Best Network Analyzer and Probe

Sniffer Proves Best In Final Analysis

When it comes to productive analysis tools for enterprise networks, Network General's Distributed Sniffer System (DSS) is tough to beat. Definitive problem analysis for the network troubleshooter is aided by Distributed Sniffer's expert system, rich filtering and comprehensive protocol decodes.
Multiplatform access from DOS, Windows, Unix, X Windows and several network management platform consoles makes DSS easy to integrate into almost every environment. Simultaneous analysis windows allow a single network analyst in a single location to view all rings, segments and serial links between problem locations, affording quick resolution of complex problems. Traffic generation features, combined with Sniffer servers in multiple locations, makes quick work of verifying network connectivity and ensuring that full link speeds are available. Full decodes of every LAN and WAN protocol you've ever heard of--and some you've not heard of--are available. It's a powerful combination of features.
Distributed Sniffer's support of in-band network or out-of-band modem access to Sniffer servers assures the network manager certain access to down or impaired networks for problem determination. When the network is down and you need DSS the most, you can still get easy access.
Most technical analysts will prefer Sniffer's responsive character-based user interface over a graphical user interface (GUI), even though it seems most applications' successes depend on a GUI. Sniffer's sliding tree interface requires a learning curve, but the many t opologies supported means network analysts only have to learn one interface for Ethernet, Token-Ring, LocalTalk, FDDI, WAN and a few legacy media types.

Network General Distributed Sniffer System, $4,995-$8,495, Network General Corp., 4200 Bohannon Dr., Menlo Park, CA 94025. (415) 473-2000; fax (415) 327-2303.

Runners-Up
HP J2301A T1 Internet Advisor, Hewlett-Packard Co., Network Test Division, 5070 Centennial Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80919. (800) 452-4844; fax (719) 531-4526.

Internetwork Diagnostics and Monitoring System, Wandel and Goltermann, 1030 Swabia Ct., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. (919) 941-5730; fax (919) 941-5751.