Protocol Analyzers

Protocol analyzers are used mainly to pot and intercept logs or traffic that come through a specific network and often come as computer software or hardware. As the packets that contain network information travel across the network, these are subsequently decoded and interpreted by these analyzers, depending on the specifications it has. These analyzers can also process information that can come from either a live network or from a capture file stored on a disk.

A protocol analyzer can be used for many different functions. Protocol analyzers can detect the number of tokens existing in a current token ring network, and can collect statistics regarding network traffic, to help determine whether or not more bandwidth is needed. A gigabit Ethernet protocol analyzer is a common tool in most networks and used for its high filtering capability, along with its ability to run on different kinds of media. It is particularly useful for high data streaming functions. Because it is classified as open source software, the Ethernet analyzer is also a free protocol analyzer that can easily be downloaded online.

Protocol analyzer generators provide for a comprehensive report and details regarding network traffic and offer numerous storage tools. These protocol analyzers provide engineers and quality assurance testers with solutions and guidelines for designing, testing and verification of their software and hardware, to ensure high compliance with current standards.

A GSM protocol analyzer is another essential tool for telecommunication networks as it can be used to analyze GSM protocols that are needed for many mobile and voice services to take place. These protocol analyzers enables detailed statistical displays and can generate specific reports to aid administrators in understanding and assessing current traffic in their networks. Some examples of these include the Yokogawa GSM protocol analyzer, which is often used for assessing complex radio signals that are found in GSM networks.

Protocol analyzers can also be connected to the network in several different ways. A serial protocol analyzer is connected to the network through a physical serial cable; while a USB 2.0 protocol analyzer is a high speed tool that is connected between a computer and a network peripheral. Popular versions of the latter device include the Beagle USB protocol analyzer which is suited for real-time analyzing information and automated testing and fixtures. Users can also avail of a free USB protocol analyzer, which are usually packaged with similar hardware or software tools.