Net Optics iTap Port Aggregator, Manual, Page: 2 / 55

Access Information Anywhere
The Web Manager and System Manager
allow you to remotely set parameters,
view status information, and monitor traffic
statistical data. These interfaces provide
security and performance information such
as the number of over- and under-sized
packets, packet collisions, and CRC errors.
You can remotely set the alarm thresholds,
clear the traffic data counters, and turn on
or off a Monitor Port. This access is also
available via an optional wireless link from
your wireless PDA or laptop.
Buffers Absorb Bursts
When the traffic levels exceed the capacity
of the receiving NIC, the iTap Port
Aggregator stores the overflow traffic in
buffer memory. For high-load links, the iTap
Port Aggregator is available with 1GB of
memory. The buffers clear automatically
when the traffic volume falls below the
receiving capacity
of the NIC. These
buffers allow the iTap
Port Aggregator to
absorb traffic bursts
without dropping
packets.
Traffic Monitoring
The iTap Port Aggregator monitors the
utilization levels of both sides of the full-
duplex link. Knowing the utilization levels
is critical in determining if packets could
be dropped during high-load periods.
This information is displayed on the front
panel and is available from the remote
interfaces. The iTap Port Aggregator
allows you to set a threshold for each
side of the full-duplex link at which an
alarm is triggered. For example, the iTap
Port Aggregator can warn you when
the utilization in either direction passes
the 30% level. When a threshold level is
exceeded, the alarm LED illuminates and
the remote interfaces record the event.
The iTap Port Aggregator records the level
of the highest peak along with the date
and time. Since the iTap Port Aggregator
is monitoring the utilization levels, this
information is always available regardless
of the aggregation process.
Seeing is Believing
The display and alarm LEDs provide a
quick visual check that the utilization
levels are not exceeding the capacity of
the monitoring device or a pre-determined
threshold. From the display, you can view
the current bandwidth utilization of each
side of a full-duplex link with the size and
time of the highest peak. A quick check of
the display lets you know if there was an
event that requires further investigation.
After taking action on a utilization or
peak event, you can reset the data from
a recessed reset button on the front panel
or from a remote interface. The iTap Port
Aggregator is ready to detect and display
the next critical event.
iTap Port Aggregators form an early warning
system to detect network anomalies.
The greatest peaks are also displayed
Current utilization is available at a glance