About network metrics – Network performance refers to the ability of a network to send and receive data efficiently and reliably. There are several factors that affect network performance, including data transfer speed, network latency or response time, and connection reliability.
Good network performance is important in maintaining system productivity and security, and can be achieved through network topology optimization, the use of appropriate hardware and software, and continuous network monitoring and management.
Before discussing network performance further, it would be good for you to first understand the reasons why network monitoring is important in this article: The Importance of Network Monitoring.
Understanding Network Performance Monitoring
Monitoring network performance is one way to ensure that the network is functioning optimally. This is done by using a network monitoring tool that can monitor network traffic and identify problems or bottlenecks that may occur.
Reported from techtarget.com, several factors that are measured include data transfer speed, latency, and connection reliability. It is important to monitor network performance regularly to optimize network performance and prevent network disruptions or failures that can affect productivity and system security. In monitoring network performance, it is also important to follow best practices and perform routine maintenance on network hardware and software.
Important Network Metrics to Monitor
There are several network metrics that should be monitored to ensure optimal network performance, the following are some of them as reported by obkio.com:
- Throughput
This metric measures the amount of data that can be sent in a certain unit of time. This metric is important to ensure that the network can transfer data at an adequate speed. - Latency
This is the time it takes to send data between the source and target. The lower the latency, the faster the data is transferred, minimizing network response time. In addition, packet loss, aka loss of data files during transfer, is also important to monitor, because it can reduce the quality and reliability of the network connection. Meanwhile, jitter or fluctuations in network response time also need to be monitored because they can affect data transfer speed and voice or video quality. - Uptime
This is the time the network is accessed is another important metric, because it ensures that the network is always available and accessible to users. In monitoring network metrics, network monitoring software can help detect problems and provide insight into the performance of the network that can be accessed in real time.
In order to monitor some of the metrics mentioned earlier, we need to do a network performance test. Reported from techopedia.com, a network performance test is the process of measuring network performance, including throughput, latency, packet loss, and jitter. Testing can be done using special software and hardware and involves simulating different network conditions to ensure stable and reliable network performance.
The results of the network performance test can provide insight into the performance of the network that can be accessed in real time and help in fixing problems found or taking precautions before they occur. One of the tools you can rely on to monitor the network is Netmonk Prime.
