Network monitoring is a powerful tool for network administrators to keep their networks running smoothly. It provides important data about the performance of the network and can help identify potential issues before they become problems. However, there are pros and cons associated with this type of monitoring that must be considered.
Pros:
1. Early Detection of Issues
Network monitoring allows administrators to detect problems early on so they can be quickly dealt with before they cause major disruptions to the network or its users. The data gathered by the monitoring system can be used to create reports that provide valuable information on the health of the network.
2. Improved Performance
By keeping an eye on the network performance metrics, administrators can optimize settings and make adjustments as needed to improve overall performance. When done properly, this can result in faster, smoother operations and increased efficiency.
3. Increased Security
Network monitoring can provide visibility into areas of the network that may have security vulnerabilities. Administrators can make adjustments to secure the network against potential attacks.
Cons:
1. High Cost
Network monitoring tools can be expensive, which may not be feasible for some organizations. There are also additional costs associated with staff training and maintenance of the monitoring tools.
2. False Positives
The data generated by network monitoring may not always be accurate and could lead to false alarms or inaccurate conclusions. When this happens, valuable time and resources are wasted on investigating the issue when it may not even exist.
3. Time Consuming
Network monitoring takes time and resources, making it difficult for administrators to give their full attention to other tasks in the organization. There is also a risk of administrators becoming overwhelmed by the amount of data generated by the monitoring system.
In conclusion, network monitoring is a valuable tool for any organization that wants to ensure its networks are performing optimally and remain secure from intruders. However, there are costs associated with this process as well as potential inaccuracies or false alarms that must be taken into consideration. Administrators should carefully weigh the pros and cons of network monitoring to determine if it is the right choice for their organization.