Best 5 Ways to Monitor Internet Traffic
We are in a world where we are reaping big on the benefits of internet connectivity. On the flip side, this also presents quite a challenge in managing network traffic for effective data security and optimal network device performance. Well, this is where internet traffic monitoring comes in handy.
In fact, there are some nice tools and techniques that make it easier to gather insights into usage patterns, performance metrics, security threats, and other relevant information. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about internet traffic monitoring including the best tools you can use to manage your network security and performance.
Part 1 : What is Internet Traffic Monitoring?
For starters, internet traffic monitoring is essentially the process of analyzing incoming and outgoing internet data packets on target devices or networks.
This is done for a number of reasons: for instance, it could be for security reasons, that is, to help detect threats such as malware and intrusions. It is also done for the purposes of performance monitoring, or rather, to help in optimizing network operations.
This includes troubleshooting to resolve issues, and capacity planning to prepare for future infrastructure needs based on traffic patterns and more.
Part 2 : Benefits of Monitoring Internet Traffic
Internet traffic monitoring isn’t just essential for maintaining network security, and optimizing performance, there are many other benefits:
1. Data Security and Regulatory Compliance
One of the key facets of a network internet monitoring system is to identify and block malicious data packets that can tamper with data security in the network or devices.
These interventions not only protect data but ensure the enterprise meets the regulatory requirements on data security and privacy.
2. Improved Network Performance
You can monitor internet traffic parameters like packet loss, traffic latency, and bandwidth usage that will allow you to evaluate important performance metrics of their network and proactively address them.
3. Better User Experience
Monitoring internet traffic enables organizations to identify threats and address bottlenecks in the network. This smooth/flawless network ensures seamless employee operation and better customer experience.
4. Better Planning
Network monitoring gives an enterprise insight into its system performance, network usage, and capacity among others. Therefore, it becomes easier to plan for future needs and network upgrades.
5. Better Workforce Productivity
You can monitor employee device traffic thus you can get insights into employee behavior and their impact on overall work productivity. This allows the administration to confidently deploy the right policies to curb misbehavior and boost productivity.
6. Efficient Troubleshooting
Network monitoring tools often give an enterprise the ability to visualize the network. It can help generate network maps that include connected devices and real-time status. This helps them save time on troubleshooting.
Part 3 : Best Ways to Monitor Internet Traffic
There are several practical ways to monitor internet traffic. Of course, each method uses unique techniques and is suited for different situations, networks, and devices. Here are some of the common ways to monitor internet traffic.
1Software monitoring
Software monitoring is a flexible and popular type of internet traffic monitoring where internet monitoring software is installed in a computer to monitor a network or devices in a network.
The operator uses the software console to drill into and check various internet parameters like bandwidth usage and latency. Such software can also generate reports, provide real-time alerts, and application programming interfaces for easy integration with other systems.
Some of the popular examples of software-based internet traffic monitoring tools include Wireshare, SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, Auvik, PRTG, and Checkmk among others.
2Hardware Monitoring
Hardware Monitoring involves the use of hardware devices to monitor the security and performance of internet traffic. Often, this security hardware device is installed in a strategic position in a network infrastructure to capture important internet traffic metrics and filter harmful or unwanted data packets in a network.
A good example of a hardware-based internet monitoring system is the use of a firewall. A firewall, based on protocols and other policies, can block or limit the entry of suspicious data packets into a network. It can be installed at the entry to the network or device based on the needs of the enterprise.
3Cloud-Based Monitoring
Cloud-based internet monitoring involves the use of cloud monitoring systems to obtain insights into enterprise cloud resources like network traffic, usage, and storage in the cloud environment.
A cloud monitoring solution gives you visibility to these resources and relevant parameters to ascertain whether they are functioning optimally or meet the desired security requirements.
These services can come as Software as a Service(SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a service (Iaas), Function as a service (FaaS), and app hosting services such as Heroku.
4Router-Based Monitoring
This is a form of Internet network monitoring that involves using a router's capabilities to observe and analyze network traffic passing through it.
This way you can monitor traffic at the point where data enters or exits the network from a centralized view.
A good example of a router-based traffic monitoring tool is Cisco's NetFlow. NetFlow is a network protocol developed by Cisco that allows routers and switches to collect and export information about IP traffic flows passing through them.
5MDM Solution for Network Usage Monitoring
Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions are also becoming one of the highly-leverage types of internet traffic monitoring systems in enterprises owing to their versatility and ease of scaling.
This technology involves deploying MDM software on a device (managed by the IT or admin) to monitor and control end devices like smartphones and other portable devices of an enterprise.
These devices could be locally or remotely located. The IT team can sets policies to control app/device usage and monitor data across devices for security and workflow efficiency.
A good example of a highly scalable and easy-to-deploy MDM solution is Airdroid Business.
Part 4 : How to Choose a Network Traffic Monitoring Tool?
It is worth noting that your choice of network traffic monitoring tool can make or break the efficacy and success of your network monitoring. While this is true, choosing a suitable traffic monitoring tool is also not an easy task.
You ought to consider an array of factors to ensure your choice reflects your needs within your budget.
Here are some of the things to consider when choosing a network traffic monitoring tool:
For Work Purpose
● Ease of Deployment and Integration - A network monitoring tool that is easy to install and deploy across the network and devices running on different platforms. The faster the tool gets running the better because you will mobilize less resources and time.
● Scalability- Every enterprise yearns for growth and will probably invest in more network devices, gadgets, and workforce in the future. Therefore, you need to consider an internet monitoring system that easily allows additional network devices without the need to add extra resources.
● Monitoring Features- A good internet monitoring tool should provide a platform to monitor various important aspects of the network traffic. It should organize, make them easily accessible, and provide real-time information for easy detection and troubleshooting.
● Reporting- A proper internet traffic monitoring tool should keep a log of traffic data and provide reports when needed. The reports should contain relevant information and should be easy to interpret.
For Parental Purpose
● Easy to use and integrate- Parents are not tech gurus and therefore need a solution that can easily be deployed across kids’ devices or networks without involving IT support.
● Security- A good parental internet monitoring tool should provide adequate security features to block suspicious sites, unwanted sites, corrupted data, and apps on the target device.
● History logs- For effective parental control, a monitoring tool should allow parents to check history logs on the child's device to be sure they are visiting the right sites and that the unwanted channels are blocked/restricted.
Summary
Internet traffic monitoring has become immensely important for both personal and enterprise needs. Remember, there are many tools that can help you make every facet of traffic monitoring easy. You simply need to pick a network monitoring tool that suits your use case best and you’re bound to transform your network security and workflows!
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