Best Tools for Monitoring Network Usage in Real Time

Networks are the backbone of modern businesses, connecting countless computers, servers, and devices. For an IT professional, keeping an eye on network usage is critical for smooth operations. In this article, we will dive deep into some of the best tools for monitoring network usage in real time.

Understanding your network's bandwidth allocation, deciphering who or what might be hogging resources, and responding to issues in real time can be demanding, but with the right software at your fingertips, it need not be a headache. Here are our top five tools for real-time network monitoring.

1. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

SolarWinds has been a heavy-weight in the network monitoring field for several years, and their Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is a comprehensive tool well worth considering. It does a commendable job of tracking network usage in real-time, offering advanced features such as customizable network topology and path visualization, intelligent mapping, and automatic detection of network devices.

The alerting feature of the NPM is a standout, capable of diagnosing potential issues before they become significant problems. This proactive approach allows teams to maintain network stability and uptime.

2. PRTG Network Monitor

The PRTG Network Monitor from Paessler is another fantastic tool that provides a holistic view of your network. It can monitor traffic, applications, bandwidth, cloud services, databases, virtual environments and much more in real-time.

With its user-friendly interface, the PRTG Network Monitor has a short learning curve. Its customizable dashboard that displays real-time data and long-term trends makes network monitoring a comparatively hassle-free task.

3. Nagios

Regarded as one of the pioneers in network monitoring, Nagios provides both an open-source solution (Nagios Core) and a commercial product (Nagios XI) that offers additional features and support. Nagios is renowned for its effective real-time monitoring and instant alerts for network issues.

While Nagios may require more technical expertise to set up and administer than some other tools, its robust capabilities and flexibility make it a favourite among many IT professionals.

4. Zabbix

As a free and open-source option, Zabbix also commands a robust reputation in the industry. Its ability to monitor millions of metrics in real-time, its customizable reports, and its intuitive alerting system, make it a popular choice among businesses of all sizes.

Zabbix also offers inventory tracking, making it easier for IT teams to manage assets and understand what hardware and software is on the network.

5. Wireshark

Wireshark is another open-source tool best suited for packet analysis on your network. It is one of the top choices for network professionals when debugging is needed. Very resourceful for network diagnosis in real-time, Wireshark delivers deep insight into what's happening on your network at a microscopic level.

The power of Wireshark may initially seem overwhelming to newcomers, but once familiar with the interface, it surely becomes an indispensable tool.

These five tools for monitoring network usage in real time each bring unique capabilities to the table and offer value irrespective of the complexity of your network. Since each network's requirements differ, it may be worthwhile to try a few different tools to see which best meets your needs. The critical aspect is to ensure reliability, quick response times and, ultimately, a network that supports and drives your business objectives.