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network performance monitoring (NPM)

By Alexander S. Gillis

What is network performance monitoring (NPM)?

Network performance monitoring (NPM) is the process of measuring and monitoring the quality of service of a network. NPM helps network administrators gather network data, measure performance variables and identify potential issues or risks.

NPM tools help network administrators manage linked devices and gather metrics from servers or other linked devices. The tools then analyze the collected data to find any bottlenecks or congestion points so the network can increase its throughput once fixed.

Some NPM tools have automated capabilities, which simplify the process. Automated NPM tools can create reports and alert users when issues occur. Ideally, this feature should enable network admins to address issues before they become bigger problems.

Organizations with strict reliability requirements have driven the need for NPM tools. As network architecture grows in complexity and application delivery becomes more time-sensitive, the need for NPM has increased. Today's network monitoring tools must have a mix of scalability, capability and usability.

Importance of network performance monitoring

NPM enables network administrators to optimize network performance, especially in organizations with strict reliability requirements and complex network architectures. Network administrators can configure tools to monitor the performance of networking components, like servers, routers, switches and virtual machines (VMs).

Bottlenecks negatively affect the user experience (UX). NPM must consider what UX will be like by monitoring the network for bottlenecks or congestion and provide better throughput.

How network performance monitoring works

NPM collects data from multiple sources. It monitors flow data, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and packet capture:

NPM tools also typically provide visualization and reports in a customizable dashboard. Network admins should be able to collect and view flow data, SNMP support and packet capture within the tools. If the tools detect any issues, admins should be able to isolate and analyze the issue quickly.

Network admins can use NPM on premises, in the cloud or in hybrid environments.

Network performance monitoring metrics

NPM tools keep track of errors, bandwidth, throughput and latency:

Network performance monitoring benefits and challenges

Benefits of NPM include the following:

Challenges of NPM include the following:

Network performance monitoring tools

Some NPM vendors target smaller businesses with traditional NPM tools. However, most vendors address the problems larger businesses face due to an increased demand for reliable network services.

Examples of NPM vendor tools include the following:

02 Jun 2023

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