Network Protocol Analyzer

A network protocol analyzer is a tool used to monitor data traffic and analyze captured signals as they travel across communication channels. Sometimes network protocol analyzers are standalone hardware devices through which all network traffic is routed, and in other cases, they’re software applications installed on specific workstations or networks to provide an added layer of security. In addition, network protocol analyzers can be paired with firewalls and antivirus programs for a strong line of defense against network intrusions.

Any information sent across the internet, whether as an email or a webpage, is broken down into thousands of small data packets, which are then reassembled at the intended destination. Network protocol analyzer tools, also known as “sniffers,” function by capturing data packets and assessing whether the data they contain is legitimate and valid—or whether it might contain elements of malicious code. Different methods of communication will use different protocols, which is why protocol monitoring tools and software needs to be able to monitor different protocols to provide proper network security. 

Protocol analyzer tools capture data as it moves across communication busses in embedded systems, along with traffic entering and leaving LAN, PAN, and even wireless networks. Protocol scanners provide the ability to constantly monitor and decode bus data, which can be leveraged to generate reports and valuable insights for network admins when interpreted by network protocol analysis tools.

Network protocol analysis tools can also perform other functions, like offering actionable details on critical network analytics and network bandwidth utilization. They can detect abnormal levels of network traffic or abnormal packet details signaling bandwidth bottlenecks or potentially malicious activity. The best protocol analyzers will display metrics and statistics from multiple dataflows in an easy-to-navigate user interface, allowing admins to quickly determine the state of the network traffic.

While network analyzers shouldn’t stand in for security programs like antivirus or spyware detection applications, they can also be used to lessen the risk of cyberattacks when incorporated into a robust security lineup. In the event of a hack, protocol scanners and analyzers can reduce admin response time.

Technically, protocol analyzers and packet sniffers are different applications, but the two names are often used interchangeably because many network protocol tools include both functionalities. Historically, network analyzers intercepted and monitored traffic, but over time—and with the increased prevalence of cloud computing—more network protocol analysis applications bundled protocol analyzers and packet sniffers together for more comprehensive network analysis.

The primary difference between the two is packet sniffers collect bit strings and packets on the network interface, while packet analyzers examine the captured data to provide admins with as much information as possible about the protocols sending data through the network.

Packet sniffers can be used to capture almost any sort of information passing through the network—such as the websites end users visit, what they download, and the contents of emails. On the other hand, many companies use packet analyzers to monitor end-user network use and are often included in antivirus software.

When implemented correctly, protocol analyzers provide benefits for network security and efficiency, from reducing the risk of infection by malicious software or code to ensuring adequate network bandwidth. Protocol analyzers are extremely useful monitoring tools for embedded systems, as each one can capture, decode, and analyze data for a variety of different communication protocols. Because each communication protocol requires a matching protocol analyzer, implementing versatile protocol analyzers capable of monitoring multiple protocols takes advantage of their greater flexibility and value.

Protocol analyzers also offer useful diagnostic capabilities. In addition to monitoring bus data traffic, they can capture real-time data while simulating errors to test if and how the system recovers. Testing and troubleshooting at the application level are helpful but being able to test dataflow on the bus is one way of conclusively testing whether a given feature is functioning as intended. Using network protocol analysis with the basic ping command allows admins to pinpoint problems within minutes. 

SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer provides real-time network and bandwidth monitoring to help track the overall traffic on the network and identify which applications are being used. It does this through a centralized dashboard interface providing admins with access control over the network monitoring systems and customizable alerting and reporting functionalities. By collecting flow data and processing it, NetFlow Traffic Analyzer displays data in color-coded graphs and visually demonstrates bandwidth utilization in intuitive, easy-to-parse ways.

Detailed analytics allow you to track and sort traffic based on metrics like destination IP address, source IP, ports, and protocols, while also giving you the ability to drill down on flow-through nodes and switches for more robust intelligence gathering.

NetFlow Traffic Analyzer includes a powerful and convenient custom alerting system designed to notify you to sudden increases or drop-offs in network traffic. Alerts can also be used to swiftly examine unusual or potentially malicious network activity, including for port 0 monitoring, helping identify malformed traffic.

The tool’s powerful reporting system gives access to a range of valuable intelligence, from users and applications using the most bandwidth to detailed analysis of traffic patterns. This allows admins to stay on top of network usage, plan for capacity changes, and prevent service outages.