As, we are living in the world of technology, it has become crucial for any organization to establish a stable and efficient network. As we are getting engaged more with online activities and data transfers, we should monitor our network conditions. A Network Traffic Bandwidth Monitor as per the requirement can be defined as a Network Bandwidth Monitor which is the ideal tool to track and avoid bandwidth traffic concerns that prevent smooth configuration of data streams. But with an inflow of products to this market, what should one consider when selecting a bandwidth monitoring tool? Here I would like to focus on mastering the most significant factors that promise a great impact on network performance management.

1. Real-time Monitoring

It is also important having real-time analysis as one of this monitor’s paramount functionalities; network traffic bandwidth monitor. For the current feature, this feature allows the network administrators to be informed of the current situation as pertains to bandwidth. Real time monitoring assists in detecting abrupt increase in traffic, suspecting probable security threats, and solve networking problems before they worsen. When choosing a tool make sure the tool offers real time data and refreshes it often so it offers the most relevant information.

2. Bandwidth Usage Reporting

Even while real-time bandwidth data is required, it is equally useful to have comprehensive reports of historical usage. An ideal Network Bandwidth Monitor must provide a number of features, which enable one to track the previous network trends. These reports enable you to understand the trends, who the ‘heavy hitters’ on your network are, or if you are going to need more bandwidth in the future. Search for those tools that provide an opportunity for the creation of reports that meet your needs for the analysis of the networks.

3. Customizable Alerts

Preventive network management is in essence a form of anticipatory action. The best network traffic bandwidth monitor should have the following features: one of these features is the ability to trigger alerts. By using this feature it possible to define certain percentage as a limit to the bandwidth usage and get an alert once the limit is reached. It also allows you to address potential issues to do with high usage or strange traffic patterns. Customizable alerts also enable you to adjust the tool to provide a better fit for your network, and you don’t have to be caught by a shock of its utilization.

4. Detailed Traffic Analysis

What a network bandwidth monitor should ideally be is something that can portray data and not just information on your screen. Select applications which offer detailed traffic utilisation that is segmented according to device, application, protocol, or user. Such coarse view of your network can be used to identify that particular traversal of the network which demands the most resources and whether there is anything fishy about it. Traffic analysis, for instance, can help you fine-tune your networking and identify those applications that ought to receive priority.

5. Scalability

Your network’s requirements will often evolve and so also should your network traffic bandwidth monitor. Another aspect to bear in mind when selecting the network analyzer is scalability since your organization may experience network extension in the future. Any tool that is built to scale allows you to keep rating bandwidth as effectively when the device, users and traffic are many as when there are one or two. Long term success requires selecting a solution that can be properly adjusted for the current needs of your network.

6. User-friendly Interface

Consequently, a bandwidth monitoring tool should be user friendly so that even a layman can monitor as well as manage bandwidth effortlessly. A graphical user interface enables the network administrator to easily interact with the tool, view the data pertinent to the network, and get reports back all within a short time and with little or no training. Choose the software with an opportunity to have individual configure of dashboards, well-arranged graphs and other friendly tools which indicate the whole picture of the network. It is therefore easy to determine that a clean design means the tool becomes a plus to the actual work as opposed to an addition of more work.  

7. Some of the fields include: Integration with Existing Systems

Your network bandwidth monitor should also be integrative and integrate seamlessly with all the other tools and systems in use. Regardless of whether you some network management software or firewalls as well as security systems, the bandwidth monitoring tool should be compatible so as to provide full picture of the performance of the network. We also believe that integration has a positive effect because it saves time for switching between various platforms, and enables more efficient control and problem solving.

8. Security Features

Overall bandwidth management is within the purview of network security. The features of a good network traffic bandwidth monitor should have ways of defending you institution against intruders or consistent malicious activity. Organizations should target tools that apply protection such as encryption, access control and the like with regard to the information. These are additional security features installed in bandwidth monitor to ensure your network is secure while delivering its optimum performance.

9. Multi-location Support

Since many organizations are located in different facilities, availability of a bandwidth monitor with multi-site functions is crucial. With the aid of this feature, it becomes possible to control Bandwidth at various branches or offices from a single point. This means that you can always monitor all the networks irrespective of their geographical location to ensure that all is okay. A network bandwidth monitor with such a feature proves useful in providing an efficient method of dealing with a difficult large network.

10. Cost Efficiency

Last in our evaluation process, one must look at how much the tool costs and if the cost is reasonable. However, getting a good network traffic bandwidth monitor while not being the most expensive is also rather important. Conclusion Focus on comparing tool features and price in order to get the most cost efficient tool while not having to do without on vital options.

Conclusion

Determining the right network bandwidth monitor is by far the most important decision one has to undertake if one is interested in the performance of his/her network. Starting with the real time monitoring, and ending with the traffic analysis, each of the features is indisputably vital to the smooth functioning of your network. Therefore, by keeping the above factors into consideration such as; scalability, user interface, and security, one is able to pick the kind of tool that will perfectly suit the current and future needs.

Choose the right bandwidth monitoring tool that meets your needs and you will be fit to control, maximize and protect your network into years to come.