Anytime a network application goes down or is not performing up to its standards, the task of finding the problem can seem daunting if protocol analyzers are not used. The fact that there are literally thousands upon thousands of possible problem areas makes the use of an automated diagnostic tool all but mandatory.
One of the reasons why protocol analyzers are so successful is that they can drill down through the system to the problem. Once the problem has been identified and isolated, protocol analyzers can return conclusive answers as to what is happening, and often they can indicate why it is happening.
The ability to find the problem fast is a key to keeping any network application up and running smoothly. Down time for these systems can be expensive, and the old "hunt and peck" method of trying to isolate a problem is simply no longer acceptable or viable. Network applications require more sophisticated devices to locate these problems and that is what protocol analyzers do best.
Any company that is using its own network should have the protocol analyzers that it needs in order to diagnosis problems. Even on a small network, variables ranging from mis-configured clients and sluggish hard disks, to an overloaded CPU on a server, can compromise performance or bring the system down completely. The sheer number of possible problems that can cause trouble for your network demands a quality tool that can get into the system and root out the problem in a time efficient manner.
Many of the newer protocol analyzers can also check the infrastructure of the system. An example of how this might work is with bandwidth. If bandwidth on a server connection is inadequate, problems with speed can occur. If a backbone connection is linking multiple switches you might encounter a bottleneck somewhere along the system resulting in problems. And cables can always be a problem if they are tampered with, broken or frayed, or simply not adequate to handle added loads. All of these problems can be identified with protocol analyzers.
It is important to remember, however, the best results will always occur when the protocol analyzers are running when the problem occurs. You should also have on hand historical data of the system operations when the system was running well. You can then compare the two to help identify where the problem occurred and what might have led to the problem originating.
Protocol analyzers, when used properly, can also be a great learning tool for system technicians and for system administrators. These devices are well worth the cost when something goes down on your network applications.
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