A network analyzer, otherwise known as a packet analyzer, protocol analyzer, or network sniffer, is an incredibly prominent tool in the business world. These hardware or software applications intercept, inspect, and collect data traffic for the analysis of network statistics and problems, detection of intrusion attempts, and more.
Network analyzers intercept and record the traffic passing over your network. As its information flows through, the analyzer captures each packet of data. Some businesses or IT teams also wish to decode the raw data of each packet, which a packet analyzer is capable of doing.
How Businesses Utilize Network Analyzers
Businesses leverage these applications in many different ways. Network analysis gives you the ability to:
Inform
Monitor
Monitor your network’s usage (including internal and external users and systems), WAN bandwidth utilization, data-in-motion, and WAN and endpoint security status.
Capture
Packet capture – the process of intercepting and logging traffic – is sometimes used to fulfill a warrant from a law enforcement agency, although it’s most relevant to Internet and VoIP service providers.
Detect
Detect intrusion attempts on your network and any misuse by internal or external network users.
Debug
Debug your client/server communications and network protocol implementations.
Verify
Verify the effectiveness of your internal control systems and any adds, moves, and changes to your network.
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Bringing The Sniffer Up To Snuff
Keep in mind that while a network analyzer is capable of providing you with all of these capabilities, it is only as strong as its weakest link. This means that if a network design is flawed, there is no guarantee that your sniffer is giving you complete data.
For instance, an oversubscribed SPAN port may not provide 100 percent of your network’s traffic data, and if oversubscribed, it might not be available to allow an analyzer to do its job. A network TAP, on the other hand, provides foolproof access to your network and gives you the ability to monitor multiple network segments simultaneously.
Proper connection between your network and sniffer – or any network tools – is key to your ability to successfully monitor, capture, detect, debug, verify, and stay informed on your network. Without it, you can’t be certain that there isn’t anything falling through the cracks.
A network analyzer is a powerful, incredibly useful tool. But successful network analysis is an impossible task without complete access to a system’s network traffic. Full access is essential. With proper connectivity and complete access, a sniffer gives you important information and the power to manage your network.
Looking to add network TAP visibility to your packet analysis, but not sure where to start? Join us for a brief network Design-IT consultation or demo. No obligation - it’s what we love to do.
