GigaTrunk Probe Gives Complex Networks Needed Bandwidth (URL: ) By Marc Spiwak CRN 3:49 PM EST Fri. Mar. 12, 2004 Gigabit Ethernet is finally taking off big time,most new high-end notebook and desktop systems now have Gigabit Ethernet built-in. Though it provides more bandwidth than most individuals currently need, Gigabit Ethernet still cannot provide the necessary bandwidth when used at the core of a complex network. That's why a technique called trunking is used. Trunking involves the ganging together of multiple Gigabit links to form multiGigabit pipes that aggregate data through a network's core, which by nature will experience the highest amount of traffic. When everything is working properly, Gigabit trunking improves response times, enables load balancing and provides failover redundancy. When problems arise with trunked lines, it is sometimes impossible to figure them out because there is so much data to capture and analyze. In addition, not many tools out there can even capture such high volumes of data. To help solve the problem, Network Instruments' new GigaTrunk Probe was designed for managing and diagnosing trunked Gigabit links. The device allows wire-speed data capture and passive analysis for up to four trunked links simultaneously.
Depending on the version, the GigaTrunk Probe can support up to four Gigabit links carrying up to 8 Gbps of traffic. The product is available in three formats: a unit that includes two trunked links costs $25,000, one with three trunked links costs $29,000 and one with four trunked links costs $33,000. Prices include all hardware required for passive analysis. All versions of the GigaTrunk Probe have a 4U form factor that makes for easy rack mounting. The GigaTrunk Probe reports back to Network Instruments' Expert Observer, a Windows-based network monitor and protocol analyzer for Ethernet, Wireless 802.11a/b/g, Token Ring and FDDI. Expert Observer, reviewed by CRN Test Center engineers in September 2003, adds another $2,895 to the bill. Combined with the GigaTrunk Probe, Expert Observer lets network administrators capture and decode packets and generate realtime statistics with nanosecond resolution. Packet capture displays show total traffic, captured traffic and dropped packets. Packets can be filtered by MAC or IP address, by protocol or by using custom filters. Observer can decode more than 500 protocols and identify more than 4,000 unique frame types. The GigaTrunk Probe begins its life as a 4U Supermicro server to which Network Instruments adds its own software and hardware including the custom Gigabit Ethernet cards. The probe can be mounted in a standard rack, but mounting it on a cart may be more convenient depending on where it will be used. The unit can be managed and monitored remotely, so its location really just depends on where the trunked lines are located.
Special optical or copper TAPs must be used to passively connect the probe to a network. The TAPs basically replace trunked connections between devices. Each connection in the trunk needs its own TAP. The last setup step is to configure Expert Observer to use the newly installed probe by entering the probe's IP address. The new probe will then appear in Expert Observer's Probe List. Expert Observer will display an additional Gigabit tab in the setup window when the GigaTrunk Probe is selected. The tab lets administrators change the maximum frame size from its default size of 1,514 bytes. For analysis of links that support jumbo frames, the setting can be increased to a maximum of 9,014 bytes. Expert Observer automatically senses the number of ports contained within a trunk and displays the bandwidth utilization by port as well as combined traffic on all ports. Expert Observer works in a passive manner when using the GigaTrunk Probe so there's no link over which it can transmit packets. That effectively disables some of Expert Observer's functions, including traffic generation, collision testing, efficiency history and replay packet capture. But the information the probe can reveal is nearly impossible to gather in any other way. Network Instruments' channel program has been in existence since the company was founded in 1994. A solution provider's status is based on the level of training and support it provides to customers. All Network Instruments partners are entitled to free technical and sales training, a dedicated partner Web site containing support and sales documentation, joint-sales efforts, lead distribution program and more, with an average margin of 25 percent. Partners are also provided with electronic and print mailers, joint advertising and joint trade show opportunities. The GigaTrunk Probe's price point clearly places it in the upper realm of affordability. Of course, companies that can't afford one of these probably don't have trunked gigabit links in place anyway. The product is aimed squarely at solution providers that maintain multiple enterprise installations. It is also ideal for permanent installation at the core of an ultra high-end network in which performance must be monitored constantly.
CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOT Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.
Copyright 2009 Everything Channel |
COMPANY: Network Instruments