Sniffer Brings Wireless Management To Handhelds, Adds VoIP Support

Sniffer Technologies Network Associates

Sniffer Portable Wireless PDA is a pared-down version of its Sniffer Wireless protocol analyzer that enables technicians to monitor 802.11b wireless networks using a Compaq iPaq device and wireless card from Symbol Technologies, said Gretchen Hellman, manager of market intelligence at Sniffer, Santa Clara, Calif.

"The business benefit of a PDA option is that you can buy a lot of them and distribute them throughout the enterprise," Hellman said.

Sniffer Portable Wireless PDA provides basic data collection, analysis and problem resolution features, such as the ability to detect rogue access points and radio frequency interference. However, if more in-depth analysis is required, technicians can send the data to Sniffer Wireless for further scrutiny, she said.

The software, which will be sold directly and through solution providers, is scheduled to ship in June for $3,995.

Sniffer Wireless sells for $9,995.

Sniffer also upgraded its Investigator 10/100 Ethernet network performance management solution for small and midsize businesses with up to 1,000 employees. The enhancements include the integration of new Voice-over-IP (VoIP) management and reporting technology.

In addition, Sniffer added VoIP management capabilities and improved reporting capabilities to Sniffer Distributed, Sniffer's fault isolation and performance management tool.