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You know you want to improve your database management process, but you need to figure out which tool is best. I've got you! I'll help make your choice easy by sharing my experiences using dozens of network monitoring software with large teams and projects.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by expensive network monitoring software, there are affordable options. Ensure smooth operations and happy users with effective network monitoring!

This comprehensive guide, created by IT experts, explores the best network monitoring solutions for your SaaS environment.

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We’ve been testing and reviewing network monitoring software since 2023. As IT specialists, we know how critical and complex it is to make the right decision when selecting software.

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested over 2,000 tools for different IT use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our hybrid cloud solution review methodology.

Best Network Monitoring Summary

Tools Price
New Relic From $25/user/month (billed annually)
Checkmk From $2,700/year (for 3,000 monitoring services)
PRTG From $2,149/year
SuperOps From $59/user/month (billed annually)
NinjaOne From $20/user/month (billed annually) + $25 base fee per month
Google Cloud Pricing upon request
ManageEngine OpManager From $20/user/month (billed annually)
Dynatrace From $21/user/month (billed annually)
LogicMonitor Pricing upon request
Netdata From $3.52/node/month
WhatsUp Gold Pricing upon request
Datadog From $15/user/month (billed annually)
Zabbix Free to use
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Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.

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How to Choose a Network Monitoring Software

While many feature-rich enterprise solutions are available, they can have hefty price tags. This guide will show you how to find inexpensive options that still provide the essential monitoring functionality you need.

As you're shortlisting, trialing, and selecting network monitoring software, consider the following:

  • What problem are you trying to solve - Start by identifying the network monitoring feature gap you're trying to fill to clarify the features and functionality the tool needs to provide.
  • Who will need to use it – To evaluate cost and requirements, consider who'll be using the platform and how many licenses you'll need. You'll need to evaluate whether just the IT team or the whole organization will require access. When that's clear, it's worth considering whether you're prioritizing ease of use for all or speed for your technical power users.
  • What other tools it needs to work with - Clarify what tools you're replacing, which are staying, and the tools you'll need to integrate with. This could include your existing network infrastructure, various data sources, and your overall tech stack. You might also need to decide if the tools will need to integrate or if you can replace multiple tools with one consolidated network monitoring software.
  • What outcomes are important - Consider the result the tool needs to deliver to succeed. Think about what capability you want to gain or what you want to improve and how you will be measuring success. You could compare network monitoring software features until you’re blue in the face, but you could be wasting a lot of valuable time if you aren’t thinking about the outcomes you want to drive.
  • How it would work within your organization Consider the solutions alongside your workflows and existing infrastructure. Evaluate what's working well and the areas that are causing issues that need to be addressed. Remember that every business is different—don’t assume that because a tool is popular it'll work in your organization.

Best Network Monitoring Software Reviews

Here you’ll find my choices for the best network monitoring software and tools:

Best for advanced and power users

  • Free plan available
  • From $25/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.3/5

New Relic’s network optimization software provides proactive alerting, deep diagnostics, and customizable dashboards for efficient network troubleshooting and optimization.

Why I picked New Relic: I liked New Relic during my evaluation because its ability to monitor your whole IT infrastructure network is quite extensive.

It has application monitoring (APM) capabilities and synthetic monitoring, where you can simulate user interactions and test the responsiveness and availability of your applications from different locations. With distributed tracing, you can visualize and trace requests as they travel across other services and components, helping you identify bottlenecks.

New Relic Standout Features and Integrations:

Features that I want to recommend for advanced users are its API monitoring capabilities, allowing you to track API performance and availability, identify slow or failed requests, and generate API usage reports.

Beyond this, it can also monitor databases, serverless functions, containers, and transaction tracing (where you can trace the performance of individual transactions within your applications, identifying slow database queries).

Integrations are available natively for 600+ options, including Ruby, Elixir, Cassandra, CentOS, Couchbase, Debian, Nagios, and OpenAI Observability. APIs are available.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable dashboards where you can visualize and analyze your data
  • Can centralize and manage your application logs
  • Generates visual service maps that show how different services in your application architecture are related

Cons:

  • High license costs
  • May take time for users to become proficient in navigating and utilizing all the features

Best for scalable IT monitoring

  • Free plan available + 30-day free trial
  • From $2,700/year (for 3,000 monitoring services)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Checkmk is a powerful network monitoring software that provides everything you need to monitor hybrid environments. That includes on-premises servers, virtual machines, network devices, applications, and cloud services. Thanks to its optimized core, it scales with ease and can fit the needs of anything from small to enterprise-level infrastructure.

Why I picked Checkmk: As a network monitoring software, Checkmk excels in offering real-time insights into network performance, identifying issues before they impact operations. It provides detailed network analytics, customizable dashboards, and an efficient alert system, making it easier for IT teams to manage network health and performance effectively without being overwhelmed by meaningless alerts. 

Checkmk Standout Features & Integrations

Features include flexible configuration and scalability, which can accommodate the monitoring needs of both small businesses and large enterprises. Additionally, the raw edition of Checkmk is open-source, offering a powerful monitoring solution without any cost. The paid versions, Enterprise and Cloud, add numerous features like automation and monitoring Kubernetes, containers, AWS, Azure, and GCP cloud services. All editions offer a predictive analytics feature to predict future system behavior and potential issues. 

Integrations include Nagios, Grafana, Prometheus, LDAP/Active Directory, Jira, PagerDuty, DataDog, ntop, and Slack.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive monitoring capabilities
  • Numerous automation options
  • High configurability

Cons:

  • Learning curve for new users
  • Potential overhead for smaller networks

Best for custom maps, dashboards, and reports

  • Free trial available
  • From $2,149/year
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Rating: 4.7/5

PRTG by Paessler is a comprehensive IT infrastructure monitoring tool that offers solutions for small, medium, and large IT environments, as well as hosted monitoring for cloud and hybrid IT. It provides real-time monitoring and alerting for network devices, bandwidth usage, and other critical network metrics.

Why I picked PRTG: I like that PRTG allows users to visualize their entire IT infrastructure through custom maps and dashboards that provide real-time data and insights, enhancing network visibility and management. Additionally, its reporting features enable the generation of detailed, customizable reports tailored to specific needs. Combined with PRTG’s ease of use, comprehensive monitoring capabilities, and flexible alerting system, it provides a robust and user-friendly solution for network monitoring needs.

PRTG Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include built-in notification methods such as email, push notifications, and HTTP requests, distributed monitoring across an unlimited number of remote locations, automatic network discovery, failover clustering, and live and historic graphs.

Integrations include Comet Backup, BackBox Automation Platform, BrightGauge, GitLab, BulkSMS.com, Google Analytics, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, AlertOps, UVexplorer, AutoMonX, SMSEagle, and ThreatSync.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Scalable for small and large networks
  • Customizable monitoring and alerting
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • More advanced features may come with a learning curve
  • High cost for larger deployments

Best for unified MSP management

  • Free trial available
  • From $59/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.6/5

SuperOps offers a network monitoring solution tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), designed to streamline and enhance network oversight. Its unified platform integrates seamlessly with RMM tools, emphasizing ease of use, real-time data visibility, and cost efficiency. Key features include effortless setup, automatic device scanning, proactive alerts, and customizable monitoring options. Upcoming updates promise network discovery, topology visualization, and detailed dashboards, aiming to improve operational efficiency and productivity for MSPs.

Why I Picked SuperOps: Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) is a type of software designed to help IT professionals manage and monitor IT infrastructure and endpoints. Incorporating network monitoring within RMM is crucial because it enables proactive identification and resolution of network issues, ensuring continuous network performance and reliability. This integration provides a holistic view of an organization’s IT environment, enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing downtime, which is essential for maintaining productivity and ensuring the security of networked systems.

SuperOps Standout Features and Integrations

Features include simple DIY setup, automated device scanning, proactive alert policies, and customizable monitoring. Future enhancements include network discovery, topology maps, and granular dashboards.

Integrations include Splashtop, Teamviewer, Connectwise Control, Xero, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Webroot, Pax8, and more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers native integrations with popular third-party software, enhancing functionality
  • Easy to use with a simple setup process, reducing the learning curve for new users
  • Unified platform that integrates network monitoring with RMM, streamlining IT operations

Cons:

  • Limited information on customization options for specific MSP needs
  • As a relatively new player, may lack some advanced features found in established competitors

Best for endpoint management and patch compliance

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $20/user/month (billed annually) + $25 base fee per month
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Rating: 4.8/5

NinjaOne is a top-rated UEM and IT management software that offers a range of solutions for IT departments and MSPs, including endpoint management, patch management, mobile device management, remote control, and endpoint backup.

Why I picked NinjaOne: When comparing different tools, NinjaOne stands out due to its comprehensive suite of features that cater to both IT departments and managed service providers (MSPs), making it a versatile choice for various organizational needs. NinjaOne differentiates itself by offering a unified platform that includes endpoint management, patch management, mobile device management, and remote control, all accessible through a single intuitive interface. This integration allows for efficient management of IT assets, which is crucial for maintaining security and operational efficiency.

NinjaOne Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include endpoint management, patch management, mobile device management, remote control, endpoint backup, RMM for MSPs, MSP backup, endpoint security, and various integrations. The platform also provides resources such as an ROI calculator and IT security fundamentals guide.

Integrations include ConnectWise Manage, Autotask PSA, HaloPSA, Accelo, SherpaDesk, RepairShopr, Harmony PSA, and Computicate PSA.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated IT compliance reporting
  • Detailed hardware and software inventory tracking
  • Efficient multi-tenant management

Cons:

  • Limited customization in dashboard design
  • Dependency on cloud infrastrucutre

Best for real-time network performance metrics

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Google Cloud is an advanced cloud computing platform offered by Google, designed to support businesses in building, deploying, and managing applications in the cloud. It encompasses a wide range of services, including computing, storage, databases, analytics, and machine learning, making it suitable for various industries and applications, from web hosting to e-commerce and industrial optimization. 

Why I picked Google Cloud: Google Cloud offers a comprehensive suite of network monitoring tools that provide strong features and significant benefits, making it an excellent choice for managing and optimizing network performance. The platform provides detailed usage metrics, uptime checks, and customizable dashboards, which offer a holistic view of the cloud environment. This level of integration not only simplifies the monitoring process but also enhances the overall observability of the network, making it easier to manage and optimize resources effectively.

Google Cloud Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include AI solutions and machine learning, application development and hosting, data analytics and pipelines, networking infrastructures, scalable storage, user access and resource allocation management services, and multi-cloud environments.

Integrations include AlloyDB, BigQuery, Cloud Search, Cloud SQL, Firestore, Gmail, Google Analytics, Google Calendar, Google Contacts, and Active Directory.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Advanced data analytics
  • Strong security measurements
  • Global network and infrastructure

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve
  • Vendor lock-in with Google integrations

Best for multi-vendor network monitoring

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $20/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

With advanced features like fault management, performance monitoring, and bandwidth analysis, OpManager helps you proactively manage and optimize your network infrastructure.

Why I picked ManageEngine OpManager: If you’re looking for a multi-vendor network monitoring solution, then I think ManageEngine OpManager is the perfect choice. It supports popular hardware vendors like HP, D-Link, Juniper, Dell, 3Com, Cisco, Force10, NETGEAR, Fortinet, and NetScreen. You can also choose a vendor of your choice as it provides 245 built-in customizable device templates. These templates save the configuration commands for all vendors, so you don’t have to remember all configurations manually.

ManageEngine OpManager Standout Features and Integrations:

Features that I appreciate are that you can monitor various servers like Hyper-V, Citrix, Nutanix HCI, and VMware. In addition, you can also monitor access points, switches, WiFi systems, wireless routers, WAN links, storage devices like storage arrays and tape libraries, and distributed networks in multiple locations.

Integrations are natively built for ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, ServiceNow, Jira Service Management, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. APIs are available.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Router performance metrics like temperature, voltage, and buffer statistics
  • Mapping and visualization of performance degradation and network outages
  • 2,000+ performance metrics for network monitoring

Cons:

  • Complex setup and configuration process
  • Limited customization options for dashboards and reports

Best for network monitoring in complex environments

  • 15-day free trial
  • From $21/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Dynatrace provides real-time visibility into your network, allowing you to monitor and analyze traffic patterns, latency, and performance metrics.

Why I picked Dynatrace: The reason I suggest Dynatrace for complex environments is it enables smooth performance for all types of network connections, like virtualized clouds and data centers, by installing agents on each host. This lets you gain insight into which processes need troubleshooting. For each process, it can track network bandwidth and connection issues.

Dynatrace Standout Features and Integrations:

Features that I like are that you can get a big picture of your entire virtualized network infrastructure. Plus, it can automatically monitor new networks that are added. You also get to see other health metrics for CPU, memory, and disk, as well as for applications, so that you understand the impact of these issues on end-users.

Integrations are pre-built for Active Directory, Adobe Analytics, Akka, Amazon DynamoDB, Ansible Tower, and Azure Virtual Machines and native for Google Analytics, Gremlin, LaunchDarkly, and Zenduty.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Alerting and notification for network outages
  • Capacity planning and forecasting for network resources
  • Can analyze network latency and packet loss

Cons:

  • Pricing structure is complex
  • No free plan

Best for cloud-based network monitoring

  • 14-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

LogicMonitor is an observability platform but comes with powerful features to manage the health and performance of your network ecosystem.

Why I picked LogicMonitor: I chose LogicMonitor because of its ability to support monitoring for SD-WAN and cloud-based networks. You can use LogicMonitor to get insights into the workings of switches, wireless devices, load balancers, routers, and firewalls. It also comes with network topology mapping that helps you understand how devices are interconnected and how data flows within the network.

LogicMonitor Standout Features and Integrations:

Features that I specifically want to call out are that you can easily enable network traffic monitoring in complex environments to get information on bandwidth allocation, packet loss, and more. It also offers log-based anomaly detection and forecasts issues that may crop up.

Integrations include more than 2,000+ native options like ServiceNow, PagerDuty, VMWare, BigPanda, Fortinet, Redis, ConnectWise, Juniper, and Twilio. APIs are available.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Auto-discovery abilities are fast
  • Portal functionality and uptime are great
  • Easy setup process

Cons:

  • Fewer customization options for user interfaces
  • No free version

Best for real-time infrastructure monitoring

  • Free plan available
  • From $3.52/node/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Netdata is an open-source observability, monitoring, and troubleshooting platform that offers high-resolution metrics, journal logs, and real-time visualizations for infrastructure monitoring.

Why I Picked Netdata: I chose Netdata for network monitoring software because it provides high-resolution metrics, real-time visualizations, and reliable alerts, distinguishing it from other options. Its open-source platform is trusted by over 1.2 million nodes online and is actively supported by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF). The tool's commitment to open-source, easy scalability, and high-fidelity data for troubleshooting emerging issues make it a top choice for real-time infrastructure monitoring.

Netdata Standout Features & Integrations

Features include alerts to notify users of any issues detected within the system, automatic anomaly detection, and automated and customizable dashboards. Additionally, the core of the Netdata ecosystem is open-source, and it includes all the monitoring features such as the database, query engine, scoring engine, health engine, and machine learning engine.

Integrations include Containers, Kubernetes Containers, Virtual Machines, Apache, Consul, Elasticsearch, OpenSearch, MySQL, Redis, Squid log files, Windows, macOS, and hundreds more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated alerts
  • Unlimited metric monitoring
  • Interactive graphs for data visualization

Cons:

  • May come with a learning curve to maximize its features
  • Insights could be more comprehensive

Other Network Monitoring Software Options

Here are some extra options you can pick from. Even though they did not make it to the best 12 list, they are still worth considering:

  1. WhatsUp Gold

    For comprehensive network monitoring

  2. Datadog

    For small businesses

  3. Zabbix

    Open-source option

  4. OPSWAT Security Score

    For Windows security scans

  5. Prometheus

    Free network monitoring tool

  6. Zenoss

    For hybrid IT infrastructure monitoring

  7. Munin Monitoring

    Free and open-source option

  8. Wireshark

    For packet analysis

  9. Nagios XI

    For enterprises

  10. Auvik

    For visual representations of networks

  11. ManageEngine Applications Manager

    For application monitoring

  12. NetCrunch

    For hybrid IT infrastructure monitoring

  13. Cacti

    For network data graphs

  14. Ntop

    For traffic analysis

  15. NMap

    For automatic discovery and security audits

  16. Spiceworks

    For non-technical users

  17. Cisco Meraki

    For security

  18. Observium

    For scalable network monitoring and graphing and ideal for large-scale deployments

  19. IBM QRadar

    For security information and event management

  20. SolarWinds

    For scalability

If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other types of tools that we've tested and evaluated.

Selection Criteria for Network Monitoring Software

To select network monitoring software for my list, I focus on a holistic view of software capabilities, integrating both foundational and innovative features. My criteria reflect a comprehensive approach to evaluating how well a product meets the practical requirements of its users, from core functionalities to user experience and support. Through firsthand trials and extensive research, I've distilled the following criteria that guide my recommendations.

Core Functionality: 25% of total weighting score

To be considered for inclusion on my list of the best network monitoring solutions, a product must support common use cases:

  • Continuous network performance monitoring
  • Automated alerting for system anomalies
  • Traffic analysis for identifying usage patterns and potential threats
  • Log management for security and compliance auditing
  • Real-time and historical data reporting for trend analysis

Additional Standout Features: 25% of total weighting score

  • Unique capabilities that set a product apart from competitors, such as advanced AI-driven anomaly detection or predictive analytics for forecasting potential network issues.
  • Examples include solutions offering detailed network topology visualization tools or integrated threat intelligence for enhanced security posture.
  • We test for innovative functionalities that elevate a product beyond basic monitoring tasks, focusing on how these features can be applied to real-world scenarios.

Usability: 10% of total weighting score

  • An intuitive interface that balances complexity with ease of use, catering to both novice users and experienced IT professionals.
  • Network monitoring solutions should feature a dashboard that provides at-a-glance insights and easy navigation to detailed data views.
  • The design aesthetic should facilitate quick understanding and action on data presented, with customizable views to suit different user preferences.

Onboarding: 10% of total weighting score

  • Quick and straightforward setup processes that allow teams to deploy and utilize the product without extensive downtime.
  • Resources like training videos, interactive product tours, and step-by-step guides that enable users to rapidly grasp the product's functionality.
  • Support for migration from previous tools, with clear guidance on integrating the new solution into existing workflows.

Customer Support: 10% of total weighting score

  • Responsive and knowledgeable support teams capable of addressing issues promptly.
  • A variety of support channels, including live chat, email, and phone, ensuring accessibility for users with different preferences.
  • Provision of a comprehensive knowledge base or FAQ section for self-service troubleshooting.

Value For Money: 10% of total weighting score

  • Pricing models that align with the features and benefits offered, ensuring organizations receive a fair return on their investment.
  • Transparent pricing structures without hidden fees, with options for scalability as the organization's needs grow.
  • Consideration of long-term costs, including updates and support, in assessing overall value.

Customer Reviews: 10% of total weighting score

  • Positive feedback from current and past users, focusing on reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Analysis of reviews to identify common trends and potential issues that might not be apparent from product specifications alone.
  • Attention to how current users rate the product's impact on solving their specific network monitoring challenges.

By applying these criteria, I ensure a thorough evaluation of network monitoring solutions, focusing on products that not only meet the standard requirements but also offer additional value. This approach aids in identifying solutions that best match your organizational needs to enhance network security and performance.

In the rapidly advancing field of network monitoring software, I've seen significant evolution and innovation aimed at addressing the complex challenges IT specialists face in maintaining robust, secure, and efficient networks. By reviewing the latest product updates, press releases, and release logs from leading tools, we can discern clear trends that indicate the direction of network monitoring technology. Here are the trends I'm tracking for 2024:

Emerging Trends in Network Monitoring Software

  • Integration of AI and Machine Learning: There's a strong trend toward incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to enhance anomaly detection and predictive analytics. These technologies allow for more proactive network management by predicting potential issues before they cause disruptions, reflecting a shift towards preventive strategies in network maintenance.
  • Enhanced Automation for Response and Remediation: Automation capabilities are evolving rapidly, with tools now offering more sophisticated automated response and remediation actions. This evolution indicates a move towards minimizing manual intervention and speeding up resolution times for detected network issues.
  • Cloud-native and SaaS Solutions: The rise of cloud-native and Software-as-a-service (SaaS) network monitoring solutions reflects a growing demand for scalability, flexibility, and ease of deployment. This trend caters to organizations increasingly adopting cloud infrastructure, requiring tools that can seamlessly monitor both on-premises and cloud environments.
  • Advanced Security Features: As network security becomes a paramount concern, monitoring tools are integrating advanced security features like threat intelligence and encrypted traffic analysis. This development suggests a convergence of network performance and security monitoring, aiming to provide a holistic view of the network's health and threat landscape.

Features Becoming Less Important

  • Traditional SNMP-Based Monitoring: The reliance on Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for device monitoring is diminishing in favor of more comprehensive and dynamic monitoring methods. This shift is driven by the need to monitor increasingly complex and distributed network architectures that SNMP alone cannot fully address.
  • Manual Configuration and Setup Processes: As automation and AI-driven configurations become more prevalent, the emphasis on manual setup and configuration processes is decreasing. This change reflects a market demand for more plug-and-play solutions that can adapt to a network's needs with minimal manual oversight.
  • Periodic Reporting Over Real-Time Insights: The importance of periodic reports is waning in favor of real-time data and alerts. In an era where network conditions can change rapidly, the need for immediate information to facilitate swift decision-making is more critical than ever.

These trends underline a broader shift towards more intelligent, automated, and flexible network monitoring solutions capable of adapting to the evolving demands of modern networks and the new best practices of monitoring them. The network monitoring software industry is poised to meet the complex requirements of today's IT environments more effectively.

What is Network Monitoring Software?

Network monitoring software is a category of monitoring tools designed to supervise and manage computer networks for performance, health, and security issues. IT professionals, network administrators, and cybersecurity teams commonly utilize these tools to ensure network infrastructure operates optimally and securely.

With these tools, businesses can proactively identify potential problems, minimize downtime, and optimize network performance, which is crucial for maintaining continuous operations and service quality. Features like real-time alerts, performance analytics, and security threat detection support this goal by offering deep visibility into network operations, facilitating swift problem resolution, and enhancing network security.

Features of Network Monitoring Software

When I research and review network monitoring software to include in my list, these are the top features I look for:

  1. Real-time Monitoring: This feature provides immediate visibility into network performance and health. It's essential for detecting anomalies as they occur, allowing for swift response to potential threats.
  2. Automated Alerts: Sends notifications based on predefined criteria or anomalies. This ensures that you are immediately informed of any suspicious activities, enabling quick action to mitigate threats.
  3. Traffic Analysis: Offers detailed insights into the data flowing through your network. Understanding traffic patterns helps identify unusual behavior that may indicate a security issue.
  4. Comprehensive Log Management: Centralizes and simplifies the collection, storage, and analysis of network logs. Log management is crucial for forensic analysis and identifying the root cause of security incidents.
  5. Vulnerability Scanning: Regularly scans your network for vulnerabilities. Keeping abreast of vulnerabilities allows you to patch them before they can be exploited by attackers.
  6. Performance Benchmarking: Establishes performance baselines for network operations. This feature helps in identifying deviations from the norm, which could signify an underlying security problem.
  7. Configuration Management: Tracks changes to network device configurations. This ensures that any unauthorized changes, which could potentially open up security vulnerabilities, are quickly detected and addressed.
  8. Bandwidth Monitoring: Monitors the use of network bandwidth. Sudden spikes in bandwidth usage can indicate a security breach, such as a DDoS attack or unauthorized data exfiltration.
  9. Network Mapping: Automatically generates a visual map of your network's devices and connections. This aids in identifying unauthorized devices on your network and potential vulnerabilities.
  10. Encryption Monitoring: Ensures that data in transit across your network is properly encrypted. Monitoring encryption helps protect against data interception and ensures compliance with security policies.

Choosing a software that includes the right combination of features to match your needs is the best way to ensure you achieve your goals. It's not just about preventing incidents; it's about creating a resilient network environment where security is continuously enforced and optimized.

Benefits of Network Monitoring Software

In an era where networks are increasingly complex and critical to business operations, network monitoring software is an essential tool for maintaining the health and efficiency of these vital systems. Here are five primary advantages of deploying network monitoring software:

  1. Enhanced Network Performance: By continuously monitoring network traffic and device performance, this software helps identify and rectify issues before they escalate, ensuring smooth and efficient network operations.
  2. Reduced Downtime: The proactive detection and alerting mechanisms allow for quick resolution of issues, significantly reducing network downtime and minimizing its impact on business operations.
  3. Improved Security Posture: Network monitoring software provides visibility into network traffic and can identify suspicious activities, thereby enhancing the overall security of the network against potential threats.
  4. Cost Savings: By preventing downtime and optimizing network performance, organizations can avoid the high costs associated with network failures and inefficient bandwidth usage.
  5. Compliance and Reporting: The ability to log network activities and generate detailed reports aids in compliance with regulatory standards and provides valuable insights for strategic planning.

The adoption of network monitoring software offers a transformative potential for organizations, streamlining their operations, enhancing security, and optimizing resource usage. These benefits not only support the technical aspects of network management but also contribute significantly to the overall strategic goals of the organization, making such software an invaluable asset in today’s digital landscape.

Costs & Pricing for Network Monitoring Software

Choosing the right network monitoring software can seem daunting, especially for those with little to no experience in the field. Various plans and pricing options are designed to cater to different sizes and types of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises. Understanding the common plan options and what they typically include can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your organization's needs and budget.

Plan Comparison Table for Network Monitoring Software

Below, I outline the various plan options along with their average pricing and common features to help you make an informed decision.

The free and budget-friendly plans are great options for those on a tight budget. They offer basic monitoring capabilities at a low cost:

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon FeaturesBest For
Free$0Basic monitoring capabilities, limited number of devices or sensors, community supportSmall businesses with simple networks or startups looking for basic monitoring functionality. Ideal for users with limited budgets or small networks that don't require advanced features.
Basic$1,500 - $3,000/yearEnhanced monitoring features, support for more devices, email support, basic reporting capabilitiesSmall and medium businesses with growing networks seeking improved monitoring capabilities and some level of support
Professional$3,500 - $7,000/yearFull monitoring suite, scalability options, advanced reporting, priority supportMedium to large businesses with complex networks requiring comprehensive monitoring, advanced reporting, and priority support for critical operations
Enterprise$10,000+/yearCustomizable features, unlimited devices, dedicated support, comprehensive security analysisLarge enterprises with highly complex networks demanding in-depth customization, unlimited scalability, dedicated support, and advanced security features

When considering network monitoring software, it's important to evaluate both the scale of your network and the complexity of your monitoring needs. Keep in mind that investing in a plan that scales with your organization can provide long-term benefits, ensuring that your network remains robust and secure as your business grows.

Network Monitoring Software Frequently Asked Questions

You can find answers to common questions about network monitoring and network monitoring tools.

Join for More Insights

With network monitoring, you can detect potential security threats, identify inefficiency, and optimize resource allocation.

Investing in network monitoring software can ensure your networks' health and proactively address issues before they become outages.

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Paulo Gardini Miguel
By Paulo Gardini Miguel

Paulo is the Director of Technology at the rapidly growing media tech company BWZ. Prior to that, he worked as a Software Engineering Manager and then Head Of Technology at Navegg, Latin America’s largest data marketplace, and as Full Stack Engineer at MapLink, which provides geolocation APIs as a service. Paulo draws insight from years of experience serving as an infrastructure architect, team leader, and product developer in rapidly scaling web environments. He’s driven to share his expertise with other technology leaders to help them build great teams, improve performance, optimize resources, and create foundations for scalability.