Network Packet Analyzer
A packet analyzer turns granular, real-time data into key network insights
Identify slowdowns to prevent end-user impact
Analyze packet metrics for over 1,200 applications
Categorize traffic types across your network
Ensure optimal end-user experience
Set custom, automated packet scanner alerts
Network packet analyzing is crucial for understanding current network status, which is why NPM is built to stay on top of changes by automatically polling for updates every five minutes. However, there’s no need to check NPM that often. You can use the automated network alert feature to catch issues immediately, so you can take action well before end users report slowdowns or security risks spread. The QoE dashboard can also immediately ping admins if application performance drops.
And don’t worry about alert overload—with NPM, it’s easy to customize your alerts to send notifications only on the metrics you’re concerned about. The platform also calculates dynamic baseline threshold data to help you avoid extraneous alerts. Just set up email alerts or Orion® SMS notifications on your mobile device, then use the platform’s configuration options to define the amount of information included in the alerts.
Spot potential security threats
Network packet analysis is intertwined with ensuring connectivity, but it’s also key for spotting potential security threats. Use NPM to catch abnormal traffic or spikes in data usage that could signal a security issue. The network packet analyzer in NPM is designed to provide insights into exactly how much traffic is crossing your network, both currently and historically. You can also use NPM to get at-a-glance insights into data volume and transaction volume according to application, and filter or create reports on the data as needed.
Leverage a built-in network packet analyzer
NPM uses a built-in packet analyzer to capture data from sensors installed on managed Windows devices across a network. Since the tool only collects relevant metadata, it uses minimal bandwidth on Orion servers and nodes. NPM then turns this metadata into readable metrics, automatically updating this information to provide an accurate, evolving picture of on-premises, hybrid, and cloud services. Additionally, admins can use NPM to monitor logical components within a software-defined network (SDN) environment.
Gain access to an intuitive, centralized dashboard
Network Performance Monitor provides an organized, user-friendly interface for managing packet analysis data. NPM makes it easy to drill down into individual devices or applications to access additional details with the ability to filter and provision items in groups or batches as well as set thresholds for color-coded insights and alerts.
Admins can also use the visual charts and graphs in SolarWinds NPM to quickly access an overview of current QoE status or to filter packet analysis findings to report on results. Use the default categorizations or customize charts and graphs to classify, display, and prioritize the metrics most relevant to your network management traffic.
Get More on Packet Analyzer
Do you find yourself asking…
Admins use packet capture analysis, also known as deep packet inspection or network sniffing, to assemble an accurate overview of network health based on packet-level insights. This granular level of detail offers a realistic picture of the network’s current state. Capturing and analyzing packets yields statistics about network health, traffic flows, and bandwidth usage. Viewing updates on network traffic types and volume reveals how the network is currently being used and allows for capacity planning. Packet analyzers are also valuable for diagnosing network issues, checking configurations, and resolving slowdowns, as this level of analysis can reveal exactly when and where performance issues occur. Additionally, admins can use packet capture analysis to note spikes in traffic or unusual activity that could signal a security issue. When performed by an admin, this process can reveal information to facilitate precise troubleshooting. However, packet sniffing is also sometimes performed by hackers, who capture packets to steal or “eavesdrop” on sensitive information in transit, including usernames and passwords, email contents, and other private data.
- What is the purpose of packet capture analysis?
Admins use packet capture analysis, also known as deep packet inspection or network sniffing, to assemble an accurate overview of network health based on packet-level insights. This granular level of detail offers a realistic picture of the network’s current state. Capturing and analyzing packets yields statistics about network health, traffic flows, and bandwidth usage. Viewing updates on network traffic types and volume reveals how the network is currently being used and allows for capacity planning. Packet analyzers are also valuable for diagnosing network issues, checking configurations, and resolving slowdowns, as this level of analysis can reveal exactly when and where performance issues occur. Additionally, admins can use packet capture analysis to note spikes in traffic or unusual activity that could signal a security issue. When performed by an admin, this process can reveal information to facilitate precise troubleshooting. However, packet sniffing is also sometimes performed by hackers, who capture packets to steal or “eavesdrop” on sensitive information in transit, including usernames and passwords, email contents, and other private data.
Resolve network and application issues with a packet analyzer
Network Performance Monitor
- Translate network packet information into useful charts and graphs.
- Captures and filter network traffic information according to your specifications.
- User-friendly interface and alerts make it a snap to track packet data.
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