They can use the computed data to build graphs depicting the evolution of the monitored parameters over time.

They typically rely on the Simple Network Management Protocol or SNMP to poll routers, read their interface counters and compute the amount of traffic going through their interfaces. Specialized analysis tools can measure how much data is transported on each router interface. Network bandwidth analysis is the most basic type of network analysis. Other tools, as weвЂ™re about to find out, use a different approach to get details about individual data flows and build reports that not only show how much data goes by but also what that data is, where itвЂ™s coming from and where itвЂ™s going to. Some can poll devices to get their interfacesвЂ™ traffic figures and to show you how much data travels through them. To effectively analyze network traffic, specialized tools must be used. Network traffic is hidden within networking devices, copper cables or glass fibres and it travels at the speed of light way too fast for anyone to see it. But while automobile traffic is visible and any problem or congestion is readily observable, seeing whatвЂ™s going on within a network can be a bit more complex. Network traffic is often compared to road traffic where network circuits can be thought of as highways and the data packets they transport are compared to the vehicles travelling along them. WeвЂ™ll finish with the best, our brief reviews of the best bandwidth analysis and the best flow analysis tools. Our next order of business will be a short explanation of the Simple Network Management Protocol as it is the most-used technology for bandwidth analysis followed by a similar exploration of the NetFlow technology, the most common flow analysis method.

bandwidth analysis) and qualitative (i.e. Then, weвЂ™ll explain the differences between the two main types of analysis, quantitative (i.e. WeвЂ™ll begin our journey by having a deeper look at network analysis, exploring what it is and how itвЂ™s done. Our hope is that our reviews of the top product can help you compare what is available and select the product-or products-that best matches your specific needs. This is why weвЂ™re about to review some of the best network analysis tools. But letвЂ™s face it, it is something that is best left to computers to handle. It is also one of the best tools for capacity planning.

It is, however, a very useful process as it can provide precious assistance when troubleshooting various networking issues. Network analysis, or the process of вЂњlookingвЂќ at network traffic and trying to understand it, is a complex endeavour.

Home wireless network analysis tools