Knowing What Type of Network Monitoring Tools to Get

It doesn’t matter what type or size of a network you may have, or your budget constraints, you can find a tool that will work for you. However, here is one problem. How do you find such network monitoring tools that will do the job you need them to do? It isn’t as hard as you may think it is. There are some things to keep in mind as you shop around for network monitoring tools. If you keep these thoughts in mind it may work in your favor. Keep these thoughts in your mind:

 

·        Features and functions: Unless you have worked with network monitoring tools before, they can be very complex. Some of them have many features and functions. The best around this is to look at the basic features you know you need and make comparisons from there. The most important feature that is valuable above all else, is the ability of the software to monitor the network. So make sure you have this feature. Some important ones include:

o       HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) – This monitors a web server’s ability to send out and retrieve web pages for viewing.

o       SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) – This tool retrieves and works on data from any SNMP network device, server, and application.

o       POP3 (Post office Protocol) – This monitors the mail servers to make sure they can send and retrieve email.

o       DNS (Domain Name Servers) – This monitors both DNS server’s to make sure they respond to a user’s request to look up a domain name.

o       FTP (File Transfer Protocol) – This monitors the ability of people to use FTP to upload and download files.

o       Link Checker – This particular tool works by monitoring retrieved web pages from a web server and making sure all links on the web page are valid.

·        Operating System: Does the tools you are looking at support or work with the operating system you have installed? You wouldn’t want to buy a tool that is not compatible with the system you have.

·        Cost: What is the cost factor involved? How much do you have to pay? What are the payment terms? Do you have to pay monthly, or yearly? You need to answer these questions before you can commit.

·        Upgrades: Do you get upgrades for what you are buying? In other words, is it included in the price or do you have to pay separately?

·        Training/Support: Do you receive training or support with your product? What if something happened? Do you have a toll free number to call?