There are a lot of different terms used in cybersecurity today, and it can feel like you do not know where to begin. However, this is where managed security providers come in, helping you to take control of your data. One important element of security is known as remote network monitoring, often shortened to RMON. In this post, we will discuss what RMON is and why it is imperative for your business so that you can get a better understanding.
What is RMON?
Remote network monitoring is a form of monitoring traffic on your network so that any problems or issues can be located. Examples of this include traffic congestion, network collisions, and dropped packets. This is imperative to ensure that your network is secure and effective. You will be able to create alerts for when your performance thresholds are crossed so that you can maintain a network management strategy that is proactive, rather than reactive.
Understanding how RMON works
RMON agents or RMON probes are software or hardware components that will be embedded into a switch, router, or other network device. In most cases, the RMON probe will simply be put on one interface or device within a TCP/IP subset. The probe software tends to run on the network device’s port so that statistics and information about traffic activity and network protocols are captured. This information will then be relayed back to the RMON console for effective reporting and analysis.
Comparing this solution with SNMP
You may have heard of Simple Network Management Protocol before, and you may be wondering whether it is better to opt for this or RMON. With the former, it is a protocol at the application layer that will manage and monitor network devices that are on either a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN). SNMP agents will usually be incorporated with all network devices so that communication with the network management system is permitted.
But what does this mean in terms of the relationship between RMON and SNMP? Well, RMON is actually an extension of SNMP. It offers nine different groups of monitoring elements to permit detailed network data to be captured. Data is monitored over LAN networks by RMON agents, and the information that is accumulated is retrieved by the RMON console through the use of SNMP commands.
If this all seems a little bit on the complex side, don’t fret, as this is something that your security and technology consultant can help with.
To conclude, the importance of remote network monitoring for businesses cannot be ignored today. The vast majority of businesses rely on technology today so that they can function as effectively as possible. RMON is needed to ensure your network is performing up to the standard that you expect and that excellent security is in place.