How can you evaluate network performance metrics and KPIs to improve your network?

1 What are network performance metrics and KPIs?

Network performance metrics are quantitative measurements that reflect the behavior and quality of a network. They can include parameters such as bandwidth, latency, jitter, packet loss, throughput, availability, and error rate. Network performance KPIs are specific metrics that are aligned with the goals and objectives of the network and the organization. They can vary depending on the network type, size, and purpose, but they should be relevant, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.

2 How to collect network performance metrics and KPIs?

Different methods and tools can be used to collect network performance metrics and KPIs, depending on the network architecture, configuration, and protocol. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a standard protocol that allows network devices to exchange management information and report their status and performance. SNMP agents can be installed on network devices and send data to SNMP managers, which can aggregate and display the data in a dashboard or a report. NetFlow is a Cisco technology that collects and exports information about the traffic flows on a network. Ping is a simple tool that tests the connectivity and response time between two network nodes by sending and receiving echo packets. Traceroute is a tool that traces the path and hops of a packet from one node to another, showing the latency, packet loss, and routing errors of each hop on the network path. All these methods can be used to gain valuable insights into the source, destination, volume, and type of traffic on a network.

3 How to analyze network performance metrics and KPIs?

Analyzing network performance metrics and KPIs requires comparing the collected data with the expected or desired values, identifying the trends and patterns, and finding the root causes of any anomalies or deviations. To begin, you should define a baseline to set thresholds and targets for your KPIs. Then, you can monitor the trends to detect any performance degradation, spikes, or anomalies. Additionally, you should diagnose the issues by comparing the actual values of your network performance metrics with the baseline or KPIs. Finally, you can resolve any issues by applying suitable solutions or actions, such as upgrading hardware or software, optimizing configuration or protocol, or rerouting traffic.

4 How to use network performance metrics and KPIs to improve your network?

To improve your network using network performance metrics and KPIs, you need to establish a continuous feedback loop. This includes collecting, analyzing, and resolving the network performance data, then evaluating the results and adjusting the goals and strategies accordingly. The goals should be aligned with the network and organizational needs, as well as specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. Choose KPIs that reflect the network performance aspects that matter most. Collect data using SNMP, NetFlow, ping, or traceroute for accuracy and timeliness. Analyze the data with dashboards, reports, or charts to compare with the baseline and trends. Resolve issues with solutions or actions that are verified and documented. Evaluate the results with feedback, surveys, or tests against the goals and KPIs. Finally, adjust the goals and strategies based on the results and changing needs.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?