CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

Which tool can be utilized to monitor an interface on a network?

1. Network Management System

2. OS or SNMP

3. Wireshark

4. Router Configuration Tool

The correct answer is: OS or SNMP

The tool that can be utilized to monitor an interface on a network is OS or SNMP. Operating Systems (OS) on routers and switches often come with built-in monitoring capabilities that allow network administrators to check the status of interfaces, view traffic statistics, and receive alerts for anomalies. The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is specifically designed for managing and monitoring network devices. By leveraging SNMP, devices can send traps to inform administrators about significant events, or they can be polled for status updates, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of network interfaces. Network Management Systems provide broader functionality beyond just interface monitoring. While very effective, they integrate various protocols including SNMP, but they are not exclusively focused on interface monitoring. Wireshark, on the other hand, is a packet capturing tool that analyzes traffic but doesn't specifically monitor the health and performance of interfaces over time. Additionally, Router Configuration Tools are primarily focused on configuring and troubleshooting device settings rather than ongoing interface performance monitoring. In summary, OS and SNMP are both integral tools used in maintaining the visibility of network interface performance, making them suitable for monitoring tasks in networking environments.