Network Traffic Analysis tools can automatically collect data, display it in a visual format, send alerts, provide reports, and correlate data from across the network. You can choose the tool according to your network traffic, deciding the critical pieces, and compare the tool’s capabilities against these factors. All the network analysis tools don’t collect the flow data and packet data coming from different sources. You should consider data sources while choosing the tool. For this requirement, you should have a clear understanding of your data needs so you can choose the best-suited tool according to your needs and budget. Some tools offer the facility to keep the data at an additional cost.

Some tools maintain the data for a limited period. Historical data helps to analyze past events. It detects the use of vulnerable protocols and ciphers. It can help you to detect malware such as ransomware activity. Network Traffic Analysis tools collect the real-time and historical records of the network.

These tools provide the features of software agents, storing historical data, and intrusion detection systems. We can categorize them into two types, first is Flow-based tools, and the second is Deep Packet inspection tools. Pro Tip: You can consider some factors while choosing a network traffic analysis tool for your business such as availability of flow-enabled devices on your network, data sources of flow data & packet data, the tool’s capability to retain historical data, whether the tool uses agent-based software or agent-free, and the cost of the tool.įactors to consider while choosing Network Traffic Analyzers:Īll the network analysis tools are different.

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