A Network Manager Can Help Enhance Productivity With Software That Helps Them Monitor Network Activi

By Author: Lesley Bauer
Total Articles: 7
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The network manager plays an important role in the planning and administration of the different components of a computer network. Considering the large number of hardware and software parts a network system may contain, network administration would be an arduous job if not for the presence of innovative programs that can provide IT pros with assistance in monitoring network performance and alerting admins of potential problems. Without these tools, the surveillance of all components of a computer network can be impossible because there's simply not enough time to manually perform this type of activity. And with the complexity of today's networks, there is a significant possibility that equipment failure will occur and result in potential disaster, such as loss of valuable information or even customers.

A network monitor is an essential program because it automatically detects any failure in network devices, such as servers, workstations, network printers, switches, routers, and other network-attached devices. Consider it as an "early warning system" based on filters or traps that you've configured. Being alerted at the ...
... right time of a server or network device failure can mean the difference between finding a solution to a potential problem, and scrambling to fix a service disruption while customers are waiting. With a network monitoring application installed on a server or computer, an administrator can set the application to run continuously at all times of the day and every day of the week. This also makes it possible to conveniently monitor network performance in real time or a via data capture.

Monitoring network behavior and health may also be helpful in detecting the presence of any malware that has managed to get inside the network. The software can continuously monitor various TCP ports, especially the ones that are often targeted by malicious programs such as viruses or malware. The administrator can configure this software used to monitor network behavior in such a way that he's immediately notified if any of these ports have been opened. It's also possible to check on the processes that are being executed on remote computers, and discover if any of these are dangerous or threatening to the network.

The administrator can also leverage a network monitor to check if users are using certain programs that are against a company's policy, such as media players, streaming video, and online games, particularly during office hours. This tool can also be used to make sure that the sizes of files and folders do not become too large. Examples are the temporary folders and application log files because their sizes can grow exponentially in time. Therefore, it's necessary for a monitoring program to regularly check these file sizes and warn the administrator if they're about to exceed a predetermined value. In addition, it's possible to check the free space on a user's hard drives.

Programs that are capable of monitoring various network conditions can allow network and system admins to perform their duties more efficiently. Network monitoring, which is often used to locate bottlenecks or search for defective or slow components or control hosts, is one of their vital functions. A program that does most of these activities efficiently and effectively can greatly simplify the job and help make IT management more effective.
Taylor enjoys comparing ideas for how to improve network manager operations through streamlined processes and robust software. Find Taylor's work in popular IT magazines and blogs.