I tested and reviewed several network monitoring tools specifically designed for Windows environments. Explore network monitoring tools in Windows for the reasoning behind each choice:
| Provider | For | |
|---|---|---|
1. | easy Windows performance monitoring. | |
2. | high-performance, scalable monitoring | |
3. | all-in-one multi-OS tool | |
4. | open-source, enterprise-level monitoring | |
5. | cloud-native, time-series monitoring | |
6. | AI-driven predictive insights | |
7. | windows-focused deep observability | |
8. | network visualization & analytics | |
During the evaluation, we focused on key aspects to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
- Compatibility with the System Setup: We verified that the tools supported Windows systems.
- Real-time Monitoring and Analysis: These tools provide real-time traffic capture and analysis.
- Support for Multiple Protocols and Services: These solutions support various protocols (SNMP, TCP, ICMP, IPMI) and services.
| Vendors | Reviews* | Free Trial | Employees** | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paessler PRTG | 4.6/5 based on 279 reviews | ✅ for 30-days | 201-500 | Starting $ 1,810 |
| AKIPS | 5/5 based on 4 reviews | ✅ for 30-days | 11-50 | Not shared publicly |
| Auvik | 4.5/5 based on 325 reviews | ✅ for 14-days | 11-50 | Not shared publicly |
| NinjaOne | 4.8/5 based on 204 reviews | ✅ for 14-days | 1,000-5,000 | Not shared publicly |
| Zabbix | 4.3/5 based on 185 reviews | N/A | 51-200 | open source |
| Prometheus | 4.4/5 based on 50 reviews | N/A | 201-500 | Free |
| LogicMonitor | 4.5/5 based on 612 reviews | ✅ for 15-days | 1,000-5,000 | Not shared publicly. |
| Solarwinds NPM | 4.5/5 based on 290 reviews | ✅ for 30-days | 1,000-5,000 | Not shared publicly. |
| LiveAction LiveNX | 4.4/5 based on 6 reviews | ✅ for 14-days | 201-500 | Not shared publicly. |
* Reviews are based on Capterra and G2. Transparency statement: Vendors are ranked according to their average ratings, except sponsors, which receive links.
** The number of workforce is gathered from the companies’ LinkedIn pages.
Key Features of Network Monitoring Tools in Windows
- Real-time monitoring and analysis: Network monitoring tools in Windows provide real-time capture and analysis of network traffic, enabling quick identification and troubleshooting of network issues.
- Device and service monitoring: The solutions offer monitoring capabilities for a wide array of network devices and services, ensuring that all aspects of the network are under surveillance for potential issues.
- Alerting and notifications: These tools provide alerting mechanisms for network anomalies or failures. Zabbix and Prometheus, in particular, offer configurable alerts that notify administrators of critical issues, allowing for prompt response.
- Visualization and Mapping: The platform provides advanced visualization tools, including network mapping and graphical displays of network data, for easier analysis and monitoring. These features help users intuitively understand network topology and identify problem areas.
- Support for multiple protocols and services: These tools support a variety of protocols (SNMP, TCP, ICMP, IPMI) and services, enabling them to monitor diverse network environments. This is particularly evident in Zabbix and AKIPS Network Monitor, which are designed to be flexible and versatile in their monitoring capabilities.
- Open-source availability: Some network monitoring tools in Windows, like Zabbix and Prometheus, are open-source, allowing for customization and community-supported enhancements.
Top Network monitoring tools in Windows
1. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is a tool designed to monitor your entire IT infrastructure in real-time. It supports monitoring for various devices, applications, and traffic flows using different protocols such as SNMP, WMI, and NetFlow.
Pros
Ease Of Use: According to users, PRTG Network Monitor is customizable for monitoring network resources. It provides detailed insights into the status of network devices across our enterprise, allowing us to act proactively and resolve issues before users report them. The customizable maps can creatively represent the network and all monitored devices.
Cons
Resource Intensive: A downside of PRTG is that it can be resource-intensive, particularly in large-scale deployments. The system requires significant CPU and memory resources, which can impact performance, especially on older or underpowered hardware.
2. AKIPS
AKIPS offers several network monitoring capabilities. It is designed for large scale environments and provides detailed insights into network performance, traffic analysis, and device health. AKIPS stands out for its ability to handle vast amounts of data and provide real-time analytics. It is a valuable tool for network administrators seeking to ensure optimal network operation and availability.
Pros
Easy monitoring: User-friendly graphical interface facilitates easy capturing and analysis of data packets, aiding in efficient network traffic analysis and issue troubleshooting.
Cons
Limited documentation and support: Scarce documentation and delayed support responses, operating primarily in UK time, hinder timely issue resolution and user guidance.
3. NinjaOne
NinjaOne is an all-in-one IT management platform that offers a suite of tools for businesses of all sizes on Windows. It includes network monitoring, patch management, remote management, backup, and disaster recovery, as well as endpoint protection.
Source: NinjaOne Website 1
Pros
Ease of use: User benefit from ease of use and hardware visibility, coupled with robust patch management, security features, and effective remote tools.
Cons
Unconventional Setup: Users find some aspects of patching and scripting setup unconventional compared to other software experiences.
4. Zabbix
An open-source monitoring tool for various network services, servers, and other network hardware. It supports a wide range of monitoring protocols.
Figure 5: Zabbix Windows Dashboard 2
Pros
Monitoring capabilities: Users benefit from Zabbix’s monitoring capabilities, gaining insights into business processes and services, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and performance.
Cons
Complex dashboards: Implementing and configuring dashboards with the tool is complex, compounded by steep learning curves due to the limited number of engineers familiar with the system.
5. Prometheus
Prometheus is designed for monitoring the services in a microservices architecture. It’s known for its querying language and multi-dimensional data model. Prometheus is particularly well-suited for collecting time-series data from monitored targets over HTTP, making it a go-to choice for monitoring dynamic service-oriented architectures.
Figure 4: Prometheus Dashboard 3
Pros
Time-series data collection: Prometheus offers the ability to collect time-series data, supporting dynamic and complex service-oriented architectures with its advanced querying capabilities.
Cons
Debugging challenges: Identifying the root cause of high memory usage in Prometheus can be complex, impacting performance and resource efficiency.
6. LogicMonitor
LogicMonitor is a cloud-based network monitoring solution that provides visibility into network performance across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. It leverages AI to provide predictive alerts and automated anomaly detection, reducing the time spent on manual monitoring and troubleshooting.
Pros
Ease of Use: The user interface is intuitive, and the cloud-based nature of the platform means there’s minimal setup required, allowing users to start monitoring quickly.
Cons
Cost: Some users find the pricing to be on the higher side, especially for smaller organizations or those with a vast number of devices.
7. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
SolarWinds NPM is a network monitoring tool that offers detailed insights into network performance, fault detection, and real-time monitoring of network components.
Pros
SolarWinds NPM offers customizable dashboards and reports, allowing users to tailor the platform to meet specific monitoring needs.
Cons:
Complexity: The feature-rich platform can be overwhelming for new users, and the initial setup can be time-consuming.
8. LiveAction LiveNX
LiveAction LiveNX is a network performance monitoring and diagnostics tool focused on providing real-time visibility and analytics for large, complex networks. It specializes in visualizing network flows and performance, making it particularly useful for organizations with large-scale, geographically distributed networks.
Pros
Advanced Visualizations: The platform excels at providing clear, actionable visualizations of network performance, which helps in quicker decision-making and troubleshooting.
Cons
Resource Intensive: The tool can be resource-intensive, requiring significant processing power and memory, especially in large-scale deployments.
9. Auvik
Auvik is a cloud-based network management tool with integrated Windows support and syslog monitoring.
- Automatically discovers and maps network devices in Windows and mixed environments.
- Collects syslog messages centrally, allowing logs to be viewed, searched, and filtered right from each device dashboard.
- Correlates syslog entries with topology, performance metrics, and traffic flows for faster root-cause analysis.
Pros
- One-pane visibility – Device metrics, NetFlow data, configurations, and syslog logs are accessible in a unified cloud dashboard.
- Easy deployment – Syslog forwarding requires only port changes; the lightweight Auvik collector handles all data without additional infrastructure.
- Scalable across sites – Single collector per site collects logs from distributed environments with minimal overhead.
Cons
- No built-in alerting for syslog events – While the platform supports alerts for other metrics, it currently doesn’t generate alerts based on incoming syslog entries.
- Cloud-only approach – Requires internet access and trust in cloud hosting; may not be ideal for fully air‑gapped or highly regulated environments.
FAQ
What are Network Monitoring Tools in Windows?
Network monitoring tools in Windows are software solutions designed to oversee and manage the health, performance, and security of network infrastructure within Windows environments. They utilize key features like real-time analysis, network mapping, and device monitoring to ensure smooth network operations.
How do Network Monitoring Tools Enhance Windows Server Performance?
By continuously tracking network traffic and device status, network monitoring tools in Windows servers enable administrators to identify and address issues promptly. This proactive approach helps maintain optimal server performance and minimizes downtime.
What Key Features Should I Look for in Network Device Monitoring Software?
Essential features to consider include real-time traffic analysis, support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), customizable alerts, detailed network observability, and the ability to monitor a wide range of devices and services across your network infrastructure.
Can Network Monitoring Software Help in Managing Network Traffic?
Yes, network monitoring tools in Windows can significantly aid in managing network traffic monitoring. They provide visibility into traffic patterns, identify bottlenecks, and help in allocating bandwidth more efficiently to ensure a smooth flow of data across the network.
Why is Network Mapping Important in Network Monitoring?
Network mapping is a critical component of network monitoring in Windows as it offers a visual representation of your network’s architecture. This visualization makes it easier to understand the relationships between devices, pinpoint problem areas, and plan for network expansions or optimizations.
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