Monitoring Network Performance
Monitoring Network Performance |
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Network performance analysis is a follow-up to other monitoring and tuning efforts that are specific to a workstation or server computer. After you have tested and optimized the client or server system's resources, look at the performance of the network. For information about monitoring and tuning your system's memory, processor, and disk systems, see the optimization chapters of the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Server Resource Kit Server Operations Guide before analyzing the network components.
Figure 9.1 illustrates the sequence for monitoring system performance.
Figure 9.1 Sequence of Monitoring System Performance
When you are ready to examine your network's components, start by checking your networking hardware, including elements such as hubs, cables, routers, switches, and network adapters. For information about proper operation, see the manufacturer's documentation.
Use the most current network adapters and device drivers for your network components. In general, you want the widest bandwidth and highest-performing components possible for your entire system and budget. For example, to maximize the benefits of Windows 2000 networking performance enhancements, use adapters that support task offloading capabilities (checksum offloading, IP Security (IPSEC) offloading, or large send offloading) and interrupt moderation.
Note
If you are using media-sense network adapters, Windows 2000 displays an icon in the Taskbar if the adapter becomes disconnected from the network medium. Because the driver supporting the adapter continues to run even when it is not processing traffic, the driver causes the system to continue to use resources unnecessarily. Therefore, you should attend to disconnected adapters when the system reports them. As soon as you see the icon, check the adapter connection. Reconnect the adapter if appropriate; otherwise disable or remove the adapter to avoid the waste of resources associated with this condition.
After you have checked the adapters and drivers, verify that your components are properly configured. Set adapters for speeds appropriate to the devices they are using. Notice that autodetection might not select the optimal speed for operation. For proper configuration, see the product documentation.
