Trusted By Over 5000+ Businesses

Saint Gobain
NASA
Time Warner Cable
Loreal Paris
Siemens
DHL
Alcatel Lucent

Things to know about a network monitor

Elusive search for a good network monitor

Importance of network monitors

How network monitors work

Why enterprises need network monitors

Network monitor requirements

Network monitor challenges

The elusive search for a good network monitor tool

Enterprise networks are becoming increasingly complex everyday to meet the rising needs and demands in the digital business world. A business needs to ensure that its network is performing at the speed and efficiency required of it for which you need an efficient network monitor.

The best network monitoring tool is the one that:

  • Helps to keep your enterprise network operating at its maximum capacity.
  • Constantly monitor a network for slow or failing components.
  • Observes your network and the data that flows through it proactively.
  • Keeps track of critical resources and helps plan capacity better.
  • Notify the network administrator instantly in case of outages or issues via various modes
  • Automates certain repetitive or labor-intensive manual tasks so that network admins can focus on critical tasks.

Why are network monitoring tools important?

Network monitoring tools play a vital role in the following aspects:

  • Optimize network performance: The network monitor captures data directly from the network, interprets this data, and displays it via a dashboard which allows you to get a glimpse of your network, even on the go.
  • Gain in-depth visibility: A network monitoring tool offers in-depth visibility into a network architecture to help you visualize performance and locate devices easily in the event of downtime.
  • Manage faults better: If the network monitor finds any issues with the network or signs that might indicate a potential possibility of failure, it will alert your IT team to the problem so they can get straight to work on fixing it.
  • Automate troubleshooting: To help network admins save time on redundant manual tasks, network monitoring tool helps you automate certain repetitive tasks leveraging AI and ML-based algorithms.

How does a network monitor work?

Network monitoring works by performing these three steps:

Establish connectivity: Connects to network devices

One standard way a network monitor uses to connect to the network devices is through the SNMP protocol. Network monitor also uses ICMP ping function to keep devices' availability in check. WMI, CLI, and Telnet are also other options.

Monitor essential metrics: Keeps the network performance in check

Once connected, network monitors perform threshold-based monitoring to instantly alert you on network issues or violated thresholds. For example, you can perform latency monitoring and get alerted on which devices need to be checked on when the set threshold reaches.

Resolve faults: Analyzes the root cause of network issues

When a network fault is detected, network monitor helps you drill down to the root cause of an issue, informing you whether the fault is due to hardware or software issues, bandwidth issues, and configuration issues. You can also perform troubleshooting with pre-loaded scripts and automate certain actions like restarting a service, shutting down a device, and more.

Why should enterprises adopt a network monitor solution?

Advanced alerting

An efficient enterprise network management software will go beyond basic threshold-based alerting and manage a flood of unnecessary network alerts due to dependencies and the like.

Distributed network monitoring

With enterprises spanning geographies, you need a robust network monitor solution that provides centralized control of network updates or changes over different branch offices, and remote sites.

Resource management

The network monitoring tool records all the information related to data utilization and growth in the form of reports. You can analyze the growth trends, predict storage needs, and make judicious storage decisions.

Multi-vendor support

A network monitor solution with support for multiple vendors and device types eliminates the need to toggle multiple vendor- specific tools. For example, OpManager extends its support to over 450 vendors such as Dell, HP, IBM, and more.

Network monitor requirements

Feature-rich and easy-to-use

Network monitor tools must have high scalability to support the growth of the business/organization and intuitive enough to get you started without the hasssle of going through pages and pages of documentation.

Scalability

When a business or organization grows, network monitor solutions must be viable to change and expand without compromising on reliability. Network visibility across multiple locations with real-time data sync is a game-changer for networking tools.

Customizations

Data is valuable and can be interpreted accurately only when it is presented meaningfully to the right audience. An actionable intelligent network monitor dashboard with customizations can help achieve this.

Low cost

The network monitor tool has to be affordable and light on the pocket to maintain.

Network monitor challenges

Unifying network monitoring operations

Apart from actively monitoring the network in real-time for a quicker fault resolution, you also need to passively monitor your network architecture and simulate performance bottlenecks to immunize the network to further potential threats or outages. Finding a balance between the two plays a major role.

Establishing performance baselines

Arriving at a nominal baseline for any performance metric is difficult since you need to keep tabs on factors influencing resource usage by analyzing historical data, user behavior, major application updates, and sudden business trends.

Repetitive manual tasks

To ensure effective network management, network admins need to repeatedly perform certain mundane tasks manually such as clearing logs, restarting services/processes, etc.,

Planning capacity

Networks keep expanding and resource usage keeps changing. Keeping track of growth patterns and taking a call on whether to upgrade systems or purchase a new one is crucial.

OpManager: The best network monitor solution you need

Simplified network monitoring

Multi-vendor support

One-tool network monitoring

Advanced troubleshooting

Network visualization

Reports

Monitor network within minutes

Simplified monitoring: Monitor network within minutes

OpManager's network software supports reliable industry-standard monitoring protocols such as SNMP, Telnet, SSH, and WMI and has a simple-to-use point-and-click install and setup function. This helps monitor the network within minutes. OpManager's server monitoring supports multiple operating systems and is an agentless network monitor solution - due to this, you can skip the entire hassle of agent installation. Post-installation, the device template feature enables you to quickly apply pre-defined monitoring configurations and start monitoring your device right away.

Out-of-the-box multi-vendor support

Device and interface templates: Out-of-the-box multi-vendor support

OpManager offers multi-vendor support with over 11000 device templates out-of-the-box with the option to add your own templates in case you ever need them. There are interface templates that can be applied in bulk, templates for file/folder monitoring and, also for process monitoring. The Quick Configuration Wizard allows you to apply the configuration to multiple devices on the go quickly. In addition to OpManager's default network monitors, you can also create your own monitors for the SNMP-enabled devices in your network.

One tool to monitor network, server, and application performance!

All-in-one monitoring: One tool to monitor network, server, and application performance

OpManager, the advanced network performance monitoring software leverages the monitoring protocols like NetFlow, sFlow, and IP SLA in addition to the ones mentioned above (SNMP, SSH, etc.) for monitoring networks and servers. With OpManager's network performance monitor, you can monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage on mission-critical servers and easily identify the application/processes that consume the most resources. This helps you perform effective capacity planning and hardware upgrades.

Get to the root of network issues

Advanced troubleshooting: Get to the root of network issues

OpManager offers a plethora of features to help you get to the root of a network issue. With an advanced fault management system, OpManager consolidates alerts from Windows Event logs, SNMP Traps, and Syslog. It enables you to set custom performance thresholds for proactive monitoring and avert potential network downtime. These alerts can be configured to be sent as an email, SMS or can be accessed on your smartphone. Another highlight is the provision to execute self-healing scripts to suppress unnecessary alarms or perform level 1 troubleshooting.

See the bigger picture of network architecture

Network Visualization

Network monitor with advanced visualization techniques - network maps, Layer2 maps, category-wise device maps, and list views offer instant visibility into a network or device outage. OpManager's Business View allows you to visualize WAN links across locations with options to restrict user access to selected Business Views thereby taking care of your user management and security needs. To top all of this, OpManager also offers over 100 widgets that can be used in customizable Dashboards (with CCTV views) - tailored to suit the admins' network monitoring needs.

Record, schedule, and publish data, on the go

Reports: Record, schedule, and publish data, on the go

OpManager provides over 200 reports on various network metrics with exclusive Top 'N' reports that show the top 10 resources (high/low) to quickly gain an understanding of the network. There are various network monitor reports for WAN health, ESX VMware servers, Active Directory, MSSQL servers, Exchange servers, and many more that can be scheduled on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis or for a custom period with an option to email or publish the reports. Monitor network, server, and other devices and generate custom reports based on your network monitoring needs.

Network devices monitored

Router
Switch
Printer
Storage
WAN
VPN
UPS
Wireless
Services
Processes
URL
File and Folder
Event logs
Virtual machines
Interfaces
Router

Optimize bandwidth allocations and ensure high network availability by constantly monitoring routers with OpManager.

Learn more
Switch

Keep track of switch health, port availability, port-wise traffic and more and ensure high switch performance with OpManager.

Learn more
Printer

Monitor critical printer performance parameters, toner levels, cartridge levels and more with OpManager's scalable printer monitoring software.

Learn more
Storage

Monitor and manage storage RAIDs, tape libraries and fabric switches effectively with OpManager's storage monitoring and forecasting capabilities.

Learn more
WAN

Ensure high availability of mission-critical applications with OpManager's edge-to-edge WAN performance monitoring.

Learn more
VPN

Analyze VPN tunnels and related entities effectively with OpManager's VPN performance monitoring.

Learn more
UPS

Track UPS performance, audit power management events, and avert unforeseen power outages to ensure uninterrupted network operations.

Learn more
Wireless

Ensure seamless wireless networking experience with OpManager's comprehensive wireless network monitoring.

Learn more
Services

Enhance server performance by ensuring service availability with OpManager's service monitoring.

Learn more
Processes

Leverage OpManager's proactive process monitoring for critical processes running on Windows, Linux, Solaris, Unix, HP UX, IBM AIX, ESX VMware servers etc. through SNMP/WMI/CLI.

Learn more
URL

Keep URLs, virtual hosts and intranet under control with OpManager's real-time URL monitroring.

Learn more
File and Folder

Track changes made to any file/folder in a jiffy with OpManager's file/folder monitoring systems.

Learn more
Event logs

Gain real-time insights of network's performance by tracking network event logs from time to time with OpManager's event log monitoring.

Learn more
Virtual machines

Monitor multiple VMs from a centralized console. OpManager provides comprehensive virtual server management for your VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, or Citrix Xen host and associated virtual machines in real-time.

Learn more
Interfaces

Monitor availability status of interfaces and monitor traffic speed on the interface, errors, discards, etc. using OpManager.

Learn more

Key network performance metrics monitored

  • Disk utilization
  • Balloon memory
  • Memory overhead
  • CPU usage
  • CPU wait
  • CPU used
  • Memory swapOut and swapIn rate
  • Network transmission rate
  • Buffer failures
  • SSID client count
  • Active session count
  • Fan status
  • Power supply status
  • I/O latency and more
Memory usage monitoring

Avert disk space issues with the OpManager's real-time monitoring of disk utilization metrics.

Learn more
CPU monitoring

Track CPU usage related stats and keep CPU utilization in check with OpManager.

Learn more
Network Latency monitoring

Achieve faster response time by closely monitoring network latency with OpManager.

Learn more
 

Why choose OpManager as your network monitor solution?

User-friendly

A self-reliant network monitor solution that does not mandate consulting.

Cost-efficient

Transparent pricing options, multiple editions to choose from, including a free edition and free trial with the advantage to migrate seamlessly to the commercial versions.

Easy Integration

Options to integrate with software from the ManageEngine suite for monitoring each and every aspect of the network.

Credibility

With recognition from Gartner, Network World, Infotech, etc., OpManager is the choice of over 1 million IT admins over the world.

Future-ready

Constant upgrades and feature releases at no extra cost.

Support

24x5 technical support.

Empower your knowledge on network monitoring in IT.

Learn more

FAQs on Network monitor

  • What is a network monitor?

    A network monitor is a system designed to monitor and troubleshoot issues raised in the network. It pings the devices present in the environment and gathers information on various performance metrics like availability, traffic, bandwidth utilization and much more.

  • How to monitor network performance?

    To monitor the network performance, various network performance tests are carried out. This can be done effectively with the help of a specific network monitoring tool that assigns specific performance monitors for the critical operations in the network.

  • Why is a network monitor needed?

    A network monitor is essential for the following reasons:

    • To keep an eye on the availability and health of network devices, such as routers, firewalls, switches, servers, VMs and more, and optimize their overall performance.
    • To diagnose and troubleshoot faults quickly, thereby preserving network uptime and preventing business losses.
    • To gain in-depth visibility into network architecture and see the bigger picture of network operations.
  • What does a network monitor do?

    Network monitor discovers network devices with the help of various protocols such as SNMP, WMI, etc., and adds them to the inventory. With a wide range of performance monitors available, network monitor scrutinizes the performance of every critical network metric with the set thresholds. When the threshold value is breached, the network monitor sends alerts to network admins via email, SMS, web alarms and more, indicating faults.

Loved by customers all over the world

 

“Easy Implementation, Excellent support & Lower Cost Tool - Team Lead, IT Services Industry”

Reviewer Role: Infrastructure and Operations

Company size: 500M - 1B USD

We have been using OpManager since 2011 and our overall experience has been excellent. The tool plays a vital role in providing the value to our organization and to the customers we are supporting. The support is excellent and staff takes full responsibilities in resolving the issues. Innovation is never stopping and clearly visible with newer versions.

“OpManager - 10 steps ahead of the competition, one step away from being unequaled - Network Services Manager, Government Organization”

Reviewer Role: Infrastructure and Operations

Company size: 5,000 - 50,000 Employees

I have a long standing relationship with ManageEngine. OpManager has always missed one or two features that would make it truly the best tool on the market, but over it is the most comprehensive and easy to use the product on the market.

“Easy Implementation with a feature rich catalogue, support has some room for improvement - NOC Manager, IT Services Industry”

Reviewer Role: Program and Portfolio Management

Company size: 500M - 1B USD

The vendor has been supportive during the implementation & POC phases providing trial licenses. Feature requests and feedbacks is usually acted upon swiftly. There was sufficient vendor support during the implementation phase. After deployment, the support is more than adequate, where the vendor could make some improvements.

“Great Monitoring tool - CIO in Finance Industry”

Reviewer Role: CIO

Company size: 1B - 3B USD

ManageEngine provides a suite of tools that have made improvements to the availability of our internal applications. From monitoring, management and alerting, we have been able to peak performance within our data center.

“Simple Implementation, Easy To Use. Very Intuitive. - Principle Engineer in IT Services”

Reviewer Role: Enterprise Architecture and Technology Innovation

Company size: 250M - 500M USD

 

ManageEngine support was responsive to all our queries.

Capterra
Getapp
Software Advice
G2
Altaleb Alshenqiti

“OpManager helps me monitor all aspects of the data-center and equipment like servers, switches and routers. It is fast, intuitive and centralized and you do not need to be an expert to deal with OpManager.”

Altaleb Alshenqiti

NGHA

Donald Stewart

“Donald Stewart, IT Manager of Crest Industries is happy with ManageEngine OpManager for its end-to-end network monitoring software. It is easy-to-use and offers fault and performance management for router.”

Donald Stewart

IT Manager, Crest Industries

John Rosser

“John Rosser, MIS Manager of Yale Chase talks about the proactive nature of ManageEngine OpManager & how his organisation gained value from it.”

John Rosser

MIS Manager

Keep your network fault-free and first-rate with OpManager

Download 30-day free trial

All-in-One Monitoring Solution

Mobile Application
 
 
 Pricing  Get Quote