ifconfig in short “interface configuration” utility for system/network administration in Unix/Linux operating systems to configure, manage and query network interface parameters via command line interface or in a system configuration scripts.
The “ifconfig” command is used for displaying current network configuration information, setting up an ip address, netmask or broadcast address to an network interface, creating an alias for network interface, setting up hardware address and enable or disable network interfaces.

The term network monitoring describes the use of a system that constantly monitors a computer network for slow or failing components and that notifies the network administrator (via email, sms or other alarms) in case of outages. It is a subset of the functions involved in network management.

In today’s cut throat competition, where only the fittest can survive, an organization can’t be called professional, if it lacks network monitoring tools. When almost every company is trying hard to make its online existence more visible and strong, a slight mistake can cost it huge losses. When a visitor comes to a shop or office, he doesn’t mind waiting for few seconds. But in the virtual world, people really don’t have the patience to wait and revisit a down site, unless its their preferred one. A down time of few seconds can cause your loss of reputation as a worthy company.

Thus its highly crucial to invest wisely in network monitoring tools. This list comprises of some free and some paid but all desirable network monitoring tools. You can opt for customized package or an open source tool as per your organization’s requirements, but investment in it is a must. Network monitoring tools gives you both short term benefits and long term yields and you will never regret investing in this.

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