- Comprehensive network monitoring solution with a powerful toolset for IT professionals to monitor and manage network infrastructure efficiently.
- Versatile and user-friendly, featuring flexible alerts, customisable maps, and distributed monitoring to adapt to various network environments.
Introduction to PRTG network monitor
PRTG Network Monitor, developed by Paessler AG, is a widely-used network monitoring tool that helps IT professionals keep track of network performance and health. Launched in 2003, PRTG—short for “Paessler Router Traffic Grapher”—is an agent-less software, meaning it doesn’t require installation on the devices it monitors. Instead, it gathers data through protocols such as SNMP, WMI, packet sniffing, and NetFlow, making it ideal for monitoring a wide range of network devices, including routers, switches, and servers.
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Key features of PRTG network monitor
Alert flexibility: PRTG has an alert system that makes sure you stay informed on network status. And it has built-in options like email notices, SMS alerts, and hooks to send HTTP requests or run scripts, so it keeps you updated when you are away. The PRTG API also lets you set custom notifications, and it gives a path to an alert plan that fits your needs.
Multiple interfaces: The software gives several ways to reach and manage your network safely, and that includes a web AJAX interface, a Windows desktop app, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. These interfaces support full management, from setting up devices and sensors to watching network status, and they let you manage the network from almost any place.
Cluster failover: PRTG has failover monitoring as a key for network reliability. It is included in every on-premise licence, and it makes sure if the main server goes down, another node takes over, so downtime is avoided and monitoring stays continuous. And the software supports checks from multiple points, so users can compare response times from sites on LAN, VPN, or WAN.
Maps and dashboards: PRTG is strong at network visualisation, and it offers live maps that show devices and links and also show status data. The built-in Map Editor lets users build custom network maps with drag-and-drop, and they can share the maps with unique URLs, so teams can work together or reach the maps from remote places.
Distributed monitoring: With PRTG, monitoring does not sit in one place. The software also supports distributed monitoring across many networks and sites, and that includes separate parts in an organisation like DMZs or LANs. Remote Probes let you spread the monitoring load and raise quality of service, so the tool works well for complex network setups.
In-depth reporting: PRTG has strong reporting, and it lets users pull useful data as stats, graphs, plain tables, and detailed reports.