That lets a technician see information about multiple network devices that communicate with the potential trouble spot, as opposed to most protocol analyzers, which can only detect the single suspect device to which it is connected, said Fluke Networks marketing manager Mark Mullins. The benefit of providing more details of network topology is that technicians will be better able to decide what points need testing or can quickly see problems such as improperly connected devices, Mullins said. The device also can function as a portable RMON2 probe, which is the type of device used to feed data to high-level network analysis applications. The portability lets IT departments temporarily perform in-depth monitoring on a certain network hot spot that doesn't require a permanent probe. OptiView's GUI shows information from all the device's analysis tools in one screen.
Users drill down to specific tools by touching the screen.
The device's browser accessibility means local technicians and central IT managers can simultaneously view and confer on the device's findings. Or central support can tell the technician to leave the device there so the network management platform can monitor it. It can be a significant value add in the entire management process. The GUI also makes OptiView easier to use than many other protocol analyzers, said Mary Hennessey, a specialist in the service delivery unit of Verizon. Verizon technicians working on local networks of the carrier's managed service customers have been able to put the tool to use with no extra training, compared with several days' instruction for other protocol analyzers previously used, Hennessey said.