Network Instruments Observer Standard
Protocol analysis and decode, packet capture, network troubleshooting & analysis

Observer Standard Overview
Observer Standard is a software-only network analyser that provides you with first-level functionality, including real-time packet capture and decode, filtering, real-time statistics, triggers and alarms, trending, and more across multiple network topologies (LAN, wireless, and gigabit).

This software-only network analyser simultaneously monitors wired and wireless networks and by adding software or hardware probes it is possible to conduct multi-segment monitoring of LAN, WAN, gigabit and wireless networks.

Observer fully supports 64-bit Windows to maximise analysis performance, although a 32-bit version is also included; the capture buffer is limited only by the operating system.

Observer is the only network analyser built from a unified code set. This unique advantage, the Distributed Network Analysis (NI-DNA™) architecture, offers scalability and seamless integration across the entire Observer family. You only need one interface to carry out network monitoring across multiple topologies, locations, and technologies.

Observer Standard Benefits
Easily convert your PC or laptop into a powerful network analyser with Observer Standard. Capture, view, and decode traffic in real time and instantly assess the effectiveness of changes. Best of all, Observer lets you monitor wired and wireless networks together.

Packet Capture and Decode
Observer decodes over 590 primary protocols (see decode listing) and countless sub protocols (including wireless).

Virtual Machines and Servers
Observer Standard views and analyses virtual machines exactly as it would any physical device.

Real-Time Statistics
Collect over 30 real-time statistics for gauging network performance including Top Talkers, bandwidth utilisation, access point load, protocol distribution, and more. Top Talkers lets you understand bandwidth usage by device. It lets you determine whether a station is consuming too much bandwidth and make informed decisions about network segmentations. Use Top Talkers to find broadcast storms, detect faulty network hardware, view LAN use patterns, and review switch usage.

Observer Standard Statistics

• Network summary
• Bandwidth utilisation
• Internet Observer
• Access point load monitor
• Pair statistics
• Protocol distribution
• Network activity
• Wireless site survey
• Router Observer
• VLAN analysis

Powerful Packet Filtering
Observer Standard filters packets quickly and efficiently. Filter by address, address range, protocol offsets, and protocol presets. Use Boolean logic to create complex filters. Observer Standard also lets you filter with Perl-compatible regular expressions and share filter libraries with other Observer users.

Observer Standard Filtering

• Design filters visually
• Create protocol filters from protocol distribution list
• Execute multiple filters concurrently
• Quickly configure filters with fast post filtering
• Utilise data mining capabilities

Triggers and Alarms
The Observer Standard network analyser constantly reviews network traffic based on parameters you set. It can be programmed to notify you immediately through Triggers and Alarms when a condition is found or a threshold crossed. You choose the alerts and the alert method (e-mail, pager, trouble ticket, start a packet capture, etc.).

Observer Standard Triggers and Alarms

• Flag activities or errors with a pre-defined list
• Set custom notifications based on any filter
• Obtain e-mail with virus information including source and destination
• Set a trigger on any WLAN activity
• Setup any trigger to have an associated action:
  - Pop up message windows
  - Activate captures
  - Start/append logs
  - Print trouble tickets
  - Execute programs

Network Trending and Reporting
Gain insight into typical activity with trending and reporting. The Observer Standard network analyser stores network, Internet, and switch data for days, weeks, months, even years.

View a single time period or create period-to-period comparison reports. Ready-made reports allow for quick snapshots while customised reports provide for more tailored analysis.

Observer Standard Trending and Reporting

• Collect trending data for Ethernet, Internet, VLANs, and WLANs
• Choose text-based, graphical, or web-based reports
• Design custom reports and save templates for later use
• Auto-generate reports to any folder or e-mail box
• Share reports with non-Observer users

Track Wireless Performance
Observer Standard provides complete support for 802.11a/b/g. Gain WLAN-specific metrics, utilize site configuration tools, find rogue access points, understand signal quality, and more with Observer’s wireless capabilities.

VLAN Analysis
Observer Standard can track, monitor, and perform network analysis by VLAN. View VLAN data independently or in aggregate, monitor real-time statistics by VLAN, or determine loads by station and by VLAN.

Fully Integrated IPv6 Support
Observer Standard can track, monitor, and perform network analysis by VLAN. View VLAN data independently or in aggregate, monitor real-time statistics by VLAN, or determine loads by station and by VLAN.

Router Observer
Understand router activity, determine router usage, obtain a “heads-up” display of packets/sec, bit/sec, and interface utilisation. Observer Standard provides traffic reports by direction (in, out, total) and percentages of interface utilisation.

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