Network troubleshooting tools help technicians find, analyze, and solve network issues.
Networks contain a large number of potential failure points. Hardware or software problems at one point in the network can cause interruptions, bottlenecks, and outages for many users. Network troubleshooting tools aim to help technicians solve these issues quickly and reliably.
Network troubleshooting tools monitor and analyze network traffic. Users can analyze the network in real-time or save reports for later analysis. Some vendors offer graphical assistance to help users identify where and when problems occur. These interfaces may include customizable data charts, visual network maps, and lists of network elements with their status.
Some vendors also offer network configuration tools. These tools are used for network management tasks, such as automation, compliance, and vulnerability assessment. These tools may support integration with the vendor’s network troubleshooting tools.
Most vendors offering network troubleshooting tools include these basic features:
Real-time monitoring of network traffic
Data archiving for later analysis or comparison
Support for VoIP monitoring
Support for wide-area networks (WAN)
Some vendors offer additional features, including:
Graphical representations of network elements and traffic
Automatic network mapping
Highlighting of potential problems
Lists of network elements and their status
Customizable alerts to notify technicians of problems
Network management toolsets
Pricing for network troubleshooting tools can vary based on the feature set, the size of the network, and the amount of data analyzed. Vendors may offer free trials or free tiers with limited features. Some network troubleshooting tools are open-source and free.
Some vendors charge by the number of elements - routers, switches, servers, and access points - in the network. Pricing ranges from under $3,000.00 for up to 100 elements to over $30,000.00 for unlimited elements.
Other vendors charge by feature set. These tiers range from under $300.00 per license for lower tiers to over $1,000.00 per license for higher tiers.
Vendors with one-time licensing fees may offer yearly maintenance and support plans. The prices listed here are licensing fees. Additionally, some vendors offer a yearly rate based on your requirements.
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, from Austin-based SolarWinds, is a network monitoring option.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is network diagnostics and troubleshooting technology, from Austin-based SolarWinds.
Wireshark is an open source network troubleshooting tool.
ThousandEyes, from the company of the same name in San Francisco, is network performance monitoring technology.
OneTouch AT Network Assistant is network troubleshooting technology acquired from Seattle-based Fluke Networks by NETSCOUT in 2015.
Capsa from Tulsa, Oklahoma based Colasoft, is network troubleshooting technology.
OptiView XG is a wireless network troubleshooting device acquired by NETSCOUT from Seattle-based Fluke Networks in 2015.
LinkSprinter is a network diagnostics and troubleshooting tool acquired from Seattle-based Fluke Networks by NETSCOUT in 2015.
EndaceVision is a browser-based application supporting network troubleshooting formerly from Endace, an independent company headquartered in New Zealand once divested from its parent Emulex, while the rest of that company was acquired and merged into Broadcom / Avago Technologies.
AirMagnet Spectrum XT is network troubleshooting technology, developed by Seattle-based Fluke Networks and now owned and supported by NETSCOUT.
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