Network Uptime

Keep the analyzer in good condition. - Although many companies have distributed analysis tools, most of the protocol analyzers used today are portable versions. Because these tools move from problem to problem and place to place, they often have many 'battle scars' to show for their mobility. Mouse and keyboards are often the first casualties, having missing keys or broken keyboard 'feet.' Make sure the workstations are in good condition, and replace or fix any signs of breakage.

Shipping can be hazardous to an analyzer. - Protocol analysis tools are often jostled or bounced around through travel in an airplane's overhead bin, or by a next-day shipping company. Be sure to open the analyzer's hood occasionally to reseat the cards or to check for loose screws or chips. One analysis manufacturer's WAN card would lose it's processor chip in shipping, requiring the chip to be reseated after every shipment of the analyzer. If the analyzer is shipped often, consider purchasing a foam-filled hard-case shipping container to minimize the stress to the analyzer. Test your analysis tool after every shipment, and make sure the protocol analyzer is ready to go when you are!

Analysis software is updated regularly. - New protocols are created more often than one might think. As new switch architectures are created, new switch management protocols are also created. New applications require that the network analyst understand and troubleshoot advanced systems. As topologies mature, interim protocols are replaced with longer-term protocols. The only way to keep current with the rapidly changing network industry is to keep the protocol analysis software updated. Contact the network analyzer manufacturer to determine if a newer version of code exists, and verify the upgradability of the analyzer. If possible, test the new code or run both versions of software on the same analyzer until a comfort level is reached with the new version of code.

Keep the operating system up-to-date. - Nothing is more frustrating than an operating system that refuses to work properly, especially when the entire network has been disconnected from the WAN, and the Director of Information Systems is breathing down your neck. Before being forced into updating a resume, check the operating system of the protocol analyzer, and make sure all necessary patches and updates have been installed. Verify these patches and updates with the manufacturer of the protocol analysis software, and install the appropriate versions. The protocol analyzer should run without fault, and any problems should be seriously investigated.

Analyzer hardware should be current. - Is your analyzer so old that the orange plasma screen only works occasionally? Although the Year 2000 upgrades have nearly removed all out-of-date systems, there are still a few protocol analyzers which are running on systems without the proper amount of CPU power. As higher speed topologies are integrated into the organization's network, a faster analysis tool must be available to keep up with these blinding speeds. If your analysis tool is older and slower than a 'normal' workstation, consider upgrading!

More RAM means a smoother running analysis tool. - More advanced operating systems require a lot of memory to run optimally in most environments. Faster topologies also require more buffer space for the protocol analyzers. If possible, upgrade your protocol analyzer with as much RAM as possible. One never knows when the next big problem will require that extra boost of speed or extra buffer space.

Check the accessories. - The cables and accessories that travel with the protocol analysis tool are just as important as the tool itself. Examine the cables, connectors, fibers, splitters, network taps, and power cords that are packed with the analyzer. Replace any worn or broken cables. If there are multiple analyzers, make sure each system has it's own set of accessories. Most power cords are too short for use in a wiring closet, so purchase or acquire the longest power cord possible to use with the analyzer.

Keep your network analysis tools in peaking working condition, and they'll keep your network running at peak efficiency!