Network analysis traditionally means using expensive hardware-based network analyzers, but we've seen an increase in 32-bit protocol analyzers for Windows95 and Windows NT. These next-generation software analyzers are perfect low-cost (about $1,000 or less) tools for distributed network managers, field service technicians and any other network professionals. In fact, Sniffer Basic's unbeatable feature set, performance and ease of use make it the protocol analyzer of choice for day-to-day work in our labs.

When we tested Windows Protocol Analyzers last fall, we were pleasantly surprised to see that most of the products kept up with a heavily loaded 10-Mbps Ethernet network. Likewise, Sniffer Basic and Shomiti Systems' Surveyor offer a full contingent of real-time performance, statistics gathering and short-term baselining tools that provide an accurate view of network performance. We also appreciated their vast array of protocol decoders. Additional kudos go to Triticom's LANdecoder 32 for its expert systems feature, which was largely missing in Windows protocol analyzers.

Sniffer Basic (formerly NetXRay), $995,
Network Associates,
(408) 988-3832.
www.nai.com