Monitoring networks using ntop

Today´s networks present several management challenges due to the variety of network types and the integration of different network media. Network administrators need automated tools to support human effort, gathering information about the status and behaviour of network elements. Network monitoring is probably the most fundamental aspect of automated network management. The goal of this paper is to describe the design and implementation of ntop a simple, open-source, portable traffic measurement and monitoring tool, which supports various management activities, including network optimisation and planning, and detection of network security violations. In addition, it describes some scenarios where ntop can be effectively used for identifying common network problems as well as detecting intruders and security violations