Network Instruments Probes

Advanced Single Probes

For a basic level of network analysis, the Advanced Single Probe permits you to:

• Continuously collect and store remote network information for baseline comparison.
• Protect network data with passwords and data encryption.
• Adhere to RMON and HCRMON standards with RMON probe option.

Advanced Multi-Probes

Includes all the functionality of the Advanced Single Probe, plus:

• Monitor data from multiple network adapter cards simultaneously.
• Collaborate across locations to solve complex network problems by analyzing the same data concurrently.
• Capture up to 124 GB worth of data with the industry’s largest memory buffer.

Advanced Expert Probes

Includes all the functionality of the Advanced Single Probe and the Advanced Multi-Probe, plus:

• View remote Expert Analysis in real time for faster troubleshooting.
• Perform packet captures and decodes at the individual probe level.
• Conserve bandwidth by only transferring Expert screenshots, not raw data packets.

Gigabit Probe Appliance

Gigabit Probe Appliance

The Gigabit Probe Appliance is a rack-mountable 4U unit that monitors up to four full-duplex gigabit links at wire speed. The Gigabit probe offers visibility into individual or trunked links, real-time Expert processing at the probe to speed troubleshooting and conserve bandwidth, multiple sessions by users, user-based access permissions, and support for the industry’s largest memory buffer (up to 124 GB).

GigaStor™ for Gigait and 10GbE Networks

For historical and forensics analysis, the GigaStor technology is the ideal choice. Capture hours, days, or even weeks worth of gigabit or 10 GbE traffic directly to disk for historical analysis. Speed problem resolution by completely eliminating the time-consuming task of having to recreate issues.

• Store up to 2 TB, 4 TB, or 8 TB of network data or select the write-to-SAN configuration for almost limitless storage capacity
• A unique timeline interface makes it easy to isolate and troubleshoot past events
• Stored data can be reconstructed (web pages, e-mail, IM, VoIP) to support forensic analysis
• Capture to disk at 430 MBps (3440 Mbps)

WAN Probes

The WAN Probe Appliance monitors all header and payload data on serial and digital WAN links. Monitor up to 16 links individually or in aggregate, obtain metrics in real time, and solve issues immediately with a comprehensive Expert system. The probe also displays DCE/DTE traffic individually or in aggregate, shows CIR to compare with SLA, and tracks conversation through up to 10 segments or hops.

Fibre Channel Probes

Observer decodes and provides analysis for Fibre Channel, the standard for storage area networks. Utilize the same interface that monitors your gigabit, WAN, LAN, and wireless links for SAN analysis.

Fibre Channel Analysis Features

• Decode Fibre Channel protocols
• Monitor over 30 real-time Fibre Channel statistics
• Obtain link up, link down, and link lost information in real time
• Set alarms to proactively identify potential problems
• Long-term trending and baselining
• Over 20 Fibre Channel-specific, real-time Experts 
• Nanosecond resolution

Probe Appliance for 10/100/1000 Networks

The Probe Appliance for 10/100/1000 networks has the option to monitor one or two links. This probe permits multiple sessions by users, includes user-based access permissions, and perfoms real-time Expert processing at the probe to speed troubleshooting and conserve bandwidth.

Advanced Single Probes

• Packet capture and decode
• Network statistics
• Real-time data collection
• Long-term trending and reporting
• Full password protection of data and redirection
• Automatic updates of remote probes
• Software is pre-loaded and pre-configured for quick installation

Advanced Multi-Probes

The Advanced Multi-Probe offers all of the features of the Advanced Single Probe plus additional advantages for enterprise-level remote monitoring

• Initiate up to 64 sessions simultaneously for a multi-faceted view of data flow
• Multiple Observer consoles can view the same Probe at the same time for greater problem solving abilities
• Support 3DES encryption option for data transfer
• Offer different administrators different levels of probe access for added security

Advanced Expert Probes

The Advanced Expert Probe offers all the features of the Advanced Multi-Probe plus additional advantages for faster troubleshooting

• Perform real-time Expert Analysis locally at the probe
• View remote probe packet decodes in real-time from any console
• Conserve bandwidth by transferring only Expert results, not raw data packets
• Turn any probe into a local console for onsite analysis and administration

10/100 Full-Duplex Probe Appliance

Designed to monitor traffic at the edge of the network, the 10/100 Full-Duplex Probe Appliance eliminates dependence on a SPAN or mirror port, reduces switch load, and ensures data integrity. Comes pre-loaded with Advanced Expert Probe software allowing for multiple sessions by users, real-time Expert processing at the probe, and individual levels of probe access.

The 10/100 Full-Duplex Probe Appliance monitors full-duplex Fast Ethernet networks, allowing multiple sessions by users, real-time Expert processing at the probe to speed troubleshooting and conserve bandwidth, and user-based access permissions.

Network Instruments Management Server (NIMS™)

The NIMS retains a list of usernames, passwords, and permission levels for multiple probes on the network to globally authenticate users. NIMS can link up to a local Windows system, Active Directory server, or RADIUS system to consolidate user account lists. For the network manager, the NIMS provides centralized licensing, security, and an update system as well as failover redundancy for more efficient probe management. For network administrators, the NIMS provides shared access to analysis tools, including Observer's filter library.

NIMS simplifies probe administration, management, security, and maintenance for IT professionals tasked with maintaining multiple software probes and probe appliances across the enterprise.

Use NIMS to:

• Authenticate users for probe access from central location
• Manage user passwords and permissions globally
• Define probe rights by user, user group, or probe group
• Log probe access activity
• Share filters with Observer users across the network
• License new probes automatically as they connect to the network
• Efficiently administer upgrades via Centralized Update System