Proactive network analysis system

Abstract

A proactive network analysis system is a single unit for diagnosing network problems, measuring network performance, and monitoring network status in a comprehensive manner. The system is a compilation of individual tools including a distributed network packet capture data stream collector; a traffic analyzer; a performance graphing unit; a syslog recorder analyzer and archiving unit; a system availability monitor; a device configuration archiving unit; and a throughput measurement tool. The system can further provide an access list generator, an access list analyzer, a router DNS name generator and a service level agreement measurement device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 592,285 Entitled “Proactive Network Analysis System” filed Jul. 29, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to network administration and optimization, more particularly the present invention relates to a network analyses tool for minimizing network downtime and maximizing network operation and efficiencies. [0004] 2. Background Information [0005] A LAN, or “local area network”, is a computer network generally spanning a relatively small area, such as in an office or a home and are capable of transmitting data at very fast rates. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings. However, one LAN can be connected to other LANs over distances via telephone lines and radio waves, forming a wide area network or WAN. Most LANs connect end user devices such as workstations and personal computers, known as nod...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The proactive network analysis system according to the present invention is a single system, or unit, for diagnosing network problems, measuring network performance, managing and monitoring network status in a comprehensive and synergistic manner. The system according to the present invention is a compilation of individual tools assembled in an easy-to-use, cost effective system, or tool kit, for analyzing, isolating, and solving complex network issues wherein the independent tools provide a synergistic effect for the network administrator. The system according to the present invention includes a distributed network packet capture data stream collector; a traffic analyzer; a performance graphing unit; a syslog recorder analyzer and archiving unit; a system availability monitor; a device configuration archiving unit; and a throughput measurement tool. The system can further provide an access list generator, an access list analyzer, a router DNS name generator and a service level agreement measurement device.

Problems solved by technology

Various networks are known to have numerous infrastructure inefficiencies, such as in large campus environments, data centers, and remote site location networks.

Log files can be destroyed or altered if a system becomes compromised, and uncertainty about the integrity of system log files rises when out-of-band logging is not performed.

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