What can be used to visualize network traffic and identify bottlenecks?

Network topology maps provide an overview of the structure and arrangement of a network, illustrating how different devices are connected and how data flows between them. They are essential for understanding the network's design, but they do not inherently allow for the real-time analysis of traffic or the identification of bottlenecks in data flow.

In contrast, packet sniffers are tools that capture and analyze actual network traffic. They provide detailed insights into the performance of the network by monitoring data packets as they traverse the network. This allows for the identification of bottlenecks, as the analysis can reveal congestion points and assess the efficiency of data transmission.

Network performance metrics, while valuable for assessing overall network health and diagnosing potential issues, typically rely on data gathered from tools like packet sniffers or other monitoring systems. They help evaluate aspects such as throughput, latency, and error rates but do not visualize the traffic directly.

Network diagrams, primarily used for illustrating network layout, do not provide the necessary detail to analyze actual traffic or determine performance issues. Their primary focus is on representing devices and connections rather than on monitoring traffic flow.

The ability of packet sniffers to capture packet data and provide detailed insights into network performance makes them the most effective tool for visualizing network traffic and identifying bott