For website and network operators, prompt recognition of issues is crucial to safeguard SEO strategies. Open-source and freeware server/network monitoring tools can proactively oversee your infrastructure for potential problems. These tools are designed to prevent downtime and assess whether your resource requirements have surpassed your current infrastructure capabilities. They are invaluable for both lead generation sites, like local restaurants, and e-commerce platforms, such as auto parts retailers.
This article reviews the top 10 server/network monitoring tools and software. You will find a range of server applications here to suit your specific needs.
Monit not only monitors your server but also attempts to rectify problems by taking predefined actions for certain situations. For instance, if your database server crashes, Monit can automatically restart the service, which is often the desired action.
For multiple server monitoring, M/Monit, an extended version of Monit, offers a straightforward method to monitor multiple machines. An iPhone app is also available for M/Monit, enabling convenient network checks without the need for a laptop.
When dealing with a server cluster, Ganglia provides an overview of the entire cluster. This tool is ideal for server clusters but may be excessive for single-machine setups.
Munin monitors and graphs system performance metrics, automatically generating daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly performance graphs and reports for numerous important metrics. It can track core system resources and is easy to extend, allowing for the creation of plugins to monitor almost anything.
Cacti, akin to Munin, offers the unique ability to resize graphs and view data for an arbitrary range. Unlike Munin’s fixed graphs, Cacti allows you to customize your data view, from the last 2 hours to the last 6 months, and even zoom into specific areas on your graphs.
Nagios is considered the industry standard in IT infrastructure monitoring. Its comprehensive features include monitoring multiple hosts and the ability to send alerts via email, pager, or SMS. While it can be complex to install and configure, Nagios is a powerful tool for experienced IT professionals.
Zabbix is a feature-rich monitoring solution with a user-friendly interface. It supports monitoring of numerous devices and provides detailed reports and analytics. Zabbix is suitable for both small and large organizations.
Observium is an open-source network monitoring tool that automatically discovers network devices and collects various metrics. It supports a wide range of devices and operating systems, making it a versatile choice for network administrators.
Collectd is a lightweight system for monitoring and collecting metrics from various sources. It is highly customizable and can be used to track almost anything on your network.
Argus is an open-source network monitoring tool that provides detailed reports and alerts. It supports a variety of devices and protocols and is ideal for monitoring large networks.
In conclusion, choosing the right server/network monitoring tool is essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient infrastructure. The tools mentioned above offer a range of features and capabilities to meet the needs of different organizations.
