OBSERVER Standard

Observer Standard provides first-level network analysis, including real-time packet captures and decodes, filtering, real-time statistics, triggers and alarms, trending, and more across multiple topologies (LAN, wireless, and gigabit).

This software-only network analyzer can simultaneously monitor wired and wireless networks. With the addition of Network Instruments’ software or hardware probes, Observer can monitor multi-segment networks including LAN, WAN, gigabit and wireless. Observer now includes full support for 64-bit Windows to maximize analysis performance. A 32-bit version is also included. The capture buffer is only limited by the operating system (4 GB for 32-bit, 124 GB for 64-bit).

Observer is the only network analyzer built from a unified code set. This unique advantage, the Distributed Network Analysis (NI-DNA™) architecture, offers scalability and seamless integration across the entire Observer family. Administrators need to learn only one interface to monitor across topologies, locations, and technologies.

Observer Standard Benefits:
With Observer Standard, easily convert your PC or laptop into a powerful analyzer. Capture, view, and decode traffic in real time and instantly assess the effectiveness of network changes. Best of all, Observer allows you to monitor wired and wireless networks together.

 

 

Packet Capture and Decode
Observer decodes over 590 primary protocols (see decode listing) and countless subprotocols (including wireless).

Troubleshooting is exact with nanosecond resolution. Thoughtful security features such as concealing private IP addresses are also included.

 

 

 

Real-Time Statistics
Collect over 30 real-time statistics for monitoring network performance. This includes Top Talkers, bandwidth utilization, access point load, protocol distribution, and much more. Top Talkers provides the ability to understand bandwidth usage by device. It offers the ability to determine if a station is consuming too much bandwidth and make informed decisions about network segmentations. Use Top Talkers to find broadcast storms, detect faulty network hardware, view LAN use patterns, and review switch usage.

Complete list of Observer Standard statistics:

Powerful Packet Filtering
Network problems must be tackled immediately and Observer Standard allows you to filter through packets quickly and efficiently. Filter by address, address range, protocol offsets, and protocol presets. Use Boolean logic to create complex filters. Observer Standard now also allows you to filter with Perl-compatible regular expressions. Best of all, share filter libraries with other Observer users.

More Filtering features:

Wireless Support
Observer Standard also provides complete support for 802.11a/b/g. Gain WLAN-specific metrics, utilize site configuration tools, find rogue access points, understand signal quality, and much more with Observer’s wireless capabilities.

 

 

 

 

VLAN Analysis
Observer Standard provides the ability to track, monitor, and perform network analysis by VLAN. View VLAN data independently or in aggregate, monitor real-time statistics by VLAN, or determine loads by station and by VLAN.

 

 

IPv6
In line with a recent government mandate requiring that all government agencies support IPv6 by 2008, Observer now tracks, reports, and monitors IPv6 traffic. All Observer data is listed with the appropriate IPv6 address displayed and, more importantly, IPv6 has been pulled through and integrated with all Observer features, including Forensics, Application Analysis, Expert, and VoIP Analysis.

SSL Decryption
Observer now provides the capability to decrypt Secure Socket Layer (SSL) data traversing the network. SSL is primarily used to secure Internet communications, but is also utilized in TCP ports and can transfer files using SFTP or SCP connections. Configure Observer with SSL certificates to decrypt secure data and troubleshoot problems by accessing packet-level detail.

Router Observer
Understand router activity, determine router usage, obtain a “heads-up” immediate display of packets/sec, bit/sec, and interface utilization. Observer Standard provides traffic reports by direction (in, out, total) and percentages of interface utilization.

Network Trending and Reporting
Get insight into typical network activity with trending and reporting. Observer Standard allows you to collect and store network, Internet, and switch data for days, weeks, months, even years. View a single time period (i.e. day or month) or create period-to-period comparison reports. Ready-made reports allow for quick snapshots while customized reports provide greater ability for more tailored analysis.

More Trending and Reporting features: