LANSurveyor And NTAPS Keep Watch Over Networks

Networks are complex enough as it is, and meeting compliance and regulatory requirements such as those mandated under Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPAA makes it nearly impossible to keep track of a network, especially if it has unknown nodes. Neon Software’s LANsurveyor version 9.0 can easily identify, monitor and safeguard every aspect of a network.

Neon Software's LANsurveyor
LANsurveyor automatically generates network maps using ICMP (ping), NetBIOS and SNMP. The maps can be printed or exported to an editing program such as Visio for display or editing. Users can choose from three different map views. LANsurveyor also allows users to selectively show or hide nodes connected to routers or switches as well as identify rogue nodes using switch information. Network information can be saved to a clipboard or exported to Excel.

LANsurveyor version 9.0 integrates easily with vulnerability assessment tools using its Continuous Scan Intrusion Detection System option. This option identifies rogue nodes across an entire network and can disable those that shouldn’t be there. The Continuous Scan feature also logs information about node connections in a Session Log to help document network usage, threats and system availability.

LANsurveyor is available in a Management Station Edition, a Workgroup Edition and an Enterprise Edition. All three can map an entire WAN with an unlimited number of nodes, and each uses Neon Responders—LANsurveyor’s client software for asset management and reporting. Each version includes a different number of Neon Responders. The Continuous Scan IDS is optional and costs $495. LANsurveyor’s Management Station Edition includes 20 Responders and starts at $495. The Workgroup Edition includes 100 Responders and costs $995, and the Enterprise Edition includes an unlimited number of Responders for $12,500.

Neon Software partners fall into one of two levels, depending on sales volume and order frequency. The average margin is 30 percent. Pre- and post-sales support, joint customer calls and customized presentations are available. Training is offered by phone and on the Web. Toll-free technical support is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

Network Instruments nTAPS
The world is moving to Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. While this enables new technologies and applications, it also presents new challenges for analyzing and troubleshooting network traffic.

Network Instruments has a new solution for troubleshooting Gigabit Ethernet—a new line of Network Test Access Points (nTAPS) designed for capturing full-duplex Gigabit Ethernet traffic in both copper and fiber versions. The nTAP modules are about the size of internal CD-ROM drives and can be installed in empty 5 1/4-inch drive bays and used in conjunction with Network Instruments’ Gigabit probe kit or 4U rack-mount appliance.

Network Instruments’ Gigabit Probe Kit turns a conventional system into a Gigabit probe. Each probe system can monitor one Gigabit segment or link and send reports to Network Instruments’ Expert Observer or Observer Suite console. The probe is also compatible with any Remote Monitoring (RMON) management console, including the new standard, High Capacity Remote Monitoring (HCRMON).

The nTAPs are available in Single Channel Optical Fiber versions as well as a 10/100/1000 Copper to Optical Conversion version. All nTAPs passively replicate a full-duplex network signal and send one signal to the analyzer and another back to the network, even if power to the nTAP fails. Error packets are also replicated. A 10/100/1000 Copper nTAP can support link speeds up to 2,000 Mbps and costs $995. The Copper to Optical Conversion nTAP costs $1,995.

Network Instruments bases partner level on the amount of training and support partners provide to their customers. All partners receive free technical and sales training, access to a dedicated partner Web site, joint sales efforts and more. The average reseller margin is 25 percent.