A variety of end-station and network device commands can be used to gather
operational statistics on a network or on specific component links and devices.

Operational statistics can also be gained from centrally located network
analysis software or even dedicated hardware. SNMP can be used to get each SNMP
capable network device to report back to a central monitoring host which is
loaded with software to interpret input from network devices. Similarly the
Network Analysis Module (NAM), designed for Cisco 6500 series devices can
become the nerve center for analysis of network function. The NAM stores
operational statistics collected using remote VLAN and port centric or local
VLAN Switchport Analyzer sessions for each Cisco switching component of the
network. The data can then be compared to historical data. Increasing the level
of data capture occurring on network operational statistics, a troubleshooter
can gain valuable intelligence on a network.