Monitoring network bandwidth usage is crucial for maintaining optimal network performance and identifying potential issues. PRTG Network Monitor offers powerful capabilities for monitoring bandwidth usage on routers and switches, enabling administrators to track traffic patterns, identify bottlenecks, and ensure efficient network operation. This manual provides a comprehensive guide to setting up bandwidth monitoring with PRTG on routers and switches.

Installation and Setup:
Download and install PRTG Network Monitor on a suitable server or workstation.
Launch the PRTG web interface and log in with administrative credentials.
Configure device credentials for routers and switches to enable SNMP monitoring.
Add routers and switches as devices in PRTG Network Monitor using their IP addresses or hostnames.

Adding Sensors:
Once devices are added, navigate to the device list and select the desired router or switch.
Click on "Add Sensor" and choose the appropriate SNMP Traffic sensor for bandwidth monitoring.
Configure the sensor settings, including interface selection and monitoring interval.
Repeat this process for each interface you wish to monitor on the router or switch.

Configuring Thresholds and Alerts:
Set bandwidth usage thresholds for sensors to trigger alerts when predefined limits are exceeded.
Define notification triggers to alert administrators via email, SMS, or other channels when threshold violations occur.
Fine-tune alerting settings to avoid false positives and ensure timely response to critical network issues.

Viewing Bandwidth Usage:
Navigate to the device overview or sensor list to view real-time and historical bandwidth usage graphs.
Use PRTG's customizable dashboards to create visualizations tailored to your monitoring needs.
Analyze bandwidth usage trends over time to identify patterns and potential performance issues.

Performance Optimization:
Use PRTG's reporting features to generate detailed bandwidth usage reports for capacity planning and troubleshooting.
Leverage PRTG's network mapping capabilities to visualize network topology and identify potential optimization opportunities.
Implement Quality of Service (QoS) policies based on insights gained from bandwidth monitoring to prioritize critical traffic and improve network performance.

Best Practices:
Regularly review and update monitoring configurations to align with changing network requirements.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as throughput, latency, and packet loss in addition to bandwidth usage.
Collaborate with network stakeholders to establish monitoring objectives and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Effective bandwidth monitoring is essential for maintaining network reliability and performance. With PRTG Network Monitor, administrators can gain deep insights into bandwidth usage on routers and switches, enabling proactive management and optimization of network resources. By following the guidelines outlined in this manual, you can establish robust bandwidth monitoring practices to support your organization's networking needs.