How do you use network monitoring tools for network planning?

1 Identify network requirements

Before you start planning your network, you need to understand the current and future needs of your organization. You need to consider factors such as the number and location of users, devices, and applications, the bandwidth and latency demands, the security and compliance standards, and the budget and resources available. Network monitoring tools can help you identify these requirements by providing you with historical and real-time data about your network usage, capacity, availability, and performance. You can use this data to assess your network strengths and weaknesses, identify potential bottleneecs or risks, and estimate your growth and scalability needs.

2 Compare network scenarios

Once you have identified your network requirements, you can use network monitoring tools to compare different network scenarios and design options. You can use features such as network modeling, simulation, and testing to evaluate how your network would behave under various conditions and configurations. You can also use features such as network mapping, discovery, and inventory to visualize your network topology and components. By comparing network scenarios, you can choose the best network solution that meets your requirements and minimizes your costs and complexity.

3 Implement network changes

After you have chosen your network solution, you can use network monitoring tools to implement the network changes smoothly and efficiently. You can use features such as network automation, configuration, and deployment to streamline the network installation and setup process. You can also use features such as network alerting, troubleshooting, and diagnosis to detect and resolve any network issues or errors that may occur during or after the network change. By using network monitoring tools, you can ensure that your network changes are done correctly and securely.

4 Monitor network performance

Finally, you can use network monitoring tools to monitor the performance of your network after the network change. You can use features such as network dashboards, reports, and analytics to track and measure various network metrics and indicators, such as throughput, packet loss, jitter, response time, availability, and uptime. You can also use features such as network baselining, benchmarking, and auditing to compare your network performance with your expected goals and standards. By monitoring network performance, you can verify that your network change has improved your network quality and efficiency.

5 Adjust network plan

Network planning is not a one-time activity, but an ongoing process that requires constant evaluation and adjustment. You can use network monitoring tools to adjust your network plan according to the changing needs and conditions of your organization and environment. You can use features such as network forecasting, trending, and capacity planning to anticipate and prepare for future network demands and challenges. You can also use features such as network feedback, optimization, and recommendation to identify and implement network improvements and enhancements. By adjusting your network plan, you can ensure that your network remains optimal and adaptable.

6 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?