As a network administrator, you know that routing and switching are the backbone of any network. Without them, your network would be unable to route data packets, communicate between devices, and connect to the internet. That’s why it’s essential to have the right tools at your disposal to troubleshoot, configure, and optimize your network.
Here are the top 5 routing and switching tools Every Network Administrator should know:
1. Cisco Packet Tracer
Cisco Packet Tracer is a powerful simulation tool that helps network administrators create a virtual network environment. It allows you to simulate LAN, WAN, and wireless networks and test network changes in a risk-free environment before implementing them in your live network.
Packet Tracer also has a built-in Packet Sniffer, which lets you capture and analyze network traffic, making it easier to troubleshoot issues.
2. Wireshark
Wireshark is an open-source packet sniffer and protocol analyzer that can capture live network traffic and analyze it. It supports hundreds of protocols and can capture traffic on Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other network interfaces.
As a network administrator, you can use Wireshark to troubleshoot network issues, identify network bottlenecks, and capture data for forensic analysis.
3. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is a network monitoring tool that provides real-time visibility into your network. It lets you monitor network performance metrics such as latency, bandwidth utilization, and packet loss, and alerts you when these metrics exceed user-defined thresholds.
NPM also has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to visualize the health of your network and pinpoint performance degradation.
4. GNS3
GNS3 is an open-source network emulator that allows administrators to run real network operating systems such as Cisco IOS, Juniper Junos, and other operating systems on a virtual network.
GNS3 can simulate complex network topologies and allows you to test and troubleshoot routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP in a safe, virtual environment.
5. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) is a network configuration management tool that automates backup and configuration tasks for routers, switches, and other network devices.
NCM lets you automate device configuration backups, compare configurations to identify changes, and automatically apply configuration changes to multiple devices.
In conclusion, network administrators must be familiar with these routing and switching tools to optimize and maintain network performance. These tools make it easier to troubleshoot issues, analyze traffic, and automate configuration tasks, thereby increasing overall network efficiency and reducing downtime.