Network Instruments 114ff What is a probe instance?, Active probe instance compared to passive

What is a probe instance?

TIP!

For instructions on setting up a probe instance, see “Probe administration” on page 24.

Observer uses probes to capture network data. In some cases you may want or need more than one probe in a specific location. You can achieve that through probe instances. A probe instance provides you the ability to look at multiple network interfaces or to publish to multiple Observer consoles.

Observer has only one kind of probe instance: the passive probe instance. If you have a GigaStor you have an additional probe instance type available to you: the active probe instance.

Table 9 compares the features of active and passive probe instances.

Table 9 Active probe instance compared to passive

GigaStor GigaStor Observer

Active Passive

Start packet capture

Stop packet capture

Start GigaStor packet capture

Schedule packet capture

Change directories where data is stored

Able to set permissions

Able to redirect to different console, etc.

Better suited for troubleshooting

Better suited for data capture

A passive probe instance captures packets to RAM and allows you to do reactive analysis or look at real-time statistics for troubleshooting. The passive probe instance binds to whichever network adapter you want. You can change whatever adapter a passive probe instance is bound to without affecting any active probe instance.

CAUTION : PASSIVE

PROBE INSTANCE AND

THE GEN2 CARD

With a GigaStor you have the option of which NIC to bind the passive probe instance. Do not bind any passive probe

112 What is a probe instance?
Chapter 8 Probe Instances	rev. 1