Plixer Scrutinizer
Scrutinizer NetFlow Analyzer from Plixer is a tool that provides incredibly detailed network utilization information for users and applications on the network that are causing traffic. Using Cisco's NetFlow Technology (an IOS software feature found in an ever increasing number of switches and routers), Scrutinizer is able to retrieve the traffic details you need and present them in a detailed graphical view.
Scrutinizer is an incredibly well priced software tool that provides historical trends of the company's critical network interfaces and Scrutinizer integrates with a number of third party applications, including Castle Rock SNMPc.
Scrutinizer uses your existing NetFlow capable routers and switches to report on top applications and top hosts on specific interfaces. It provides details on how much bandwidth is being consumed by each of these variables from protocols per user to users per protocol. Because Scrutinizer uses NetFlow technology on your existing routers, you never have to deploy or maintain probes.
Learn from Scrutinizer
- What are the user traffic trends for certain applications?
- How much VoIP do you have on your network and who is involved with the most calls?
- What traffic could benefit from prioritization?
- What are the systems involved with a virus?
- Why are certain servers communicating using strange protocols?
- What applications are having the largest impact on the infrastructure?
How it works
Most major switch and router vendors support technologies called NetFlow
or sFlow. Vendors include: Cisco, Enterasys, Extreme, Foundry, Juniper,
Riverstone, Packeteer and dozens of other vendors. Once Scrutinizer is
installed on a computer, configure the switches to send the NetFlow or
sFlow information to Scrutinizer. In just a few minutes, you will have traffic details from several geographically disparate locations on your network.
Scrutinizer helps remove the guess work
Scrutinizer will quickly become one of the first tools you reference
when asked “Why is it so slow?” Scrutinizer’s “Simple
Flow Guide™” will lead you from a high level interface down to
a specific router, interface, user, application. Incredibly FAST!
Easy Reports
Built around a fundamentally simple design philosophy,
Scrutinizer’s learning curve couldn’t be shorter. From specifying
time frames with Drag & Drill™ or locating specific hosts with
the Host Search, everything just makes sense.
Custom Reporting
Custom Reports will allow the user to configure very detailed
reports:
- IP Addresses, ranges and subnets
- Port numbers and ranges
- Defined Applications which include ranges of protocols
- Combine interfaces from multiple routers
- Specify bandwidth for the combined interfaces
- Scalable interface for hundreds of routers
- Security support for service providers wanting to give customers access to only specific data
Service Levels
Scrutinizer allows you to verify application availability while
simultaneously letting you review traffic levels. For example,
you can see if several people were, in fact, getting their email.
Conversation Reporting
Scrutinizer allows users to view conversation information being
transferred between hosts. This is useful in determining not only
what hosts are talking to each other the most, but what protocol
is being used as well.
If it is more top level conversation reporting that is needed,
Scrutinizer provides any easily accessible interface that gives high level information on the top conversations getting saved.
Alerting on Events
Scrutinizer uses configurable traffic rules to automatically alert
you when trouble is recognized.
Real-Time Data
Scrutinizer is the world’s first real-time web-powered NetFlow
and sFlow tool. Its architecture scans thousands of conversations
per minute and extends information in an easily comprehensible
format.
The following NetFlow information is captured in real-time:
- Top Applications
- Top Hosts
- Top Applications per Host
- Top Hosts per Application
- Top Conversations
- Scrutinizer can also show a real-time SNMP trend of each interface’s utilization. Watch traffic flowing through a link as it is happening.
Historical Trending
The Scrutinizer "Intelligent Interval Retrieval Architecture"
(IIRA™) saves detailed data for unlimited years in many formats,
which gives you the data to look back and see trouble spots.
Application Grouping
Sometimes applications can use a number of different protocols.
Scrutinizer allows users to specify ranges of protocols and
group them as a single type of application.
Vital Signs
When you have questions on whether or not the hardware can
handle the amount of flows being transmitted to it, view the
health of Scrutinizer.
VoIP Analysis
Voice over IP (VoIP) Analysis is assisted by Scrutinizer by
verifying:
- How much voice traffic is historically on the connection
- What devices are involved with the most VoIP traffic
Visualize Global Networks with Google Maps
Scrutinizer offers advanced integration with the Google Maps
API, which allows users to plot routers, switches and device
groups on an embedded Google map. This helps make high
level network navigation a snap and provides a window into
your Scrutinizer details.
Zoom in on your country, state, city or street and see what
devices are down. Looking for more details? Click on a device
and see a snapshot of the three busiest interfaces on that router
or even jump over to a custom link or third party application
Click on a device group to dive into a
customized network map you create.
Interactive Network Maps
Maps come to life in Scrutinizer where links change colour and
thickness based on utilization, and clicking on links brings up the top talkers and conversations within the last minute!
Device Grouping
Categorize devices and routers into logical groups that can be
placed on your Google maps or explored via the Scrutinizer
tree menu. Click on the device group icons to zoom into an
interactive Scrutinizer network map.
Device groups can contain any kind of network device, as well
as links to other device groups and third party applications.
User Management
Manage accounts by assigning access to custom reports, device
groups, network maps and Google maps to individual users.
Administrative privileges and user access is not the same
thing. That’s why Scrutinizer allows admins to determine who
can view what information, as well as who can make configuration
changes.
Service providers can limit their customers to only seeing maps
and device groups that are appropriate for them.
RSS Feeds
Gather network traffic data without even logging in to Scrutinizer.
Create an RSS feed with the information you want to see (e.g.
Top Conversations between two particular hosts) and any
subscribers to the feed can view up-to-date traffic details along
with their other favourite news feeds.