Distributed Observer allows for monitoring multi-segment LANs and WANs

Distributed Observer

Monitor Multi-Segment LANs and WANs

Distributed Observer allows for monitoring multi-segment LANs and WANs. With Distributed Observer you can:

Monitor multiple segments at one or many sites
Run Probes unattended to collect long term trending
Capture, view, and decode LAN traffic in real time
Set triggers/alarms to analyze LAN traffic and pinpoint critical problems automatically
See remote routers throughput from your desktop
Display local and remote network errors as they happen
Monitor sites over the Internet
et a firsthand look at remote sites without leaving your desk.

Network protocol analyzer, LAN/WAN monitoring and trending tool for multi-segment LANs and WANs

Distributed Observer lets you perform these functions from a single location for any LAN or WAN segment in your network.

A Cost-Effective Remote-Monitoring Solution

How much time have you wasted physically moving between different LAN or WAN segments to respond to problems or perform routine monitoring? With Distributed Observer, you stay informed with real-time LAN traffic information and ongoing trend data that helps you quickly pinpoint problems or anticipate potential problems before they lead to disaster - all from a single PC at one location using a convenient Windows interface.

By providing remote protocol analysis and complete network monitoring from a central location, Distributed Observer lets you be in many places at one time, monitoring multiple LANs and even multiple sites. You'll view each LAN more clearly and see all network traffic in real time. Base your network management decisions on facts, not guesswork.

Best of all, while the high cost of this type of high-level, proactive debugging tool traditionally has made it cost-effective for only large organizations with extensive networks, Distributed Observer is priced low enough to make it affordable for smaller LAN sites.

How Does Distributed Observer Work?

The Distributed Observer console and the Probe functions in a "client/server" relationship. The server is the Distributed Observer console which is installed on a PC running Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT. The clients are a number of Probes which are installed on each segment being monitored - one per segment.

The Distributed Observer console's function is to collect and decode packets and/or real-time LAN traffic data from the Probe clients. Any Windows 95/98/NT PC on the network can host a Probe. The Probe runs in the background (or as a service under NT), collecting network information and sending it to the Distributed Observer console while the user continues to work as usual. Probes communicate with the Distributed Observer console using Microsoft Winsock and the TCP/IP protocol.

The Distributed Observer console can monitor up to 252 Probes at one time. Probes can be located on any network - local or remote, Ethernet, Token Ring or FDDI - and are connected to the Distributed Observer console via IP. NT servers, IP routers, or WAN connections can serve as bridges between the Distributed Observer console and its Probes. Probes can be run unattended for collecting long term trending information.

Minimum System Requirements: Windows 95/98, a supported network adapter, a mouse, and a VGA color monitor running in 800x600 mode.

Recommended System Requirements: 16 bit network adapter, a fast 16 bit VGA adapter, and a 17" VGA color monitor running in at least 1024x768 resolution (see processor recommendations below) and a Pentium 266.