The Problem of Monitoring in Packet Networks | Access 2 Knowledge

The Problem of Monitoring in Packet Networks

 

 

Monitoring telecommunications networks used to be a relatively straightforward task. Before the advent of the internet, the communications network was essentially a simple ‘pipe’ that carried simple data. There was basically voice data and the occasional fax, supported by a signalling path that set up and administered the network. In those days monitoring (or ‘tapping’) the network was a simple process. Relevant calls could be quickly and easily identified and recording them did not require particularly sophisticated equipment. All that changed when the internet came along.

 

The internet works differently to traditional telephone networks in that internet applications (including the World Wide Web) communicate in packets. Rather than sending a single stream of data, packet networks chop and splice data into many different sections which are sent in a haphazard (though not random) way. This has made it very difficult for network monitoringapplications.

 

Network monitoring software is a packet capture and network protocol analyser that often translates complex protocols into an understandable language. This allows it to pinpoint where problems occur. These systems now have to investigate individual packets to determine what they are (voice, email, facebook, Skype) and it a very useful tool for network professionals who want a quick detection and fix solution to network errors instead of having to do it manually. It is only thanks to very fast hardware and specialised equipment that network monitoring is possible.

 

Network monitors, in the same way that intrusion detection systems monitors a network for threats from the outside, provide information on network related problems from the inside and can do so even before a problem develops. The monitoring software also provides guidance on how to improve the network. Network monitors pinpoint log files and charts of performance that are assigned to check a system’s responses and capabilities. It is essential that the right network monitoring software is used in order to achieve the best results.
Proper network monitoring software can identify future and present network related problems even before the problem develops or the system overloads and/or crashes. It is a good idea to dedicate a part of your system to the monitoring of the rest. While the other systems are performing their vital functions one (or more) systems can “police” the network. Network monitorsare continuously analysing the computer network for outright failings and even slow systems. In the case of an outage the software can automatically alert the network administrator(s), identifying the issue and suggesting the best action to take.

 

Mike is a freelance writer who writes on different topics such as technology, business and gadgets. He holds bachelor’s degree in electronics. His famous articles includes article on network monitoring. He loves to travel and make new friends.

Marketing, Technology | January 16, 2013

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The Problem of Monitoring in Packet Networks

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