What is a network packet broker? A network packet broker (NPB) is a technology that uses a variety of monitoring tools to access and analyze traffic across a network. The packet broker filters collected traffic information from network links and distributes it to its appropriate network monitoring tool. By having advanced filtering capabilities, an NPB can help provide better data performance, tighter security, and a faster way to determine the root cause of any issues by using advanced application intelligence. An NPB increases network efficiency while simultaneously lowering your costs. Network packet brokers can sometimes be referred to as data access switches, monitoring switches, matrix switches, or tool aggregators.
The main purpose of a network packet broker (NPB) is to filter network traffic, thereby optimizing traffic flow, network security, performance management, and other monitoring tools. After an NPB receives data from network links, it then acts as a “broker” by funneling the relevant data from the network to each tool that needs it. NPBs are capable of performing crucial functionalities from providing total network visibility, to ensuring data loss prevention, and improving network management. NPBs are able to do this for networks that have very complex architectures or networks that are resource-intensive. Although it sounds conceptually easy to aggregate, filter, and deliver data, NPBs perform complex crucial functions that are ultimately responsible for exponentially increasing efficiency and heightened security.
Most network packet brokers consist of a header, a payload, and a trailer. The header includes packet information, such as proper protocols, the packet’s originating address, and its destination IP address. Oftentimes the header will also contain instructions about the data regarding the length of the packet, synchronization, and a packet number. The payload is also referred to as the “body” or the actual data of a packet. The trailer, sometimes known as the “footer,” communicates with the receiving device when the end of the packet has been reached. It can also include a CRC (cyclic redundancy check), which is the most commonly used form of error checking used in packets. Typically, routers will locate a destination address in the header, which indicates where the packet should be sent. When the packet reaches the destination, the header and trailer are stripped off of each packet and are reassembled based on the numbered sequence of the packets.
To find the solution that will best support your business when choosing an NPB:
Below is a helpful list of recommended features to consider when selecting a network packet broker:
Network packet brokers come with several benefits, including:
The main purpose of a network packet broker (NPB) is to filter network traffic, thereby optimizing traffic flow, network security, performance management, and other monitoring tools. After an NPB receives data from network links, it then acts as a “broker” by funneling the relevant data from the network to each tool that needs it. NPBs are capable of performing crucial functionalities from providing total network visibility, to ensuring data loss prevention, and improving network management. NPBs are able to do this for networks that have very complex architectures or networks that are resource-intensive. Although it sounds conceptually easy to aggregate, filter, and deliver data, NPBs perform complex crucial functions that are ultimately responsible for exponentially increasing efficiency and heightened security.
Most network packet brokers consist of a header, a payload, and a trailer. The header includes packet information, such as proper protocols, the packet’s originating address, and its destination IP address. Oftentimes the header will also contain instructions about the data regarding the length of the packet, synchronization, and a packet number. The payload is also referred to as the “body” or the actual data of a packet. The trailer, sometimes known as the “footer,” communicates with the receiving device when the end of the packet has been reached. It can also include a CRC (cyclic redundancy check), which is the most commonly used form of error checking used in packets. Typically, routers will locate a destination address in the header, which indicates where the packet should be sent. When the packet reaches the destination, the header and trailer are stripped off of each packet and are reassembled based on the numbered sequence of the packets.
To find the solution that will best support your business when choosing an NPB:
Below is a helpful list of recommended features to consider when selecting a network packet broker:
Network packet brokers come with several benefits, including: