Interpreting network performance metrics and units in the vSphere Client

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

Network throughput values in vSphere Client performance charts may appear lower than expected when compared to external network monitoring tools.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server

Cause

vSphere performance charts (and exported CSV files) measure network metrics in KBps (Kilobytes per second). In contrast, standard network monitoring systems typically display bandwidth in bits per second, such as Mbps (Megabits per second) or Gbps (Gigabits per second).

Resolution

To accurately read the charts and compare vSphere network metrics with standard network monitoring tools, you must convert bytes to bits.

1. Note the network metric value displayed in the vSphere performance chart in KBps.

2. Multiply this value by 8 to convert kilobytes to kilobits (Kbps).

3. Convert the resulting value to Mbps or Gbps as needed to match your external monitoring tools.

Additional Information

Network (Mbps)