Network Monitoring Tools - Which Programs to Use for a Particular Job

Network administration is a serious job. This is especially true for companies that rely on computers to input, process and share data. The more computers or nodes in the network, the harder it gets to manage them. Fortunately, there are several tools can greatly simplify your job. They are called network monitoring tools. Many of them are open-source programs, and they are ready for download and installation.

Don't mistake these programs as simple tools for just monitoring if a device is turned on or off. They are full-pledged remote access programs that allow an administrator to view all devices that are connected to the network (routers, modems, servers, printers etc.) and all the processes being run in each node. If you are a network administrator, you'll need specific programs for different jobs.

Network Mapping Software

Network Monitoring Utilities

Network Ping and Softperfect Network Scanner are the tools for the job. Network Ping gives you a visual overview of all the computers connected to your network. It checks the network status by sending each device a ping. If the device is down an email alert can be sent to an administrator.

Softperfect Network Scanner or NetScan is popular lightweight software that detects all devices attached to your router or access point. It pings all possible IP addresses to determine which computers are currently being used. It is also integrated into the Windows Explorer, allowing you to view all shared files and folders through the NetScan interface.

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

The most popular IPS worldwide is Snort. In real time, it analyzes packet capturing and network traffic on IP networks. With its analysis of protocols, Snort can identify network attacks and attempts to perform unauthorized actions such as fingerprinting, buffer overflows and port scanning. With this software running, you are guaranteed that your office network is safe from intrusions. Snort can record packets and generate human-readable reports.

Remote PC and Server Management

Putty and the "Dude" are network monitoring programs for the Windows platform. They track all devices in your network and they can generate a network map or inventory depending on the nodes currently online. Putty, in particular, is very light at 450 kb because of its UNIX-based interface. It allows you to set administrator privileges in remotely controlling computers. Putty can also manage bandwidth allocation or block IPs from using DSL internet.

Having the right network monitoring tools for the job helps network administrators automate many of the day to day operations that take up time and resources to complete.

Network Monitoring Tools - Which Programs to Use for a Particular Job

Network Mapping Software