Azure Network Watcher
Monitor, Diagnose, and Secure Your Azure Network Infrastructure
Azure Network Watcher is a comprehensive network performance monitoring and diagnostics solution built for enterprise environments running workloads in Microsoft Azure. It gives IT teams full visibility into the health, performance, and security of their virtual network infrastructure - without requiring direct access to individual virtual machines.
As a Microsoft Azure partner, TechPower helps organisations deploy and configure Network Watcher as part of a broader cloud networking and security strategy.
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Overview
Modern enterprise networks running on Azure require real-time insight and rapid troubleshooting capabilities. Azure Network Watcher delivers exactly that - a centralised toolset that enables network engineers and security teams to monitor connectivity, capture traffic data, diagnose faults, and audit network security posture at scale.
Whether you are managing a hybrid network, troubleshooting VPN issues, or meeting compliance requirements for traffic logging, Network Watcher provides the visibility and diagnostic depth your team needs.
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Key Capabilities
Remote Packet Capture
- Capture packet-level data from Azure virtual machines without logging in to them
- Trigger packet captures automatically by setting performance or security alerts
- Gain access to real-time traffic data to support deep-dive diagnostics
- Reduce mean time to resolution for complex network faults
Network Security Group (NSG) Flow Logs
- Record inbound and outbound IP traffic flows through your Network Security Groups
- Use Virtual Network flow logs for broader traffic visibility across your environment
- Support compliance, security auditing, and governance requirements with detailed traffic records
- Identify anomalous traffic patterns and potential security risks early
VPN Gateway Diagnostics
- Diagnose the most common VPN Gateway and connection issues directly from the portal
- Generate detailed diagnostic logs to support deeper investigation and root cause analysis
- Reduce reliance on manual troubleshooting processes and accelerate resolution times
Automated Network Monitoring
- Set up automated, remote monitoring workflows using packet capture triggers
- Monitor network health continuously without manual intervention
- Integrate with Azure Monitor and other Azure services for unified observability
Security Group View
- Assess the effective security rules applied to your virtual machines
- Identify misconfigurations or overly permissive rules before they become vulnerabilities
- Support security team reviews and internal audit processes
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Use Cases
Enterprise Troubleshooting and Incident Response
Network Watcher equips your NOC and engineering teams with the tools to identify and resolve network issues faster. Packet capture and flow log analysis mean you spend less time guessing and more time resolving.
Compliance and Security Auditing
Flow logs provide the traffic records your security and compliance teams need to demonstrate adherence to internal policies and external regulatory frameworks. Log data can be stored and analysed using Azure-native or third-party SIEM tools.
Hybrid and Multi-Site Connectivity Monitoring
For organisations running hybrid Azure environments or connecting multiple sites via VPN, Network Watcher provides the diagnostic tools to maintain stable and performant connectivity - and to resolve issues quickly when they arise.
Proactive Network Health Management
Rather than waiting for users to report problems, Network Watcher enables proactive alerting and automated packet capture. IT teams can detect degradation before it impacts business operations.
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Pricing and Licensing
Azure Network Watcher operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing model with no upfront costs and no termination fees. Charges are based on usage - including the volume of flow logs, packet capture sessions, and diagnostic checks performed. This makes it accessible for organisations of all sizes, with costs scaling in line with actual consumption.
TechPower can help you model expected usage and forecast costs as part of your wider Azure spend planning.
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Why Azure Network Watcher
- No agents required on virtual machines for core monitoring and diagnostics
- Deeply integrated with the Azure platform and Azure security services
- Backed by Microsoft's enterprise-grade security infrastructure and compliance programme
- Supported by Microsoft's significant annual investment in cybersecurity research and development
- Available across Azure regions with a clear SLA commitment
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How TechPower Helps
Purchasing Azure through TechPower gives your organisation more than just access to Microsoft services. As an experienced Azure partner, TechPower brings the technical expertise and commercial support to help you get genuine value from your investment.
What TechPower provides:
- Needs assessment - We work with your IT and security teams to determine whether Network Watcher meets your monitoring and compliance requirements, and how it fits within your existing Azure environment
- Deployment and configuration support - Our Azure-certified team can assist with enabling Network Watcher, configuring flow logs, setting up diagnostic alerts, and integrating with your wider monitoring stack
- Cost optimisation - We help you understand your consumption model and avoid unnecessary spend, particularly important for high-volume environments with significant traffic logging requirements
- Ongoing managed support - TechPower clients benefit from access to ongoing technical support, licensing reviews, and Azure advisory services as their environment evolves
- Procurement simplicity - Consolidate your Microsoft licensing and Azure consumption through a single trusted reseller relationship, with clear billing and account management
To find out how Azure Network Watcher can strengthen your network visibility and security posture, contact your TechPower account manager or request a consultation with our Azure practice team today.