May 01, 2000
Finding the Right Network Interface Card
Almost all network analysis tools are now running in a graphical user interface of some kind, and most tools use the Windows 95/98/NT environment as their method of displaying graphs, charts, and dials. The Windows operating system allows for pretty pictures and more control over the environment, but many Ethernet drivers that are included with Windows have not been designed for high-speed protocol analysis. The inefficiencies built into many network drivers may prevent the analyzer from obtaining information when the network is at high utilizations, or errors at the physical layer may not propagate to the protocol analyzer results.
To work around some of these shortcomings, many protocol analyzer companies have worked with the most popular network card manufacturers to create enhanced network drivers. Some network card manufacturers have ndependently created drivers that work well for network analysis tools.
To determine the best network card for your protocol analyzer, visit the technical support web page for your protocol analyzer or give a call to the technical support engineers. In most cases, the protocol analyzer company has a list of the most efficient network cards, as well as the capabilities and disadvantages for each adapter.
Posted by james_messer at May 1, 2000 11:17 PM
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