13 Best Distributed Network Monitoring Tools for Ultimate Network Supremacy

Welcome to the world of distributed network monitoring tools, where we embark on a journey to explore the top 13 tools that bring joy and efficiency to the realm of network performance management. We understand that network monitoring might not be everyone's idea of fun, but trust us, these tools are here to turn the traditionally mundane task into an exciting adventure!

In this exhilarating list, we present the finest distributed network monitoring tools that have mastered the art of capturing network performance data across multiple locations and segments. These tools are like the secret agents of the networking world, stealthily gathering crucial insights on traffic, latency, and packet loss from every nook and cranny of your distributed network.

So buckle up and get ready to discover the superheroes of network monitoring. With these tools by your side, you'll have the power to spot bottlenecks, troubleshoot network issues, and ensure smooth connectivity across geographically dispersed environments. They bring a touch of excitement to the world of IT infrastructure, transforming the monitoring process into an exhilarating mission.

Join us as we unveil the top 6 distributed network monitoring tools that promise to keep your network performance in check, all while adding a sprinkle of fun to the mix. Get ready to embark on this thrilling journey and discover the champions of distributed network monitoring!

Distributed network monitoring tools are software solutions designed to monitor and analyze network performance and connectivity across multiple locations or network segments - also called Distributed Network Monitoring. These tools provide visibility into the performance of distributed networks, enabling organizations to effectively monitor and manage their network infrastructure in geographically dispersed environments.

The key characteristic of distributed network monitoring tools is their ability to collect and aggregate data from multiple monitoring points or probes located at different network endpoints. These probes are strategically placed across the network to capture data on network traffic, latency, packet loss, and other performance metrics.

By utilizing distributed network monitoring tools, organizations can gain insights into the performance of their network infrastructure at various locations, identify potential bottlenecks or network issues, and proactively address them. These tools facilitate centralized monitoring and management of distributed networks, allowing IT teams to ensure consistent performance, optimize network connectivity, and deliver seamless user experiences across different geographical regions.

Distributed network monitoring tools play a crucial role in industries such as telecommunications, financial services, retail, and cloud-based applications, where network performance and connectivity are critical for operational success. These tools offer real-time monitoring, reporting, and alerting capabilities, enabling IT teams to detect and resolve network issues promptly, minimize downtime, and maintain a high level of service availability.

Overall, distributed network monitoring tools are essential for organizations with complex, distributed network architectures, as they provide comprehensive visibility and control over network performance, ensuring the smooth operation of business-critical applications and services.

Distributed network monitoring tools can be broadly categorized into two main categories: network performance monitoring tools and network monitoring tools. While these categories share the common goal of monitoring network infrastructure, they differ in their specific focuses and functionalities. Let's explore each category in detail:

Network performance monitoring tools are designed to provide comprehensive visibility into the performance and health of network infrastructure across distributed environments. These tools gather and analyze data on metrics such as network traffic, bandwidth utilization, latency, packet loss, and application response times. With a focus on performance optimization, these tools help IT teams identify bottlenecks, detect performance anomalies, and ensure the smooth operation of critical applications. They enable proactive monitoring and alerting, empowering organizations to maintain high network performance levels and deliver superior user experiences.

Network monitoring tools, on the other hand, offer broader visibility and management capabilities for network infrastructure. These tools monitor network devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers, across distributed environments. They provide insights into device health, network connectivity, and overall network topology. Network monitoring tools typically focus on aspects like device availability, configuration management, network security, and troubleshooting. By monitoring network infrastructure, these tools help IT teams maintain network reliability, detect security threats, and ensure optimal network connectivity.

While network performance monitoring tools zero in on performance optimization, network monitoring tools provide a broader view of the network infrastructure's health and management. Both categories play crucial roles in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of distributed networks, addressing different aspects of network monitoring and management.

Organizations may choose to utilize either or both categories of distributed network monitoring tools, depending on their specific requirements and objectives. The combination of network performance monitoring tools and network monitoring tools ensures comprehensive monitoring, control, and optimization of distributed network environments.

By leveraging these tools, organizations can proactively monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot network performance issues across their distributed networks, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency, reliability, and performance of their network infrastructure.

Selecting the best distributed network monitoring tools for your organization is crucial for maintaining the performance, reliability, and security of your network infrastructure. With distributed networks becoming increasingly complex, it's essential to have comprehensive monitoring capabilities that cover multiple locations and segments.

In this guide, we will provide you with valuable insights and considerations to help you choose the ideal distributed network monitoring tools. Whether you're monitoring network performance, ensuring seamless connectivity, or managing network devices, this guide will assist you in making an informed decision.

We will explore key factors such as monitoring requirements, scalability, real-time monitoring, data visualization, integration, vendor support, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. By understanding these factors and evaluating them against your organization's specific needs, you can identify the distributed network monitoring tools that best fit your requirements.

Join us on this journey as we delve into the world of distributed network monitoring and equip you with the knowledge and criteria necessary to select the most suitable tools for your network infrastructure. Let's embark on the path to optimized network performance, proactive monitoring, and efficient network management.

When selecting the best distributed network monitoring tools for your organization, consider the following factors:

1. Monitoring Requirements: Assess your specific monitoring needs and requirements. Determine the key metrics you need to monitor across your distributed network, such as network traffic, latency, packet loss, device health, and application performance. Understand the scale and complexity of your network infrastructure to ensure the chosen tool can handle your monitoring needs effectively.
2. Scalability: Consider the scalability of the distributed network monitoring tool. Ensure it can accommodate your growing network infrastructure and handle increasing data volumes without compromising performance. The tool should be capable of scaling seamlessly as your network expands.
3. Real-time Monitoring and Alerting: Look for real-time monitoring capabilities that provide up-to-date insights into your network performance. The tool should offer customizable alerting mechanisms to notify you promptly about any performance issues or anomalies. This helps you take immediate action to prevent or minimize disruptions.
4. Data Visualization and Reporting: Evaluate the data visualization and reporting capabilities of the tool. It should offer intuitive dashboards, visual representations of network data, and customizable reports to help you analyze performance trends, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. The tool should provide clear and actionable insights for efficient troubleshooting and optimization.
5. Scalable Architecture: Consider the architecture of the distributed network monitoring tool. Look for a solution that supports distributed deployments, allowing you to place monitoring probes strategically across your network. This ensures comprehensive coverage and enables centralized management of distributed monitoring points.
6. Integration and Compatibility: Ensure the tool integrates seamlessly with your existing network infrastructure, including network devices, protocols, and management systems. Compatibility with your technology stack allows for streamlined data collection, consolidated monitoring, and efficient collaboration between different monitoring tools and systems.
7. Vendor Support and Reputation: Research the vendor's support quality, reputation, and track record. Read customer reviews and testimonials to assess the vendor's responsiveness, expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction. A reputable vendor with excellent support ensures a smooth implementation and ongoing support for your monitoring needs.
8. Ease of Use and User Interface: Consider the usability of the distributed network monitoring tool. It should have an intuitive user interface, easy configuration options, and a user-friendly workflow. A tool that is easy to use and navigate simplifies the monitoring process and saves time and effort for your IT team.
9. Cost and ROI: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of the tool. Consider the pricing structure, licensing options, and ongoing maintenance costs. Assess how the tool aligns with your budget and the value it brings in terms of improved network performance, reduced downtime, and enhanced user experiences.

By considering these factors, you can identify the best distributed network monitoring tool that aligns with your organization's specific needs, supports your network infrastructure, and empowers you to monitor and optimize performance across your distributed network effectively.

In this section, we present an exclusive selection of the finest distributed network monitoring tools available in the market. These tools have been carefully chosen based on their robust features, scalability, real-time monitoring capabilities, and comprehensive network visibility.

From capturing network traffic to analyzing performance metrics and detecting anomalies, these tools empower organizations to proactively monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize their distributed networks. Whether you have a geographically dispersed infrastructure or need to monitor network performance across multiple sites, these tools offer the necessary insights to maintain a high level of network performance and deliver exceptional user experiences.

Join us as we explore the top 13 distributed network monitoring tools, delving into their unique features, functionalities, and benefits. By discovering these cutting-edge tools, you'll gain the knowledge to make an informed decision about the most suitable solution for your organization's distributed network monitoring needs.

Let's dive into the world of distributed network monitoring and uncover the tools that will revolutionize your network management, enhance performance, and keep your network running smoothly.

In this section, we present a carefully curated list of the top 6 distributed network performance monitoring tools. These tools are specifically designed to provide comprehensive insights into the performance and health of distributed networks, empowering organizations to proactively monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize their network infrastructure.

By leveraging these cutting-edge tools, IT teams can capture and analyze key metrics such as network traffic, latency, packet loss, and bandwidth utilization, enabling them to identify bottlenecks, detect anomalies, and ensure smooth connectivity across geographically dispersed environments. With advanced features and real-time monitoring capabilities, these tools offer the necessary visibility to maintain peak network performance and deliver outstanding user experiences.

Obkio offers a cloud-based network performance monitoring tool that provides real-time monitoring and performance analytics for cloud networks. This platform offers a range of features, including network latency and loss monitoring, as well as bandwidth monitoring, to help identify network bottlenecks and optimize network performance. Obkio's key features include continuous network testing, automatic alerting, device tracking, and usage reports.

One of the advantages of Obkio's network monitoring tool is its user-friendly interface. The platform's intuitive interface provides real-time insights into network performance, enabling users to detect and troubleshoot network issues quickly. Users can access the network monitoring and testing features via an easy-to-use interface that offers a range of options to identify and address network issues.

Obkio offers a range of dashboards and visualizations that provide real-time data on network performance. The platform offers a home page, agent details page, network session page, data center dynamic dashboard, branch dynamic dashboard, branch dashboard, visual traceroutes, thresholds, and notifications to help users monitor and optimize network performance.

Obkio’s Pricing:

• Free : 2 Agents | 1 Device | 1 User (Limited Functionality)
• $399 / month : 10 Agents | 5 Devices | 2 Users
• $699 / month : 10 Agents | 10 Devices | 5 Users
• Additional Fees for Additional Agent, Device and User

Obkio’s User Reviews:

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.9 (52 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.7 (7 Reviews)
• G2 4.9 (10 Reviews)
• SourceForge 5 (6 Reviews)

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Kentik is a network traffic intelligence platform that provides real-time network performance monitoring and analytics.

Its features include DDoS protection, network security monitoring, network performance optimization, and API integration. Kentik offers two pricing options - Essentials and Pro, which vary in included FPS, API queries/hour, dashboards, and scheduled reports.

The pricing for Kentik's Network Observability Cloud is based on the number of flow logs per second processed and ranges from $48,000 to $516,000 per 12 months. Users can quickly identify and troubleshoot network issues with Kentik's user-friendly interface.

Kentik Reviews:

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice : 4.6 (16 Reviews)
• G2: 5 (3 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.8(94 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 9.9 (2 Votes)

Thousand Eyes is a cloud-based network performance monitoring tool that offers real-time monitoring and analytics for network performance, application performance, and user experience. Its key features include real-time alerts, device tracking, network topology mapping, and application performance monitoring.

The yearly pricing for Thousand Eyes includes 5,275 Units for $50,000 and 100 endpoint agents for $17,520. Thousand Eyes' easy-to-use interface helps users quickly identify and troubleshoot network issues.

Thousand Eyes User Reviews:

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.6 (5 Reviews)
• G2 4.5 (57 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.5 (57 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 4.5 (4 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 9 (65 Votes)

Catchpoint is a cloud-based network and digital experience monitoring platform that provides real-time monitoring and analytics for network performance, web performance, and user experience. Its key features include real-time alerting, device tracking, network topology mapping, and API integration.

Catchpoint's pricing options include a subscription to Catchpoint Digital Observability, which ranges from $25,000 for 12 months to $75,000 for 36 months. Users can quickly identify and troubleshoot network issues with Catchpoint's user-friendly interface.

Catchpoint User Reviews

• G2 4.5 (90 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.5 (57 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 4.1 (7 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 9.3 (63 Votes)

Experience the power of the Catchpoint platform in action! This demo provides an overview of Catchpoint's real-time visibility into global monitoring networks and its various platform dashboards. You'll discover how monitoring teams can leverage Catchpoint to perform synthetic tests, analyze real-time user data, and monitor full network performance to optimize the user experience.

AppNeta is a cloud-based network performance monitoring tool that offers real-time monitoring and analytics for network performance and application performance. Its key features include real-time alerting, device tracking, network topology mapping, and API integration. AppNeta offers five pricing options, including Small Office, Large Office, Data Center, and two Global Monitoring options.

The pricing ranges from $1,299 per year to $26,499 per year. Users can quickly identify and troubleshoot network issues with AppNeta's user-friendly interface.

AppNeta User Reviews

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.5 (2 Reviews)
• G2 4.3 (12 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.4 (29 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 4.7 (5 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 9 (9 Votes)

LiveAction is a cloud-based network performance monitoring and diagnostics tool that provides real-time monitoring and analytics for network performance.

Its key features include real-time alerts, network topology mapping, application performance monitoring, and API integration. LiveAction offers various pricing options, including LiveNX WAN Perpetual License and LiveNX SMB Perpetual License.

The pricing ranges from $14,000 to $994,500. Users can quickly identify and troubleshoot network issues with LiveAction's user-friendly interface.

LiveAction User Reviews

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4 (1 Reviews)
• G2 4.6 (41 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.9 (5 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 3.5 (3 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 9 (9 Votes)

In this section, we present a curated list of the top 7 distributed traditional network monitoring tools. These tools focus on monitoring and managing network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers, providing critical visibility into their performance and availability in geographically dispersed environments.

By leveraging these powerful tools, IT teams can effectively monitor network health, identify potential issues, and maintain seamless connectivity across distributed networks. From device availability and configuration management to network security and troubleshooting, these traditional network monitoring tools offer comprehensive functionalities to ensure network reliability and performance.

A comprehensive IT management software solution that offers network bandwidth monitoring capabilities. It provides real-time traffic analysis, bandwidth usage reports, device tracking, and more. It can monitor a variety of network devices and applications and offers customizable alerts and notifications to keep users informed of network performance issues. PRTG offers cloud-based network monitoring services that allow users to monitor their network from anywhere and offers flexible deployment options.

PRTG Network Monitor offers a range of pricing options depending on the number of devices and aspects (a feature or capability within PRTG) to be monitored. For on-premise use, PRTG offers perpetual licenses for a one-time cost based on the number of aspects and devices, ranging from $1,899 for 50 devices up to $16,899 for 1000 devices. Additionally, maintenance licenses are available for ongoing support and updates. For cloud-based use, PRTG offers a hosted solution with annual pricing based on the number of aspects and devices, ranging from $1,699 for 50 devices up to $16,999 for 1000 devices.

PRTG User Reviews

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.6 (171 Reviews)
• G2 4.5 (84 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.6 (236 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 4.5 (4 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 8.6 (212 Votes)
• TrustPilot 4.4 (1055 Reviews)

A popular IT management software solution that offers network bandwidth monitoring capabilities. It provides real-time traffic analysis, bandwidth usage reports, device tracking, and more. It can monitor a range of network devices and applications and offers customizable alerts and notifications to keep users informed of network performance issues. OPManager offers cloud-based network monitoring services that allow users to monitor their network from anywhere and provides a range of deployment options, including on-premises, hosted, or as a virtual appliance.

Manage Engine OPManager offers two editions: Standard and Professional, and both editions are available in different packages based on the number of devices and users. The Standard edition ranges from $95 for a 10 devices pack with 2 users to $4,095 for a 1000 devices pack with 2 users. The Professional edition ranges from $145 for a 10 devices pack with 2 users to $5,995 for a 1000 devices pack with 2 users. All prices include AMS (Annual Maintenance and Support) fees.

Manage Engine OPManager User Reviews:

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.7 (47 Reviews)
• G2 4.3 (39 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.5 (57 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 4.5 (4 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 7.8 (63 Votes)

A comprehensive network performance monitoring tool that provides real-time visibility into network performance and health. It offers network device monitoring, traffic analysis, and real-time alerts and notifications to help identify and troubleshoot network issues. SolarWinds offers cloud-based network monitoring services that allow users to monitor their network from anywhere and offers flexible deployment options.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is licensed based on the number of network elements being monitored, which include nodes, interfaces, and volumes. The pricing ranges from $1,785 to $40,689 per year, depending on the number of elements being monitored. The perpetual pricing options are as follows:

Please note that the prices in parentheses represent the first year cost, which includes the initial purchase and annual maintenance fees.

SolarWinds User Reviews

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.5 (69 Reviews)
• G2 4.5 (210 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.4 (467 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 4 (47 Reviews)
• Spiceworks 4.2 (10 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 8.7 (588 Votes)

An IT infrastructure monitoring and management platform that offers real-time visibility into network performance, health, and security. It provides network device monitoring, traffic analysis, and customizable alerts and notifications to help identify and troubleshoot network issues. ScienceLogic offers cloud-based network monitoring services that allow users to monitor their network from anywhere and provides a range of deployment options, including public and private cloud, on-premises, or hybrid.

ScienceLogic offers three pricing tiers for its cloud network monitoring services:

1. Hybrid Cloud Monitoring - Starting at $7.50 per node per month. Volume pricing available.
2. Service Centric Operations - Starting at $15 per node per month. Volume pricing available.
3. Intelligent Automated Operations - Starting at $22.50 per node per month. Volume pricing available.

For example, if you were to monitor 500 nodes on the Hybrid Cloud Monitoring tier, the estimated monthly cost would be $3,750. However, actual pricing may vary depending on the number of nodes being monitored and volume pricing options.

ScienceLogic User Reviews

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.5 (2 Reviews)
• G2 4.5 (8 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.5 (29 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 4.1 (8 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 8.6 (335 Votes)

A cloud-based IT infrastructure monitoring and management platform that provides real-time visibility into network performance and health. It offers network device monitoring, traffic analysis, and real-time alerts and notifications to help identify and troubleshoot network issues. LogicMonitor offers cloud-based network monitoring services that allow users to monitor their network from anywhere and provides a range of deployment options, including public and private cloud, on-premises, or hybrid.

LogicMonitor's pricing is based on the number of monitored devices.

The cost per device per month decreases as the number of devices being monitored increases.

Annual pricing is available and can offer a discount compared to monthly pricing.

Some examples of annual pricing scenarios include 100 devices at $9 per device per month, which would cost $10,800 per year; 350 devices at $7 per device per month, which would cost $29,400 per year; and 750 devices at $5 per device per month, which would cost $45,000 per year.

LogicMonitor User Reviews:

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.7 (72 Reviews)
• G2 4.5 (458 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.6 (57 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 4.4 (10 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 8.3 (292 Votes)

A cloud-based network monitoring and management tool that provides real-time visibility into network performance, health, and security. It offers network device monitoring, traffic analysis, and customizable alerts and notifications to help identify and troubleshoot network issues. Auvik offers cloud-based network monitoring services that allow users to monitor their network from anywhere and provides a range of deployment options, including public and private cloud, on-premises, or hybrid.

Auvik offers two pricing plans for its network monitoring services: Basic and Performance. Based on web reviews and Reddit, the estimated pricing for 50 devices is approximately $16 per device per month for the Basic plan and $26 per device per month for the Performance plan. This results in a total monthly cost of $800 and $1,300, respectively.

Auvik User Reviews

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.6 (70 Reviews)
• G2 4.7 (218 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.5 (78 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 4.4 (108 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 8.8 (154 Votes)

An open-source network monitoring and management tool that provides real-time visibility into network performance and health. It offers network device monitoring, traffic analysis, and customizable alerts and notifications to help identify and troubleshoot network issues. Icinga offers cloud-based network monitoring services that allow users to monitor their network from anywhere and provides a range of deployment options, including public and private cloud, on-premises, or hybrid.

Icinga is a free and open-source network monitoring solution. However, in 2022, Icinga announced that it would move to a subscription-based model for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, and Amazon Linux. Users can still build the agent for free, and the subscription is only required for non-community Linuxes and the official packages.

Icinga User Reviews

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.4 (11 Reviews)
• G2 4.4 (19 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.6 (55 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 3.8 (3 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 8.6 (20 Votes)

An IT infrastructure monitoring and management platform that offers network device monitoring, traffic analysis, and customizable alerts and notifications to help identify and troubleshoot network issues. It provides real-time visibility into network performance and health and offers cloud-based network monitoring services that allow users to monitor their network from anywhere and provides a range of deployment options, including public and private cloud, on-premises, or hybrid.

Progress WhatsUp Gold does not publicly disclose their pricing information on their website. However, third-party vendors such as Newegg list a package called "WhatsUp Gold Premium 25 New Devices with 1 Year Service" with a product code of #NM-69VS-0170, which is priced at $2,740.00.

Progress WhatsUpGoldUser Reviews

• Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice 4.5 ( 221 Reviews)
• G2 4.4 (237 Reviews)
• Gartner 4.4 (79 Reviews)
• PeerSpot 3.6 (7 Reviews)
• TrustRadius 7.7 (61 Votes)

We sincerely hope that this article has served as a valuable resource in your research for the perfect distributed network performance monitoring tools. Our goal has been to provide you with comprehensive insights into the top tools available, enabling you to find the ideal solution that aligns with your specific monitoring needs and requirements.

At Obkio, we are committed to putting the user first, and our distributed network performance monitoring tool is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. If you're seeking a hassle-free way to monitor and optimize the performance of your distributed network, we invite you to try Obkio. With our user-friendly platform, you can get started in less than 10 minutes, without the need for extensive investments or technical expertise.

Rest assured, we are not salesy, and we respect your decision even if you choose to explore other options. We won't hassle you with unwanted follow-ups. Our focus is to provide you with a reliable distributed network performance monitoring solution that empowers you to optimize your network, ensure seamless connectivity, and deliver exceptional user experiences.

Thank you for considering Obkio as your distributed network performance monitoring partner. We are here to assist you on your journey, providing a robust, easy-to-use tool that enables you to unlock the full potential of your distributed network.