The Importance of Monitoring the Network When Working from Home

Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has not completely loosened its deathly grip around the globe, most of the world’s companies and organizations have opened their offices and asked employees to come and work from the office. However, there are still numerous companies that are following the work-from-home policy. Therefore, every individual working from home should have a reliable Internet connection, i.e., one that is stable and does not exhibit any issues. However, even though WiFi networks work well most of the time, there are numerous instances when they malfunction or exhibit issues. When this happens, it not only disrupts the workflow of the user but also prevents them from completing important tasks on time, thereby resulting in missed deadlines. 

One of the most effective ways to determine whether a network is functioning normally is to use a network monitoring tool. According to Tech Target, network monitoring refers to collecting data reports of network-related components such as routers, switches, firewalls, as well as the network as a whole. Similarly, a network monitoring tool is an application or program that facilitates users to determine and diagnose issues related to a network or its components. This article will cover some of the most popular network monitoring tools available for macOS and Windows users and state the importance of monitoring the network while working from home. Let us dive right into it:

Best Network Monitoring Tools:

macOS – If you use a Mac as your daily driver for working from home, you should consider choosing one from the following network management software available exclusively for macOS: 

NetSpot – NetSpot is a powerful third-party networking monitor tool that works exceptionally well on macOS. The sophisticated WiFi analyzer facilitates users to check the strength of the connection. Besides this, it also provides users the tools to check even the minutest aspect of the network. Even though it is a paid application, its advanced diagnostic features make it worth the price tag. 

Terminal – If you have a firm hold over commands and are looking for a networking monitoring tool readily available on macOS, Terminal is the perfect app for you. The app supports a variety of network identification commands that allow users to identify network-related issues and solve them without hassle. The best part about the app is that it is free to use and easy to access. 

Windows – Similar to macOS, Windows also supports numerous network monitoring tools. Here are two of the most popular ones:

Site24x7 – Site24x7 is a powerful third-party network monitoring tool that performs exceptionally well on Windows OS. It offers a detailed insight into a network and tools that allow users to monitor their device’s health and performance. Thanks to its SNMP-based network, it instantly detects and reports network-related anomalies. Moreover, the app also contains advanced features like custom monitoring, cloud-based scalability, and other similar ones. 

Zabbix – If you are searching for a reliable open-source network monitoring tool for your Windows PC, Zabbix is an option you can seriously consider. It works exceptionally well when it comes to monitoring servers and network hardware. The smart tool predicts network downtimes, analyzes trends of data usage, etc. Moreover, it instantly detects and reports anomalies present in the network. 

Why You Should Monitor Your Network While Working from Home:

There are numerous reasons why you should monitor your network while working from home. Here are some of the most popular ones:

It Enhances Productivity

While working from the comfort of your home, it is very easy to get distracted and lose focus. For instance, if your network starts malfunctioning, it will disrupt your focus and prevent you from meeting your deadlines. Hence, you should use an efficient network monitoring tool to detect and solve issues if and when they arise. An optimized network will facilitate you to work without disruptions and enhance your productivity. 

It Facilitates Users to Save Time and Money

While working, if any issues arise in the network, it may take a lot of time if you call an expert to check the issue and fix it. However, if you actively monitor your network using the right tool, you will instantly be informed of any issues that present themselves. Moreover, if the issue is not major, you can conveniently solve it yourself. Hence, actively monitoring your network facilitates you to save both time and money. 

It Helps Users Stay Informed

If any network-related issues exhibit themselves frequently, actively monitoring the network using the right network monitoring tool can help users identify the issue and stay informed about it. If it is an issue that requires an expert’s attention, users can call an experienced technician on an off day to resolve the issue before it turns into a major problem.

Every user working from home should use a network monitoring tool to detect and resolve network-related issues to have a seamless work-from-home experience.