Network visibility is enhanced through the time-stamped logs, performance metrics, and end-to-end traces collectively known as telemetry data. Each unique data source provides valuable clues that help IT teams and network engineers resolve issues and maintain performance standards, both locally and in the cloud.
When these discreet lanes of information converge with comprehensive and inciteful packet data, performance and security issues are resolved with greater confidence and precision, so actionable insights are delivered with lightning speed. Unabridged packet data is the ingredient that fills in the blanks of traffic, application, and error information with an unprecedented level of granularity.
To paraphrase the classic movie quote: Show me the packets!
What’s in a packet?
Packet formats and protocols evolved out of necessity, making it easier to transmit network data by breaking it into easily digestible pieces that are conveniently re-assembled by the receiver, even when they are delivered out of sequence. Each packet header includes the source and destination IP address, along with the packet description, ID, protocol, and other valuable information. While the header provides the who, where, and when, the packet payload provides the what through a tiny yet unmistakable portion of data.
The compact size and consistent formatting that make packets an ideal data transmission mode also make them a key element of proactive IT management, but capturing, storing, and retrieving packets affordably to enable streamlined troubleshooting and forensics was not always practical.
Advanced network performance monitoring and diagnostics (NPMD) solutions and highly scalable packet capture tools are breaking down these barriers, making full packet capture and pinpoint forensic analysis attainable for more IT and security teams.
What sets packets apart?
The unique characteristics of packets have led them to be called the ultimate source of network truth, and for good reason. While other telemetry sources leave behind clues for resourceful IT teams to decipher, network packet capture paints a complete picture, with the unabridged information providing a roadmap to reassemble the past. These benefits are being leveraged in many valuable ways.
NetOps and SecOps
The siloed network operations (NetOps) and security operations (SecOps) teams, tools, or data cannot be remedied by cross-functional meetings, company lunches, or mixed office bullpens alone. Migrating to a common set of solutions—while maintaining different perspectives and focus areas—is the most effective way to break down silos. Packet capture and analysis capabilities create a strong foundation for unified solutions.
With the average time to identify a data breach now standing at 204 days, SecOps teams strive for improved visibility and response times, just as NetOps teams continue to safeguard performance and reliability. When NetOps teams observe traffic spikes or unusual data transfers, SecOps teams can leverage the unified data source to perform deep-packet inspection for post-event investigations, breach analysis, and compliance support. This provides essential forensic insights for security and operational visibility.
Data-driven decisions
Intelligent decisions are based on data, and lots of it. While hybrid and multi-cloud networks provide us with droves of telemetry data, only comprehensive packet capture solutions provide the complete context of user, application, timing, and protocol needed to support enlightened decision-making. Advanced Network Observability solutions cut through the noise with workflows that show you the (right) packets needed, when they are needed to fast-track problem resolution.
Granular packet data also helps IT teams decide how resources should be allocated to alleviate bottlenecks and improve QoS, with http packet capture allowing network managers to decide when non-critical traffic is imposing on key business services or end users. Having a back-in-time solution enabling teams to pinpoint exactly when an issue occurred and drill down to the nanosecond for precise root-cause identification—ensures no piece of the puzzle is missing.
Accelerated troubleshooting
Complex network architecture, disjointed data sets, and inefficient IT workflows can combine to drive Mean Time to Know (MTTK) metrics through the roof. Sorting through massive amounts of PCAPs is no longer practical, so the next generation of solutions is designed to streamline the journey from packets to performance by combining efficient data retention and retrieval, unmatched storage capacity, and expert analytics.
These enhancements enable conclusive, legally admissible forensic investigations without being limited by the passage of time. Because a comprehensive packet capture solution preserves historical data, teams can investigate anomalies immediately—without waiting for issues to reoccur—ensuring accurate diagnosis and confident resolution.
Discover how packets simplify IT resilience in a dynamic world
With VIAVI, packets become more than data; they’re the power behind pointed network troubleshooting and forensic analysis. The VIAVI Observer Platform, with dedicated packet capture, performance monitoring, and security forensics solutions, breaks down data siloes once and for all, unleashing the power of packets to support more efficient network troubleshooting and decision-making. With cost-effective, scalable, and impactful network insights now within reach, there’s never been a better time to say: Show me the packets!
