In today’s connected world, every system—from a home laptop to an enterprise server—is constantly interacting with networks, websites, services, and applications. Monitoring active connections is critical to understanding what your system is doing, detecting unusual activity, managing bandwidth, or even tightening security.
Whether you're a system administrator managing complex environments or a user trying to ensure your PC isn’t communicating with unknown sources, knowing how to check active network connections is a must.
At DirectDeals, with 26 years of experience in enterprise IT solutions, we often guide customers in evaluating their network health and system behavior using built in tools—especially before deploying mission critical software like Windows Server, Remote Desktop Services, or Microsoft Office licenses.
Why Monitoring Active Connections Matters
When your system is connected to a network or the internet, it communicates with multiple external IP addresses through various ports. Some of these connections are safe and necessary—such as software updates or cloud syncing—while others may indicate security issues, including unauthorized access or data leakage.
Monitoring active connections allows you to:
- Identify unexpected or suspicious IP addresses
- Diagnose slow system or internet performance
- Troubleshoot application connectivity issues
- Improve firewall configuration
- Spot malware or spyware activity
Tools to Monitor Active Connections on Windows
1. Using Command Prompt (CMD)
- Open Command Prompt (Run as Administrator)
- Type:
netstat ano
This command displays:
- Protocol (TCP/UDP)
- Local & foreign addresses
- Connection state (ESTABLISHED, LISTENING)
- Process ID (PID)
To dig deeper, use:
netstat bano
This shows the executable file responsible for the connection.
2. Using Resource Monitor
- Open Task Manager
- Navigate to Performance > Open Resource Monitor
- Under the Network tab, you’ll find:
- Active TCP connections
- Associated processes
- Network activity details
3. Windows PowerShell
Get NetTCPConnection | Where Object { $_.State -eq 'Established' }
PowerShell offers powerful filtering capabilities, making it especially useful for system administrators.
Tools for Linux Users
1. netstat (net tools package)
netstat -tulpn
Displays listening ports and active connections.
2. ss (socket statistics)
A modern alternative to netstat:
ss -tulnp
3. lsof (list open files)
lsof -i
Displays processes with open Internet sockets.
Identifying Suspicious Connections
If you find an unknown or suspicious IP address:
- Perform a reverse IP lookup
- Use whois to identify the IP owner
- Cross check with known malware IP lists
- Run Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus scan
Enterprise Use Case: Monitoring in Business Environments
Businesses using Windows Server 2022, Remote Desktop Services (RDS), or managing systems through Active Directory must routinely monitor connections to detect:
- Concurrent sessions
- Unauthorized login attempts
- Excessive outbound traffic
- Application behavior (e.g., Office connecting to cloud services)
With Remote Desktop Services 5 User CALs, ensuring each user session is secure and isolated is essential. Tools like Windows Event Viewer, Wireshark, and SolarWinds provide centralized visibility into active and historical connections.
DirectDeals: Your Trusted Enterprise Solutions
At DirectDeals, we’ve empowered businesses for over two decades with secure, licensed, and reliable IT products. Monitoring connections and ensuring network integrity becomes easier when your software is legitimate and fully supported.
Our Key Services Include:
- Microsoft Windows Licenses – Home, Pro, and Server editions
- Microsoft Office Suites – 2019, 2021, Professional Plus, Home & Business
- Remote Desktop Services (RDS) – 5 User & Device CALs
- Windows Server Licenses – 2022, 2019, and earlier editions
- Microsoft Exchange Server Licensing
- Cybersecurity & Backup Solutions
Explore more:
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to monitor active connections on your system helps maintain performance, protect privacy, and defend against potential threats. Whether on Windows or Linux, built in tools provide real time insight into what your system is communicating with.
When backed by authentic software from a trusted provider like DirectDeals, you gain not only the right tools—but also peace of mind.
Connect With DirectDeals
Give us a call: (800) 983-2471
Prefer email? support@directdeals.com
Explore our services: www.directdeals.com
Stay informed. Stay secure. Choose DirectDeals for licensed software and IT solutions that keep your systems safe and connected.