PING considered harmful (for network monitoring)

Although ping has long been a go-to tool for verifying network reachability, its continued use as a primary method for network monitoring is increasingly being questioned. This session explores the limitations, misconceptions, and risks associated with relying on ICMP-based tools like ping in modern, complex networks. Key topics include how ICMP traffic is deprioritized or blocked by many devices and firewalls, how ping fails to reflect application-level performance, and how it can give a false sense of security. The discussion will also delve into more accurate alternatives such as synthetic transactions, SNMP polling, and flow-based monitoring. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of when ping is useful—and when it may cause more harm than good in a professional monitoring strategy.