Product Design And Tool Design

5 Options for Network Monitoring Tools

ra2studio/Shutterstock

If one runs a large computer network, a network monitoring tool is crucial as it can protect your business. A network monitoring tool monitors all of the computers on a network constantly checking for errors. It will check all of the components and look for ones that are running slow. When it finds them, it reports them to the network administrator. Many of these tools will send a text message or an email when reporting a problem. Explore the different options before committing to a service.

Local Network Monitoring Tool

Most of the local network monitoring softwares will do all of the basics that will help you manage your business. These basics are offering a report and real time information of machines being used, remote desktop control and security. Another feature of the local network tools is that they notify you of any problems before you find out about them elsewhere. Having this tool is handy for any office as it can help the IT department do a better job as well as save money figuring out problems before they spread.

Retrieving Network Monitoring Tool

One of the most popular monitoring tools, this type of service will retrieve information from all of your different networks and bring them to one platform. The reason someone may want to use this is to compare the data from all of the networks rather than just wait for a problem. You can see helpful data like power usage, network speeds, private data and more. For those who want a tool to increase the efficiency and productivity of the IT department this is the one. While it lacks some features, it can be used alongside other monitoring tools to make up for what it lacks.

Cloud Based Platforms

If you run your business in the cloud, consider a cloud based network monitoring tool. These tools work just like the traditional ones found in offices, but they diagnose issues on cloud servers. This is great if you rent servers from elsewhere. While you can manage the options of a cloud server, sometimes it's helpful to know if there is an issue. Many SAAS companies choose to use cloud based platforms as they are also quicker and can diagnose larger problems throughout multiple servers in multiple locations. It even works for servers that are based out of state or overseas.

DNS Based Web Filter

While most network monitoring tools will have everything you need to manage all aspects of your business, a DNS based web filter will stop all of the computers on your network from downloading malware. This tool can also prevent employees from accessing banned websites. It's usually installed on your internet network. You can set which sites are blocked and configure the tool to prevent dangerous downloads or even downloads altogether. It can notify you of any dangerous downloads or if a banned site is accessed. This is one of the most common tools business owners look for due to productivity issues, but they offer security as well.

Free Network Monitoring Platforms

Network Monitoring Platforms are important tool and sometimes even available in free versions. While they may not be as advanced as some of the paid tools, they are great for small companies with a smaller network. Companies that don't heavily rely on computers can benefit from free platforms. Some companies don't even have an IT department and hire someone freelance every time there is an issue. If this is the case, a free tool can help you tell the freelancer what exactly happened and help them solve the problem sooner, saving you additional cash.