Network troubleshooting tools, along with forensics appliances and software, help administrators and technicians locate where problems and bottlenecks are occurring, perform root cause analysis, and (some) perform threat detection and packet analysis (traffic intercepting and logging) functions.
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Network Troubleshooting Tools are products that offer administrators a range of options to ensure the ongoing performance of their network. Network Troubleshooting Tools track network access, analyze network health, log unexpected behavior, and record end-user statistics. Network Troubleshooting Tools can also provide proactive problem solving solutions such as network penetration testing, dynamic traffic flow compensation, and automated device and host discovery.
Because of their range of applications, Network Troubleshooting Tools are useful for IT personnel in a number of ways. They can help to determine the source of a network issue, identify vulnerable endpoints, and generate reports on resource utilizations. Most importantly, Network Troubleshooting Tools can automate many everyday network maintenance and troubleshooting tasks, allowing users to focus on critical or unique concerns.
Network Troubleshooting Tools combine aspects of Network Diagnostics Tools and Network Performance Monitoring Tools under a single platform. However, compared to tools in those categories, Network Troubleshooting Tools are more focused on capturing network issue snapshots and addressing those issues autonomously. Network Troubleshooting Tools can diagnose and monitor performance to some degree, with the added benefit of pinpointing and resolving issues such as devices not connecting correctly or missing network items from a previously established asset inventory.
The most common Network Troubleshooting Tools features are:
When choosing the best Network Troubleshooting Tools for you, consider the following:
Open-source vs. managed product. Open-source Network Troubleshooting Tools provide free, user-managed options to handle network maintenance. Open-source solutions have modular tools and low costs, making them great for small businesses or administrators who prefer to have greater control over their tools. However, they may be limited in the types of routers, switches, serial controllers, or other devices they are compatible with, and they require installation and maintenance to be performed by the end user. A managed service, by contrast, has a third party handle the updating and deployment of the product on behalf of the end-user, at the expense of removing some direct control from the administrator. Open-source and managed Network Troubleshooting Tools have a remarkable degree of compatibility, however, so hybrid solutions and easy transition between products are possible.
Multiplatform support. If you have a network that uses multiple platforms, you’ll want a tool that can address issues on many operating systems and devices. For example, ManageEngine OpUtils can support Windows and Linux, but not macOS. Additionally, some products such as Cisco Network Assistant can only interface with proprietary devices, so if you plan to use non-Cisco routers or access points, this product will have limited use to you.
Network size. The size of your network can factor into which product is best for you. Small businesses or networks managed from a home may not benefit from the price point of a toolwhich is geared more toward large businesses and enterprises. While this product does automate many network maintenance tasks, this service can be functionally replaced with open-source or free plans at a fraction of the cost.
There are many free open-source and free plans from managed services, making Network Troubleshooting Tools a very accessible performance solution for small businesses. Paid plans range between $15 and $1300 per month, with pricing varied based on the number of anticipated users, size of network it can support, and range of tools and services provided. Vendors offer free trials of paid versions, as well as customizable pricing plans.
