Item: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
Rating: 8
Author: Matt Brown

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

After researching many network monitoring tools, I decided to go with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor for our network. The SolarWinds NPM was really easy to set up and I was generating reports almost immediately. The real time band width graphs allow me to monitor the WAN connection to each site and the nodes at those sites. This makes it really easy to spot band width spikes during off peak times and trouble shoot any issues.

Pros and Cons

Top 5 end points tells you where your traffic is going.
Real time band width monitors.
Covers my entire network.

An easier way to build custom reports.
I can only get the best views in IE.

Return on Investment

Easier trouble shooting.

Alternatives Considered

Cacti

I like the overall layout and functionality of the SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor. I found the user interface of other software to be lacking the ease of use that SolarWinds offers.

Other Software Used

SolarWinds Netflow Traffic Analyzer, SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

Likelihood to Recommend

I think the SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is great for any company that does any type of networking. I previously worked at a manufacturing plant that could have really used these tools. It may not be appropriate for companies that have only a few computers and a small wired network.

SolarWinds NPM

Overall Satisfaction with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor