Synthetic monitoring is a type of monitoring that is called “synthetic” because it does not require actual traffic. Instead, it uses simulated transactions to mimic user interactions with an application or website. This synthetic traffic is generated by monitoring tools that simulate user behavior and interactions.
The term “synthetic” refers to the fact that the monitoring is not based on real user activity. It is a way to artificially generate traffic and test the performance and functionality of an application. This is in contrast to other types of monitoring, such as real user monitoring (RUM), which tracks actual user interactions and collects data based on their experiences.
The purpose of synthetic monitoring is to provide continuous, automated testing of applications. It allows companies to test their applications 24×7, without the need for actual users to be accessing the application. This is particularly useful for companies that operate globally and have users accessing their applications from different time zones.
Synthetic monitoring can also be used to test new applications or updates to existing applications before they are launched to live customers. By simulating user interactions, companies can identify any performance issues or bugs and fix them before they impact real users. This helps to ensure a smooth and seamless user experience.
One of the key advantages of synthetic monitoring is its ability to provide consistent and reliable performance data. Since the monitoring is based on simulated transactions, the results are not affected by factors such as network conditions or user behavior. This allows companies to accurately measure and compare the performance of their applications over time.
In my personal experience, I have seen synthetic monitoring being used in various industries, such as e-commerce and banking. For example, an e-commerce company may use synthetic monitoring to test the performance of their website during peak shopping seasons, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday. By simulating high levels of traffic, they can ensure that their website can handle the increased load and provide a seamless shopping experience for their customers.
Synthetic monitoring is called “synthetic” because it does not rely on actual user traffic. It uses simulated transactions to test the performance and functionality of applications. This type of monitoring is useful for continuous testing and can help companies identify and resolve issues before they impact real users. Its ability to provide consistent and reliable performance data makes it a valuable tool for ensuring a seamless user experience.