Visual Network Troubleshooting

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Only one third of slow applications are caused by the network yet the network is generally guilty until proven innocent. It’s no easy task to prove where the problem is. Using the CLI, it could take days to track down a bad cable or misconfigured ACL.

Apply NetBrain’s 4-step ‘Map-Driven PHD’ troubleshooting methodology to find the root cause exponentially faster:

Map the Application Path Instantly

Documentation is critical for real-time troubleshooting. Unfortunately, few organizations maintain diagrams of application traffic paths. Using NetBrain, you can create a layer-3 or layer-2 map of the application path instantly. NetBrain will draw the path using live gateway information and routing tables.

Probe Performance Hotspots

With multiple devices in the path, trying to find which link is congested or dropping packets is difficult. Using NetBrain, you can turn on live monitoring with one click to view link status, memory utilization, packet loss and more.

Compare Network Status against a Baseline

Whether you suspect a routing, configuration, or topology change is to blame, you can use NetBrain to instantly uncover what’s changed to cause the problem. Automatically compare route tables, config files, and show-command output against a working baseline to highlight what’s changed. NetBrain can even draw the application path using historical data so you can visualize what’s changed.

Drill-Down for Root Cause

If you suspect congestion, use NetFlow to drill-down top-talkers. For hundreds of other causes, leverage NetBrain procedures to find the root cause. Helpful procedures include ‘CPU Overutilization’, ‘Queue Drop’, ‘Link Congestion’, and ‘Flapping Links’.