Device Sharing Between Groups

For one customer, the IntellaPatch Series 3000 switching platform with an IntellaFlex Packet Aggregator blade increases the network monitoring capabilities in several of its key data centers.

Utilizing a pair of APCON switches per data center location enables this organization to connect all existing copper and fiber taps once and then electronically direct that traffic to either of two monitoring devices.

By utilizing a solution that offers packet aggregation, they are able to combine traffic from various tapped links, pare the stream down to only the required elements and then direct that traffic to a specific tool – utilizing fewer ports overall.

In this way, the customer can reduce the port count required for new monitoring device purchases, make better use of the tools already in inventory and enable multiple IT groups to share devices when necessary.

Eliminate SPAN Port Contention

A global organization that manages mission-critical network environments was in need of a solution for a key customer. This customer, one of the United States' largest state college systems was experiencing growth in its network traffic, and sought a means for effectively managing it.

In an effort to make the most of its existing stream-to-disk tool investment, this organization connected all of its SPAN and tool ports to the APCON equipment, and then began managing all connections electronically. They can aggregate any of the eight SPAN port links, filter traffic on all common L2-4 parameters, and then direct that traffic to the recording device.

By supporting multicasting (i.e., one-to-many connectivity),this solution enables the college system to ease SPAN port contention. So, IT managers may be using sniffers and probes at the same time security managers are using forensic devices – which enhances bottom-line productivity and reduces workload on the tools.