Capturing Packets with the GigaStor

A GigaStor can accumulate terabytes of stored network traffic. To manage the sheer volume of data, the GigaStor includes an alternative, specialized capture and analysis control panel. The GigaStor Control Panel manages the capture, indexing, and storage of large numbers of packets over long periods of time. While the GigaStor control panel is active, standard packets captures are unavailable. You cannot run the two types of captures simultaneously.

While actively capturing packets, the GigaStor control tracks network statistics and indexes them by time as it saves the packets to disk. This allows you to quickly scan the traffic for interesting activity and create filters to focus on specific traffic using the slider controls and constraint options.

The GigaStor control panel also automates storage management by deleting the oldest data before storage runs out. This maintains a multi-terabyte “sliding windows” of time within which you can review and decode traffic. It also allows for passive (in other words, virtual) probe instances, which allow users to have their own instances (and security credentials) without duplicating data collection or storage.

You can view the sliding window as a time line chart. Depending on what constraint are in effect and your display options determine what appears on the chart. By using time selection sliders and other options, you can quickly acquire and analyze the packets by clicking the Analyze button. This opens the standard packet decode and analysis window. From there you can view packets, save them, and perform further filtering if desired.

Packet capture buffer and statistics buffer

There are two kinds of buffers that a probe uses to store data in real- time: capture buffers and statistical buffers. The capture buffer stores the raw data captured from the network while the statistical buffer stores data entries that are snapshots of a given statistical data point.

Selecting an appropriate capture buffer size given system resources is all most users need to worry about; the default settings for the statistical buffers work perfectly fine in the vast majority of circumstances.

Capturing Packets with the GigaStor
Chapter 3 Packet Capture or GigaStor Capture	rev. 1

114ff specifications

Network Instruments 114ff is a sophisticated platform designed to enhance network visibility and performance management. This state-of-the-art device is aimed at network professionals who require a deep insight into their network’s behavior and performance metrics. One of its main features is its ability to provide real-time monitoring and analytics, which is crucial for quick decision-making in IT environments.

With a robust set of technologies embedded in its architecture, Network Instruments 114ff leverages advanced packet capture and analysis capabilities. It employs deep packet inspection (DPI) technology to evaluate data packets as they traverse the network. This functionality allows administrators to dissect various layers of network traffic, enabling them to identify anomalies and troubleshoot issues effectively. The 114ff can analyze both encrypted and unencrypted traffic, an asset as organizations increasingly adopt encryption protocols.

Another prominent feature of the Network Instruments 114ff is its customizable dashboard, which can be tailored to present the most relevant metrics at a glance. Users can visualize their network performance through a variety of graphs, charts, and alerts signaling potential performance degradation. This feature aids network managers in assessing key performance indicators (KPIs) and helps ensure that service level agreements (SLAs) are met.

The device is equipped with extensive reporting capabilities, allowing users to generate historical reports for analysis and compliance purposes. This function is essential for businesses that must comply with regulatory standards, as it enables them to maintain records of network performance and security incidents.

Furthermore, Network Instruments 114ff supports a variety of network protocols, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure. Its scalable architecture means organizations can adapt the device to cater to growing network demands without the need for significant overhauls. The integration capability with other Network Monitoring Systems (NMS) positions it as a flexible solution suited for diverse environments.

In summary, Network Instruments 114ff stands out as an essential tool for IT professionals looking to optimize network performance. With features such as real-time monitoring, deep packet inspection, customizable dashboards, and robust reporting capabilities, it delivers a comprehensive solution to manage and enhance network infrastructures effectively.

Network Instruments 114ff manual Capturing Packets with the GigaStor

Models: 114ff