What are retransmissions a measure of in network monitoring?

Retransmissions in network monitoring refer to instances where data packets are sent multiple times because the initial transmission failed to reach its intended destination successfully. This metric is crucial because it indicates underlying issues within the network, such as congestion, errors, or packet loss. When a device detects that a packet has not been acknowledged by the receiving end, it will attempt to resend the packet to ensure data integrity and reliability.

Monitoring retransmissions helps network administrators understand the quality of the network connection and identify potential problems that need addressing. A high number of retransmissions can signify persistent connectivity issues, impacting the overall performance and efficiency of the network. Therefore, measuring retransmissions effectively provides insight into how well the network is functioning and where improvements might be needed.