Network monitoring involves observing and managing computer networks to ensure their optimal performance, security, and reliability. This process entails using specialized tools and techniques to gather data about network traffic, devices, and infrastructure components. The collected data is then analyzed to identify potential issues, troubleshoot problems, and make informed decisions for network optimization and security.

• Performance Optimization: Network monitoring allows you to track metrics like bandwidth utilization, latency, and response times. By identifying performance bottlenecks and slowdowns.
• Issue Detection and Resolution: Monitoring tools help detect anomalies, errors, and unusual patterns in network traffic. This enables prompt troubleshooting and resolution of issues.
• Security Enhancement: Monitoring helps identify unauthorized access attempts, unusual behaviors, and potential security breaches. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) 
• Capacity Planning: By analyzing historical data, you can forecast future network usage trends and plan for network capacity upgrades accordingly.
• Resource Allocation: Monitoring helps ensure that network resources, such as bandwidth and processing power, are properly allocated to critical applications and services.
• Quality of Service (QoS) Management: QoS ensures that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and priority to maintain optimal performance.
• Compliance and Reporting: Network monitoring provides data for regulatory compliance audits and helps create detailed reports on network performance and security.
• Proactive Maintenance: Regular monitoring allows IT teams to identify and address potential issues before they escalate, reducing downtime and improving user experience.
• User Experience Optimization: Monitoring helps ensure that end-users experience smooth and consistent network performance, which is especially crucial for online services and applications.
• Remote Work Support: With the rise of remote work, monitoring assists in maintaining the performance and security of networks that connect remote employees to company resources.

Network monitoring tools can range from basic software to comprehensive enterprise-level solutions. Some well-known network monitoring tools include Nagios, Zabbix, PRTG Network Monitor, Wireshark, SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, and Cisco Prime Infrastructure. Network monitoring is a critical practice for maintaining the health, security, and efficiency of computer networks. It provides insights into network behavior, allowing IT professionals to detect and resolve issues promptly, optimize performance, and ensure a reliable and secure network environment.