Final answer:
Network personnel create a baseline to monitor the normal operating conditions of a network.
This baseline is essential for comparing current network performance to expected metrics to identify issues or areas for improvement. Tools such as network analyzers and performance management software are used in this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Network personnel create a baseline to determine the normal and current operating conditions of the network. A baseline is essentially a set of data that represents the normal performance metrics of a network, such as bandwidth usage, error rates, throughput, and latency levels.
This information is crucial for network monitoring and troubleshooting, as it allows network administrators to compare the current performance of the network to the expected performance established by the baseline. By doing so, they can identify any anomalies or issues that may indicate a problem or potential area for improvement.
To create an effective baseline, data is collected over a period of time to account for variations in usage patterns. Tools like network analyzers, performance management software, and log files are commonly used for this task.
Maintaining an updated baseline is important as networks evolve and change over time due to new applications, increased traffic, or infrastructure updates. Regularly comparing current network performance against the baseline can help ensure the network's health and efficiency.