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Network Traffic: Definition and How to monitor it?

For many IT professionals, the flow of data has become as essential as the air we breathe. This constant movement of information, akin to cars zooming down a busy freeway, is what we refer to as network traffic.

Network Traffic definition

Network traffic is the amount of data moving across a computer network at any given time. It also called data traffic, is broken down into data packets and sent over a network before being reassembled by the receiving device or computer.

It has two directional flows, north-south, and east-west. Traffic affects network quality because an unusually high amount of traffic can mean slow download speeds or spotty Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connections. Traffic is also related to security because an unusually high amount of traffic could be a sign of an attack.

network traffic

Why is it important in Cybersecurity?

It plays a crucial role in cyber security by enabling monitoring, intrusion detection, and detailed analysis of data flow for identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Through continuous monitoring of network traffic, security professionals can keep a close watch on incoming and outgoing data to detect any suspicious patterns or anomalies that might indicate a security breach. Intrusion detection systems rely heavily on analyzing network traffic to identify and respond to potential threats in real-time, enhancing the overall security posture of an organization. Detailed analysis of network traffic provides valuable insights into the behavior of digital assets and user activities, assisting in the implementation of robust security measures to prevent cyber attacks.

How to secure Network Traffic

Network traffic security requires a multi-layered approach and several lines of defense. Begin by securing the network perimeter and encrypting data in transit.

Be sure to regularly update network software and firmware to protect against known vulnerabilities. If you are a network administrator, you will also need to educate your users about network security. Encourage them to use strong passwords, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report any unusual activity.

Types of Network Traffic

  • Real-time traffic – Real-time traffic refers to the type of network traffic where data packets must be delivered within a specific time frame to retain their value. This is commonly seen in applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and VoIP calls. The delivery of these data packets is time-sensitive because delays can lead to buffering, lagging, or poor quality of service.
  • Non-real-time traffic – On the other hand, non-real-time traffic involves data that does not require immediate delivery. Emails, file downloads, and software updates are examples of this type of traffic. Even if there are slight delays in the transmission of these data packets, the overall user experience is not significantly affected.

Understanding these two types helps in efficient network management. Prioritizing real-time traffic over non-real-time traffic can ensure the smooth operation of time-sensitive applications, thereby enhancing user experience.

Common network traffic problems

Common issues include the following:

  • component failures, such as server, router, or firewall failures; and
  • traffic failures, such as bottlenecks and high latency.

Bottlenecks can occur when there is not enough data handling capacity to process the current traffic volume. Latency, or the delay from input into a system to its outcome, can be caused by components in the data center relaying information to each other, increasing network traffic. High latency can occur more commonly with east-west traffic.

How to monitor it?

Monitoring network traffic is an essential task for anyone working on the maintenance and security of a network. Monitoring not only ensures the smooth flow of data and reliable access to the network for its users. It also helps to protect the network against the threat of malicious cyberattacks and unauthorized access from external sources. As the quantity of data traveling across and between networks increases, monitoring and securing networks becomes a more difficult task. There are, though, several steps you can take to monitor network traffic more effectively:

  • Determine the origination of the data. Identifying and understanding the source of your network traffic can help you to understand any parts of the network where data flow is abnormal or irregular. This could include data from network applications, Wi-Fi data, or data from devices connected to the network.
  • Monitor data from internal applications. Your internal network’s data center may be hosting numerous applications that users across the network can access. It’s essential to monitor network traffic coming and going from these applications.
  • Map the network topology. Network topology mapping can help you gain a better understanding of the origin and destination of data traffic across your network. Using monitoring and mapping tools is a useful way of keeping track of data across every node on the network.
  • Produce regular network traffic reports. Scheduling the production of regular network traffic reports is an effective way of monitoring trends in data flow over time. Sharing these reports with colleagues enables feedback and a collaborative approach to monitoring network traffic.
  • Use graphical tools to visualize network traffic. Using visualization tools can be a useful way to summarise the traffic on your network and identify patterns and flows of data that you might not identify elsewhere. You can also create interactive, visual dashboards that provide you with network traffic monitoring information in real-time.

network traffic

Conclusion

Apart from the above-mentioned tips, organizations should look into several available traffic monitoring tools that provide live data, interactive dashboards, and reporting equipment. Additionally, it is common to have a network infrastructure that is external in nature. Companies often use a service provider’s cloud platforms to house their network. In such scenarios, it is best to get your service provider on board for the monitoring process. Such companies provide tools that are specifically tailored to their infrastructure design.

Monitoring network data is one of the most essential steps in protecting and securing an organization from cyberattacks. With this, we come to the end of this blog post. We hope this was insightful in helping you understand what “network traffic” means and the different types of traffic that exist. By knowing the ins and outs of network traffic, you can start to effectively monitor your organization’s traffic. Stay tuned for additional informative blog posts to come.

Knowledge

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