Are you having trouble with your network bandwidth? Maybe you’re not sure what’s causing the problem. If so, then you need to start using network bandwidth monitoring software.

Network bandwidth monitoring is a process used to track the amount of data passing through a network connection at any given time. This information can be used to troubleshoot network problems, optimize network usage, or simply monitor network activity.

Network bandwidth monitoring is essential for businesses that want to ensure their employees are productive and that their services are running smoothly. The right software can help you track and monitor your network traffic, so that you can identify any problems that might be occurring. Without the proper tools in place, it can be difficult to track network activity and identify issues before they become major problems.

Here are some of the best network bandwidth monitoring software on the market today and a few tips on how to choose the right software for your needs.

Top 4 Best Network Bandwidth Monitoring Software

  1. SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer – Best overall
  2. ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer – Best for Linux
  3. Auvik Performance – Best for alerts
  4. PRTG Bandwidth Monitor – Best on a budget

1. SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer – Best overall

PRICING: 30-day free trial available. Starts at $1,072.

SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer is an enterprise-level network traffic analysis tool that collects data from devices enabled with NetFlow, sFlow, and jFlow. SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer then uses this data to generate traffic reports and charts, helping you to troubleshoot network performance issues, identify unusual traffic patterns, and track down the source of malware and attacks. SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer is a part of the SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor.

Purchasing the SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer will grant access to SolarWinds’ other product SolarWinds Network Analyzer.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Bandwidth monitoring
  • Application traffic alerting
  • Network traffic analysis
  • VMware vSphere distributed switch support
  • Performance analysis dashboard
  • Advanced application recognition

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Simple and accurate real-time monitoring system.
  • No unnecessary features
  • Visualizations of real-time traffic flow and events
  • Threshold alerts are incredibly flexible
  • Bundled with SolarWinds Network Analyzer

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • While a fantastic option for networking professionals, this product may be too advanced for non-technical users. The learning curve is steep, with many unfamiliar users struggling to use it’s features and monitors.
  • Enterprise-grade product, meaning that it will be somewhat expensive for smaller businesses.

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2. ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer – Best for Linux

PRICING: Free trial available. Contact for pricing.

ManageEngine’s NetFlow Analyzer is a network traffic monitoring and analysis tool that uses NetFlow technology to collect data on network traffic flows. This data can be used to monitor network performance, troubleshoot problems, and track down security issues. NetFlow Analyzer provides detailed information on bandwidth usage, top talkers, traffic trends, and more. It also offers granular control over what data is collected and how it is reported, making it an invaluable tool for network administrators.

Unlike some other popular bandwidth monitoring software, ManageEngine’s NetFlow Analyzer is compatible with both Windows and Linux servers, making it a great choice for either platform.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Bandwidth Monitoring
  • Traffic Analysis
  • Network Forensics
  • Security Analysis
  • App-centric monitoring and Shape app traffic
  • Capacity planning and billing
  • Monitor Voice, Video and Data effectively
  • Multivendor Support & Flow Technology

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Huge network of management tools in addition to bandwidth monitoring
  • Nice interface with great visualizations and real time reports
  • Easy and flexible alerting tools to watch traffic patterns and high usage times
  • Runs on Windows and Linux servers

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Much like other enterprise-grade products, ManageEngine’s NetFlow Analyzer can be difficult to use for non-technical people.
  • Pricing is not transparent on the website. Must contact for demo or pricing.

3. Auvik Performance – Best for alerts

PRICING: Free trial available. Contact for pricing.

Auvik Performance is a cloud-based application that provides users with visibility into the performance of their computer networks. The app monitors the network for issues and provides users with real-time data on the health of their network. Auvik Performance also includes a range of features to help users troubleshoot and fix issues, as well as monitor performance over time.

Auvik offers two plans: essentials and performance. Both plans include unlimited users, network sites, endpoints, and full support from the Auvik team. The Performance plan includes all of the Essentials plan features, plus a traffic analytics system, which can deliver statistics by application as well as by source and destination.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Automated network discovery
  • Mapping & inventory
  • Network monitoring & alerting
  • Configuration management
  • Remote management
  • Global dashboards
  • API and integrations with multiple third-party tools

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Live traffic load updates
  • Network map is constantly updated
  • Network performance monitoring and traffic analysis is combined

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Does not have traffic shaping tools
  • Price is not transparent. Must contact for pricing.

4. PRTG Bandwidth Monitor – Best on a budget

PRICING: 30-day free trial available. Freeware with ability to upgrade. Contact for pricing.

PRTG is a powerful and easy-to-use bandwidth monitor that can help you stay on top of your network’s performance. PRTG comes with a variety of features that make it ideal for monitoring your network, including a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get started, comprehensive bandwidth monitoring capabilities, and support for a wide range of devices. PRTG also offers a variety of customization options so you can tailor the monitoring to your specific needs.

PRTG runs behind the scenes, keeping an eye on your bandwidth and doesn’t require you to manually check it. If your bandwidth consumption is unusually high or spikes over a long period of time, PRTG will immediately notify you.

The best part is that after 30 days of trying PRTG for free, it automatically reverts to a free version of the product. If you love it, you can upgrade your license for a paid plan.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Compatible with major protocols such as SNMP, Flow, WMI, and packet sniffing
  • Easily integrate all your devices and applications into your monitoring
  • Comprehensive network monitoring beyond bandwidth monitoring

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Limited freeware option
  • Multiple protocols are used for monitoring, allowing for many different uses and integrations
  • Custom sensors can be made for in-house applications
  • This is a great option for companies that are looking for additional monitoring solutions within the PRTG ecosystem

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • It is a comprehensive platform that has many moving parts and features that take time to understand.

References:

  • https://www.solarwinds.com/netflow-traffic-analyzer
  • https://www.manageengine.com/products/netflow/
  • https://www.auvik.com/lp/network-traffic-analysis/
  • https://www.paessler.com/bandwidth-monitoring-tool

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