Page 2 of 3 Top Network Performance Monitoring Tools

Best Network Performance Monitoring Tools

Best Network Performance Monitoring Tools include: LogicMonitor, Nmap, TruView, Intermapper, ThousandEyes, and SolarWinds NPM.
A complete list of Network Performance Monitoring Tools is available here.

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Network Performance Monitoring Software Overview

What is Network Performance Monitoring Software?

A network performance monitoring system monitors the entire network for performance problems and collects performance data such as network traffic analysis performance bottlenecks, network delays, packet losses, crashed servers or other problems.

Network performance monitoring tools also ensure that any problems are mitigated such that the network is restored to optimum operating conditions.

Network Performance Monitoring Software Features & Capabilities

Automated network device discovery
Network performance monitoring
Baseline threshold calculation
Alerts
Network capacity planning
Packet capture analysis
Network mapping
Customizable reports
Wireless infrastructure monitoring
Hardware health monitoring

Network Performance Management Increasingly Important?

The IT network environment is becoming ever more complex with the proliferation of virtualized components, cloud-based services, and BYOD (Bring your own device), and understanding how resources are being consumed and why slowdowns are occurring is critically important.

In addition to standard metrics like response time, availability, and uptime, consistency and reliability are measured against clearly defined performance benchmarks and are becoming the norm. For these reasons, network performance monitoring tools are becoming crucial for IT environments.

Network Performance Monitoring Software Comparison

When considering different network performance monitoring tools, consider the following aspects of each product offering.

Scalability: Network performance monitoring solutions often include different pricing plans depending on things like the number of connected devices. When purchasing a network performance monitoring solution, consider how much growth you expect for your network. Be sure to select a solution that can handle your needs both now and for the foreseeable future.
Security: Some network performance monitoring tools include security features to protect your network, but some do not. Even tools that do offer security features are not usually as robust as fully-featured network security tools. Consider what security features each network performance monitoring tool offers and supplement it with appropriate security software.
Requirements: Network monitoring tools widely vary in the features they provide. Simple, less expensive solutions may alert you to any network downtime. In contrast, more advanced solutions provide detailed information that allows for problem-solving before issues affect end-users. Consider what advanced features you need when choosing a network monitoring tool.

Start a Network Performance Monitoring Comparison

Pricing Information

Network performance monitoring tools are most commonly sold as a one-time license or perpetually licensed, although limited free versions are often available for very small networks. Network performance monitoring pricing scales with the scope of the buyer's network. One-time purchase plans are usually structured as tiers of coverage, with each tier providing support up to a certain threshold of devices and/or servers. Perpetual licenses are more granular, with pricing scaling per device monitored. Network performance monitoring plans targeted towards smaller business networks start around $2,000 for one-time purchases and can range up towards $60,000 for large-scale enterprise plans. Perpetual license pricing can vary as well. Some open-source network monitoring tools are free to use but may require more advanced users for setup and maintenance.

Additionally, some network performance monitoring software is open-source and free to use. For these products, vendor support and/or official add-ons may be paid services on top of the free platform.

Colasoft Capsa

1 Ratings

Colasoft Capsa is a network performance monitoring and protocol analyzing tool. Capsa provides core monitoring features, as well as automated diagnostics and packet decoding. Colasoft offers a limited free version of the software.

PingPlotter

3 Ratings

PingPlotter is a graphical traceroute and ping tool that visualizes network performance in a way that makes identifying the source of problems quicker and easier for everyone from online gamers and video streamers to VoIP admins and IT pros. Features for remote deployment, network monitoring, script…

Cisco Data Center Network Manager

16 Ratings

Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) is a monitoring and management platform. It is optimized for large organizations and enterprises, particularly with data centers.