AWS Network Synthetic Monitor shows network performance between applications hosted on AWS and destinations on premises. It continuously measures packet loss and latency across hybrid connections, helping network operators and application developers locate degradation within minutes. AWS manages the monitoring probes, so agents do not have to be installed on VPCs or on-premises resources. For paths using Direct Connect or Transit Gateway inter-Region peering, a binary network health indicator—0 or 100—helps indicate whether the problem is within AWS. Metrics are published to CloudWatch Metrics for dashboards, thresholds, and alarms, and private connectivity is available through AWS PrivateLink. On-premises destinations can use IPv4 or IPv6 addresses. Each monitored subnet resource supports up to four probes for four destination IP addresses. Pricing starts at $0.10 per monitored resource per hour, with separate CloudWatch metric charges and no upfront or long-term commitment.
Who it is for
It suits network operators and application developers needing real-time visibility into hybrid AWS network performance. It is also relevant to teams using Direct Connect or Transit Gateway paths.
What is good
- Continuously measures packet loss and latency
- AWS manages monitoring probes
- CloudWatch dashboards, thresholds, and alarms
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6 destinations
- Private connectivity through AWS PrivateLink
What to know first
- No free plan
- No automatic network failover
- Up to four probes per subnet resource
- CloudWatch metrics are charged separately
Verdict
AWS Network Synthetic Monitor focuses on continuous visibility and pinpointing degradation across AWS and on-premises paths. Its managed probes and CloudWatch integration reduce setup work, while the lack of automatic failover means it monitors problems rather than correcting them.
Get started with AWS Network Synthetic Monitor
- Open the Network Synthetic Monitor documentation website
- Choose the Pay as you go plan
- Use the AWS web interface or API
- Select a monitored AWS subnet resource
- Specify up to four destination IP addresses
- Connect CloudWatch Metrics for dashboards, thresholds, or alarms
Limits to know first
Each monitored subnet resource supports up to four probes covering four destination IP addresses. Pricing also includes separate CloudWatch metrics fees, and the service does not automatically fail over during an AWS network issue.
Questions about AWS Network Synthetic Monitor
How is Network Synthetic Monitor priced?
The Pay as you go plan is 0.10 USD per month, billed hourly per monitored resource. CloudWatch metrics are charged separately, with no upfront costs or long-term commitments.
Is there a free plan?
No. AWS lists the service as paid.
Which platforms can I use?
Access is available through API and web interfaces.
What does it measure?
It continuously tracks packet loss and latency for hybrid network connections between AWS applications and on-premises destinations.
How many probes can a monitored subnet use?
Each monitored subnet resource can have up to four probes for traffic to four destination IP addresses.
Does it provide automatic network failover?
No. The service does not automatically fail over when an AWS network issue occurs.
AWS Network Synthetic Monitor plans and pricing
All plansCompared on mobile app monitoring
- Free plan
- No
