CompTIA Network+ Practice Test 2026 - Free Network+ Practice Questions and Exam Prep Guide

The correct choice for a tool that can be used for network performance monitoring is SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). SNMP is a widely used protocol that facilitates the monitoring and management of network devices such as routers, switches, servers, and other network components. It allows for the collection of performance data, configuration changes, and notification of network events. By using SNMP, network administrators can gather important metrics about device health, traffic loads, error rates, and other performance indicators, providing valuable insights for optimizing network performance and troubleshooting issues.

Network switches and wireless access points are crucial components in a network, but they primarily function to direct and manage traffic rather than monitor network performance actively. While they may have some monitoring capabilities through built-in features, they do not offer the comprehensive monitoring and management functions that SNMP provides.

Data backup software focuses on creating and managing copies of data for recovery purposes. Although important for data integrity and availability, it does not play a role in monitoring network performance. Monitoring tools like SNMP are specifically designed to track and report on the operational status and performance metrics of network devices, making it the most appropriate choice for this purpose.