Network Device Management with PRTG

Cables form the basis of almost every company network. These cables should be arranged in a standardized manner. Quality and stability are two key factors which are taken into consideration to maximize data transmission speeds and thus make it easier for employees to work.

Most of the time, cables are arranged in accordance with Ethernet cabling specifications, otherwise known as the “LAN technique.” These specifications apply to both software (protocols) and hardware (network cards, cables, distributors), and involve the use of data frames for exchanging data between the local network and end devices (e.g. a computer or printer).

Other variations include WLAN networks and the power line (PowerLAN).

Network devices in the general sense

Modems

Modems are used to exchange digital signals between two digital end devices via vast transmission channels. For such an exchange to work, the signals must first be modulated. Modems are connected to the network to provide the latter with access to the Internet. Common types of modems include leased-line modems, DSL modems, fiber optic modems, and cable modems.

Hubs

Hubs connect the computers in a network, so these computers can communicate with one another. Hubs operate exclusively at layer 1 of the OSI model, or the physical layer. The drawback of hubs is that information can only be sent to all connected machines (and not individual ones), and messages only sent or received.

Switches

Today, most networks use switches instead of hubs. As “intelligent” hubs, switches verify where information should be sent (i.e. to which computer). Once this is determined, other computers do not come into play. Switches can send and receive messages at the same time. They operate at layer 2 of the OSI model (data link layer) and thus decide, by way of a MAC address, which computer is to receive the message.

Routers

Routers connect separate networks having different architectures and protocols. They usually connect the internal network (LAN) to the Internet (WAN). Routers allow several computers to use the same connection (gateway). They recognize when a certain computer visits a certain URL and return the requested information to the corresponding computer. To translate the various protocols, routers operate at layer 3 of the OSI model, or the network layer.

Wireless access points

Wireless access points interface wireless communication devices with fixed data networks (LAN, telephone, cable, power supply, etc.). Examples of wireless access points include laptops and mobile end devices, as well as desktop computers, printers, and projectors with wireless adapters. Wireless access points allow for network coverage (and therefore network access) to be as widespread as possible.

Repeaters

Repeaters are used to amplify network signals so the maximum cable length in LANs with bus topologies can be increased and the network made more stable. WLAN repeaters are used to increase the range of a wireless network. Almost all modern, commercial wireless access points offer repeater modules to provide larger buildings, properties, and sites with sufficient network coverage. 

Network devices in the broader sense

In the broader sense, network devices are any devices that are connected to the network in order to be accessed by users.

These include so-called “end devices” such as computers, printers, and projectors. Other types of end devices include NAS (network-attached storage), media servers, and more.

PRTG is a proprietary network monitoring tool that inventories every hardware device on your network, monitors its health and performance, and alerts you if there are issues. Available for Windows-based on-premises servers or as a cloud-hosted solution, it's capable of monitoring unlimited local, remote, and virtual devices, bringing critical system data together in one simple, intuitive interface you can access from anywhere: at the office, at home, or on the go.

Network device management is a must whether you're a small local business or a multinational with offices across five continents, and a specialized tool can save you time, effort, and much hair-tearing. PRTG tracks backups, configuration changes, and updates, identifies security vulnerabilities, and generally helps you maintain a more secure and stable network. Which means fewer support calls and happier colleagues. 

Yes. You can monitor any device in any location by installing a remote probe close to its endpoint. The remote probe communicates with your PRTG core server, enabling it to gather and display the data you want to track. 

In PRTG, “sensors” are the basic monitoring elements. One sensor usually monitors one measured value in your network, for example the traffic of a switch port, the CPU load of a server, or the free space on a disk drive. On average, you need about 5-10 sensors per device or one sensor per switch port.