Network monitoring is a vital aspect of modern business operations, especially in the world of internet connectivity and cloud computing. Network monitoring involves the monitoring of a computer network for failures or errors and assessing how well it is performing. It is a practice that aims to ensure that the network is operating efficiently, securely, and without any inconsistencies. In this blog post, we shall take an in-depth look at what network monitoring entails, the different network monitoring strategies, and live-action and active network monitoring. 

1. What is Network Monitoring? 

Network monitoring refers to the practice of constantly assessing a network’s performance and ensuring that it is functioning optimally. This is done by monitoring network traffic, identifying any potential issues, troubleshooting, and fixing any errors that are found. Network monitoring provides a better understanding of network behavior and helps identify potential issues before they escalate and cause system failures. Essentially, network monitoring is an essential part of maintaining a healthy, secure, and functioning network. 

2. Network Monitoring Strategy 

Having a network monitoring strategy is crucial to ensure network availability, performance, and security. A network monitoring strategy includes a series of processes, tools, and technologies that are designed to monitor and identify network-related problems. The strategy should begin with setting network performance goals and regularly conducting network assessments to identify areas that require improvements. By monitoring the network regularly, organizations can adapt based on changes in network behavior and adjust performance metrics and other essential factors. 

3. Live Action Network Monitoring 

Live-action network monitoring refers to a real-time monitoring technique that involves tracking network behavior as it occurs. This type of network monitoring provides real-time insights into network performance and makes it possible to detect any potential network issues before they cause a system failure. Live action network monitoring is ideal for businesses that require reliable and uninterrupted network performance. This type of network monitoring is especially useful in highly dynamic environments where network behavior can change rapidly. 

4. Active Network Monitoring 

Active network monitoring is a type of monitoring that involves actively sending network traffic and measuring the response times. It is also known as synthetic monitoring and is useful for detecting network problems before they occur. Active network monitoring is a proactive approach that involves simulating network traffic to identify potential issues such as latency, packet loss, routing errors, connectivity issues, and more. 

5. Benefits of Network Monitoring 

The benefits of network monitoring include improved network security, optimized network performance, reduced network downtime, improved end-user experience, faster problem identification and resolution, easier network troubleshooting, and better network compliance with industry regulations. By monitoring the network continuously, administrators can identify potential network problems before they occur and reduce the time and resources required to fix those issues.