AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam

Implement and Configure Network Watcher

Introduction to Azure Network Watcher

Azure Network Watcher is a crucial tool for anyone managing Azure environments. It offers comprehensive solutions for monitoring and diagnosing network performance, helping to identify connectivity issues swiftly and ensure optimal network operations. To take full advantage of Network Watcher, it's imperative to enable it in your desired region. You can accomplish this through various methods including the Azure portal, PowerShell, Azure CLI, REST API, or an Azure Resource Manager template.

Enabling Network Watcher

Enabling Network Watcher involves selecting the appropriate region and subscription for setup. If you're using the portal, search for Network Watcher, select + Create, choose the subscription and region, and then click Add. With PowerShell, you can employ the New-AzNetworkWatcher cmdlet to set up a Network Watcher instance. Alternatively, the Azure CLI provides the az network watcher create command for configuration. Upon creation, the instance is named NetworkWatcher_region and is housed in a resource group known as NetworkWatcherRG.

Diagnostic Tools

Network Watcher comes equipped with several important diagnostic tools:

• Packet Capture: This feature is instrumental in tracking traffic entering and leaving virtual machines (VMs). Captured data can be stored in a storage blob or locally, and packet captures can be initiated remotely — for example, from Azure Functions — to investigate network anomalies.
• Connection Monitor: This tool is essential for monitoring network performance metrics and troubleshooting connectivity hurdles. It can be set up to alert users under specific conditions when network metrics deviate from expected values.

Practical Scenario Example

Here's a practical use-case scenario: imagine a VM experiencing unexpected outgoing traffic. You can establish an alert to initiate a packet capture session via an Azure function:

1. An issue triggers an alert on the VM.
2. The alert engages an Azure function.
3. The function activates a Network Watcher packet capture session.
4. Data is gathered and uploaded to a storage account for examination.

This workflow allows users to proactively manage potential issues before they become larger problems.

Prerequisites for Network Watcher

To use Network Watcher efficiently, have these prerequisites on hand:

• The latest version of Azure PowerShell.
• An active instance of Network Watcher.
• A VM located within the same region, fitted with the necessary extensions for monitoring operations.

Conclusion

By establishing and managing Azure Network Watcher along with Connection Monitor, users are equipped to diagnose and oversee network performance proactively. These tools are integral for guaranteeing healthy operations and swift response to connectivity issues within your Azure resources. Navigating these instruments properly ensures that systems run smoothly, maintaining robust network health and performance.evaluate their needs effectively.