Network traffic is the data passing through various systems, such as:
- on-premises
- cloud
- hybrid cloud networks
Therefore, network traffic analysis is vital to monitor the network’s activity and availability on identifying anomalies, including:
- security
- operational issues
NTA is a process used to collect real-time and historical records of network activity and detect malware like ransomware activity.
Understanding network traffic
Traffic consists of larger files that are divided into data packets. A packet of data flows between the network nodes before putting back together at the destination devices. Network traffic is vital because it lets the users and applications communicate.
Traffic carries data files and questions, and extracts data from various cloud resources for employees’ usage. It connects the users to devices, such as cameras and printers and also facilitates video streaming.
Understanding and managing network traffic
Understanding and managing network traffic includes learning to analyze network traffic effectively. The analysis will help monitor and interpret the data flows for various purposes, such as:
- optimize performance
- ensure security
- manage resources
Another method to model and understand network traffic connects to network topography. It illustrates how the data moves via the network. The functions of NTA make it an ideal tool that organizations to use, especially when working remotely are:
- Detecting threats. NTA can identify anomalies and suspicious behavior, such as:
- malware
- vulnerable protocols
- virus
- Troubleshoot performance issues. NTA can help identify the following:
- bottlenecks and bandwidth-consuming applications
- users
- IP address groups
- Improve visibility. NTA help administrators gain visibility in the network, including:
- devices
- endpoints
- entry
- Ensure compliance. NTA helps organizations show compliance with data protection regulations by demonstrating that merely authorized users enter restricted data.
- Identify policy violations. NTA identifies policy violations and security gaps.
You can use NTA to analyze all the devices on a network, including:
- unmanaged and managed devices
- visibility across headquarters, data centres etc
NTA solutions ingest telemetry from several network devices, such as:
- routers
- switches
- firewalls
Why use NTA?
Companies should analyze network traffic to monitor the activity and detect possible threats. Current business relies on consistent data flows and reputable network performance. IT managers can make improvements and optimize the performance of a network by measuring how data travels.
Understanding and implementing the strategies for improving network performance enhances the reliability and efficiency of the data flow. It can ensure business operations stay uninterrupted and smooth. There are six reasons to use NTA:
- Better network visibility. Network visibility tools can make inventories of devices linked to the network. The companies can add new devices safely and protect network traffic to the existing devices.
- Capacity planning. The engineers can model the future network traffic loads and plan for smooth change management.
- Compliance. Businesses monitoring network traffic are safely placed to detect threats and protect customer data.
- Network analysis. Engineers leverage monitoring logs for analyzing performance and fixes to improve reliability and speed. Monitoring offers network context for investigating security incidents.
- Robust performance. Continuous monitoring can identify the technical problems with data centers and the availability of applications.
- Cost reductions. Monitoring network traffic can identify redundant components and recommend efficient ways to route the data to cut network costs.
Using NTA has been securing the network traffic to ensure everything is free from vulnerabilities.
