True or False: It is best practice to place network inputs on a separate, dedicated forwarder.

Placing network inputs on a separate, dedicated forwarder is established as a best practice within Splunk environments. This approach optimizes performance and security by isolating network traffic management from other data processing activities. When network inputs are managed by their own dedicated forwarder, it allows for better scalability and the ability to handle incoming data streams without affecting other data collection processes. It also simplifies troubleshooting and ensures that network-based data is collected and forwarded efficiently, minimizing the risk of bottlenecks or performance degradation in your Splunk infrastructure.

Using a dedicated forwarder specifically for network inputs enhances data security and integrity, as it can be configured with security protocols tailored for network data. This practice is particularly beneficial in larger deployments where the volume and variety of data could overwhelm a single forwarder, thus making it an essential strategy for optimal system performance.