product you have than introduce additional products.

Network management services from Prescient Solutions ensure your network is well designed, well supported, and properly monitored to provide the reliable connectivity your business needs. Our team of certified experts has been providing IT consulting and managed services to businesses in the Chicago and Schaumburg areas for more than 20 years. Contact us to learn how Prescient Solutions can improve your network monitoring strategy.