Definition

Remote network monitoring is one of the ways that IT teams can observe and manage a company’s network from a remote place by using certain tools or software. RMON also helps those departments to track their company’s network performance. This type of monitoring is also used to detect issues without needing to be physically there. It is useful for those companies that have different teams/remote offices or if their infrastructure is in the cloud. 

Initially, it was created as an extension of the SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), so it can help with management of their LAN segments and remote sites from one central location. RMON provides a complete check into their network traffic and devices’ behavior, helping IT teams so they can have both effective management and faster troubleshooting.

What remote network monitoring software does

This type of software helps with the analysis of things like the traffic that’s running across their network devices, especially their routers, switches, firewalls, and servers. They rack up information on bandwidth usage, latency, device status, and much more. 

They also support useful features such as automatic alerts in case anything goes wrong, a visual dashboard, and the history of reports. Some of them can also integrate with cloud services or even ITSM systems.

The benefits of incorporating a remote network monitoring tool in the workspace

By adding a remote network monitoring tool to a company’s portfolio, they get several advantages, especially for those companies that are heavily relying on their network connectivity. Among them, we’ll list a few:

• Detecting problems: It identifies their performance issues before they affect the users.
• Reduces the downtime: Gets a faster response so it can minimize disruption.
• Central management: It is ideal for businesses that have multiple offices or remote teams/employees.
• Cost efficiency: They save money by removing any need for on-site troubleshooting.
• Data reports: These metrics help with planning and their resource allocation.
• Security reasons: It helps to detect unusual traffic that may indicate cyberthreats.

Common RMON Equipment

Remote network monitoring doesn’t rely just on software; it also often involves a combination of tools and hardware. Common RMON equipment includes:

• RMON probes: They’re specialized devices or agents that collect and forward data about traffic and device health.
• Switches/Routers: Those are the network devices that support SNMP and RMON monitoring.
• TAPs or SPAN Ports: They’re used for traffic duplication and passive monitoring.
• Control Keyboards: It’s used to control multiple systems remotely.
• Servers or Appliances: Those are dedicated machines where the remote monitoring software is hosted.

The Architecture of RMON, from software to equipment 

This layered design enables easy remote monitoring and management, even across dispersed networks. The architecture of a remote network monitoring setup typically consists of:

• Data Collection Layer

Probes, agents, or built-in sensors embedded in switches and routers collect traffic data.

• Data Communication Layer

This layer transmits the data to a central monitoring platform.

• Analysis and Storage Layer

The software aggregates and stores data on local servers or cloud platforms.

• User Interface Layer

There are dashboards, reports, and alert systems.

• Control Layer

In advanced setups, the administrators can apply some configurations or isolate LAN segments.

Types of remote network monitoring

There are two main types of remote network monitoring: RMON1 and RMON2. 

RMON1:

• Monitor the physical layer and the data link layer (layers 1 and 2).
• Mostly, they’re used for ethernet and token ring networks.
• Racks up data such as packet counts, error rates, and collision information

RMON2:

• It can monitor the network layer (layer 3) and higher layers as well.
• It can also provide valuable information from the network protocols.
• Offers detailed information about traffic patterns
  

There’s also HCRMON (RFC 3202), SMON (RFC 2613), and RFC 3577. 

Why Remote network monitoring solutions are important

Whether you’re an IT admin in charge of remote offices or a service vendor, simply incorporating remote network monitoring tools helps you to act fast, reduce downtime, and deliver a smooth user experience.