How do you install and configure network monitoring software on different devices and platforms?

1 Choose a network monitoring software

When choosing a network monitoring software, there are many factors to consider, such as the size and complexity of your network, the types and vendors of your devices, the features and functions you require, the scalability and compatibility of the software, and the licensing and support costs and options. You can compare and test different network monitoring software before making a decision; popular options include Nagios, Zabbix, SolarWinds, PRTG, and Spiceworks.

2 Install the network monitoring software

The next step is to install the network monitoring software on a dedicated server or a workstation that meets the minimum hardware and software requirements. Depending on the type of network monitoring software, you may need to install additional components, such as database, web server, or agents. You should also configure the firewall and antivirus settings to allow the network monitoring software to communicate with the devices and platforms.

The installation process may vary depending on the network monitoring software and the operating system. For example, to install Nagios on Windows, you need to download and run the Nagios XI installer, follow the instructions, and activate the license. To install Nagios on Linux, you need to download and extract the Nagios Core source code, compile and install it, and configure the web interface.

3 Discover and add devices

The third step is to discover and add devices to the network monitoring software. This can be done manually or automatically, depending on the network monitoring software and the device type. You may need to provide the device name, IP address, SNMP community string, credentials, or other parameters to connect to the device and collect data.

Some network monitoring software can scan your network and discover devices automatically, using protocols such as ICMP, SNMP, or WMI. For example, to discover devices with SolarWinds, you need to launch the Network Sonar Wizard, specify the IP range or subnet, select the scan options, and review the results.

4 Configure the monitoring settings

The fourth step is to configure the monitoring settings for each device and platform. This includes setting the polling frequency, the thresholds, the alerts, the reports, and the dashboards. You can customize the monitoring settings according to your network requirements and preferences.

Some network monitoring software can apply predefined templates or profiles to devices and platforms, based on their type and vendor. For example, to configure the monitoring settings for Cisco devices with PRTG, you need to add the Cisco IP SLA sensor, select the device, choose the IP SLA operation type, and adjust the sensor settings.

5 Test and verify the monitoring

The fifth step is to test and verify the monitoring of your devices and platforms. You can check the status, performance, and availability of your devices and platforms from the network monitoring software interface. You can also simulate or trigger some events or issues to see if the network monitoring software can detect and alert them.

Some network monitoring software can provide diagnostic tools or troubleshooting features to help you test and verify the monitoring. For example, to test and verify the monitoring with Zabbix, you can use the Zabbix agent ping item, the Zabbix server log file, or the Zabbix web scenario.

6 Maintain and update the network monitoring software

The sixth and final step is to maintain and update the network monitoring software regularly. You should backup your network monitoring software data and configuration files, update your network monitoring software version and patches, and review your network monitoring software performance and security. You should also add, remove, or modify devices and platforms as your network changes.

Some network monitoring software can provide maintenance and update tools or features to help you keep your network monitoring software up to date and running smoothly. For example, to maintain and update the network monitoring software with Spiceworks, you can use the Spiceworks backup tool, the Spiceworks update tool, or the Spiceworks health check tool.

7 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?