Network security and support are two of the most important aspects of a successful IT system (Stewart, 2014). Therefore, it is important to use only the best tools when it comes to securing the network and giving access to the most sensitive areas of the system. The current paper dwells on three popular network management systems and analyzes them in terms of several critical parameters.
Type of Network to Manage
PRTG Network Monitoring is only used on machines that run on Windows. Regardless,
PRTG Network Monitoring allows the end users to perform multi-platform monitoring in addition to cloud applications and virtual systems (Solomon, Kim, & Carrell, 2015). PRTG is widely used by large businesses. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitoring is an application that runs on Windows, Mac, and Unix-based operating systems (Cope, 2013). It is usually used for enterprise networks or mid-sized businesses. Open NMS is an open-source network monitoring tool, but it suits the majority of existing networks. Despite its advantages, it is not very popular among network specialists.
Remote Monitoring Features
PRTG uses specific scenarios that are called remote probes. This monitoring software gives the possibility to monitor NetFlow data remotely and sniff packets that are on another computer. The features of PRTG are especially useful when the performance load has to be distributed among a number of computers due to the resource-intensive sensors. SolarWinds features an automated tool that allows the end users to monitor the server remotely (Cope, 2013). This tool also gives the possibility to track performance in real-time via a unified view. The remote monitoring tool that is used in Open NMS is able to perform special check-ups of HTTP and ICMP services (Hachey, 2013). The main instance of OpenNMS receives the data via specific nodes and creates events in order to cope with the identified scenarios (for instance, nodeLostService and nodeDown).
Network Scalability Support
When it comes to network scalability, PRTG does not perform as well as its opponents. Because of its limitations, PRTG is rarely installed on virtual machines and does not allow more than 30 users to operate the software simultaneously. SolarWinds is way more scalable and can be used for mapping network environments that are characteristic of large businesses (Cope, 2013). SolarWinds Network Performance Monitoring supports even the most stringent monitoring needs. Open NMS can be characterized as the synonym of network scalability. This tool is rather efficient within small networks but shows robust performance within large networking environments as well (Hachey, 2013).
Data Collection and Statistics
PRTG software represents the data as graphs and tables that are colorful and easy to comprehend (Stair & Reynolds, 2016). PRTG collects extensive data regarding the CPU, hard disk utilization, and RAM/ ROM. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitoring is able to collect the same data but is not limited in terms of hardware temperature data (Cope, 2013). Open NMS offers two types of configurations – basic and complex. The data is presented by means of specific tables that obtain data from the SNMP tables.
Technical Support
PRTG provides technical support via instructional videos, user manuals, and webinars. They do not offer live chats or forums and do not provide the end users with useful tips or hints.
On the contrary, SolarWinds proposes the possibility to discuss the software by means of specialized forums (Cope, 2013). The best technical support is provided by Open NMS who offer 24/7 support and are able to chat in real time with their customers. They also provide helpful tips and remote training for those who are willing to find out more about the company’s signature tools.
References
Cope, D. (2013). SolarWinds Orion network performance monitor. New York, NY: Routledge.
Hachey, G. (2013). Instant OpenNMS starter. New York, NY: Routledge.
Solomon, M., Kim, D., & Carrell, J. L. (2015). Fundamentals of communications and networking. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Stair, R. M., & Reynolds, G. (2016). Principles of information systems. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Stewart, J. (2014). Network security, firewalls and VPNs. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.