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Is the Network meeting performance objectives? Ethernet and IP networks consist of any number of interconnected and complicated devices. The number of devices traffic transits vary from moment to moment as a result of a variety of network events. Unlike TDM networks where bandwidth is dedicated to real circuits, packet and cell networks transporting Ethernet and IP Services dynamically allocate bandwidth on shared network links. Should traffic demand exceed available link bandwidth, congestion occurs causing traffic slowdowns or even lost traffic. Congestion can be internment lasting milliseconds to hours.
Ethernet and IP now have traffic prioritization capabilities to grant privileged transport to identified traffic types if network switching equipment is capable of support prioritization and the switch setting are correct and operating.
A persistent question of users and network operations is how well is the network operating? Quick, consistent transport of traffic across the network is very important. Customers are demanding Service Providers maintain minimum network performance. They formalize this with Service Level Agreements (SLA's). Also, Network Managers often establish minimum network performance parameters.
How does one ensure network performance? You must track and measure traffic transiting the entire network from customer interface to customer interface. CanogaView SEM's Performance Collection System (PCS) measures and aggregates network performance data provided by Canoga Perkins' Network Performance Assurance (NPA) software for Network Interface Devices. Performance data is aggregated by the PCS for presentation to Network Operations personnel and various provisioning and accounting systems.
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