Network Instruments Management Server
Centralised probe management for enterprise networks

Network Instruments Management Server Overview
The Network Instruments Management Server (NIMS) simplifies probe administration, management, security, and maintenance for IT professionals tasked with maintaining multiple software probes and probe appliances across the enterprise.

Use NIMS to:

• Authenticate users for probe access from central location
• Manage user passwords and permissions globally
• Define probe rights by user, user group, or probe group
• Log probe access activity
• Share filters with Observer users across the network
• License new probes automatically as they connect to the network
• Efficiently administer upgrades via Centralised Update System

Centralised Rights Management

• Record access activity, including successful and unsuccessful logins
• Grant access permissions by group or individual probe membership
• Block access after predefined number of unsuccessful logins
• Set alarms and e-mail notifications on failed logins
• Manually enter accounts or update accounts from local Windows system, Active Directory, or RADIUS server

Authentication Schemes

• Active Directory
• Internal NIMS Authentication
• RADIUS Server

Secure NIMS-Probes Communication
NIMS ensures secure NIMS-probe communications by encrypting all data sent across the network. Once probes are authenticated into NIMS, the connection is secured with a 128-bit shared key encryption.

Centralised Licensing

• Grant licenses on a first-come, first-served basis
• Quickly, efficiently authorize multiple Observer products
• Manage multiples types of license (Observer Expert, Observer Suite, software or hardware probe)

Centralised Update System

• Automatically update to latest software version
• Ensure all software remains at certain version number
• Upgrade minor releases only
• Update Observer consoles only

Failover Redundancy
Use the redundant NIMS to protect against connection failure and safeguard analysis investments. This guarantees real-time analysis and distributed visibility continues if the primary NIMS becomes unavailable. With this option, console and probe communication is secure and uninterrupted.

Shared Access to Analysis Tools
NIMS offers the ability to share filter libraries across probes and the network with other Observer users. Upload or download filter lists to or from NIMS as often as necessary. Filters ensure only relevant data is displayed or collected, speeding troubleshooting and analysis.

Manage Administrator Rights

• Set packet view detail by user or user group
• Classify probe access by console, probe, user, or department level
• Automatically disable user accounts after periods of no activity
• Globally reset passwords

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