Item: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
Rating: 9
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We utilize SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) to monitor device health at all layers of our network (switches, routers, wireless controllers, etc.). The dashboard allows us to quickly identify problems such as down devices, bandwidth spikes, dropped packets, and high CPU utilization. Particularly useful is the notification system that alerts our network team when a device is not reachable.

Pros and Cons

Easy identification of network issues
Notification when critical systems are offline
The "Network Top 10" dashboard is all-around great

Upgrading the software can be tedious
Managing/creating reports could be faster
Overall, no major complaints

Return on Investment

Positive - quickly identify hardware issues and maximize uptime
Positive - aids in performance tuning across our network
Positive - allows for customized notifications when a critical event occurs

Key Insights

Do you think SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)'s feature set?

Yes

Did SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) again?

Yes

Other Software Used

SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM), Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Cisco DNA Center

Likelihood to Recommend

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) should be considered by anyone who is in charge of managing a medium to large network. It allows for a high degree of oversight of your topology and helps with resolving issues quickly. Also, setting up devices to be monitored can be as simple, or granular, as you like. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) may not be as well suited for smaller, less complex networks.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) - Know Your Network

Overall Satisfaction with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)