Content

| 7.2 |  | Gathering Information on Application Layer Problems |
| 7.2.8 |  | Protocol analyzers |

Network management involves using network and protocol analysis tools to establish a network system baseline and to monitor and optimize performance.

Protocol analyzers are almost always software-based. They are used to gather information about traffic flows and are very useful for establishing a network baseline. Although they do not decode the contents of frames, protocol analyzers are often used for solving Layer 2 and higher problems.

They can be used to assist in locating traffic overloads, planning for network expansion, detecting intruders, establishing baseline performance, and distributing traffic more efficiently.

Using these tools effectively is not easy. Administrators must be able to decipher and interpret the information generated.

Examples of protocol analyzers include Fluke’s Protocol Inspector and Sniffer Pro Protocol Analyzer.

> Note: Some devices may come equipped with traffic monitoring capabilities. For example, the Cisco Catalyst® 6500 Series switch can be equipped with a Network Analysis Module (NAM). The NAM is an integrated and powerful traffic monitoring system. It comes with an embedded web-based Traffic Analyzer, which provides full scale remote monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities accessible through a web browser.