Final answer:
Azure Network Watcher is a service in Microsoft Azure for monitoring and diagnosing network performance issues. It includes features like topology visualization, IP flow verification, security group views, packet capture, and network performance monitoring to help manage and secure Azure networks effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Function of Azure Network Watcher
Azure Network Watcher is a tool designed to monitor, diagnose, and gain insights into network performance and health within Microsoft Azure environments. This service provides administrators with the capability to troubleshoot network issues, monitor communication between resources, and maintain a secure posture. Key features of Network Watcher include topology visualization, IP flow verification, security group view, packet capture, and network performance monitoring.
For instance, topology visualization provides a detailed diagram of an Azure network and its components, helping to quickly understand and analyze the structure and functional connections. IP flow verification allows administrators to validate outbound and inbound network connectivity for any virtual machine or interface within an Azure Virtual Network, thus verifying whether the network security rules are configured correctly. The security group view is essential for auditing and monitoring network security group (NSG) rules.
Network Watcher's packet capture feature is instrumental in diagnosing network anomalies by capturing traffic to and from a virtual machine. Lastly, network performance monitoring leverages tools such as Connection Monitor and Network Performance Monitor to track network connectivity and performance metrics across cloud and hybrid environments. These tools help ensure that performance meets the expected service levels, identifying potential issues before they impact the end-users.