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What is the purpose of a small company using a protocol analyzer utility to capture network traffic on the network segments where the company is considering a network upgrade?

• to identify the source and destination of local network traffic
• to capture the Internet connection bandwidth requirement
• to document and analyze network traffic requirements on each network segment
• to establish a baseline for security analysis after the network is upgraded

Purpose of Using a Protocol Analyzer Utility for Network Traffic Capture

When a small company is considering a network upgrade, one of the most critical steps in the planning process is to understand the current state of the network. This involves capturing and analyzing network traffic on various network segments to ensure that the new infrastructure will meet the organization’s needs. Among the options provided, the most accurate purpose for using a protocol analyzer utility in this context is:

To document and analyze network traffic requirements on each network segment.

Understanding Protocol Analyzers

A protocol analyzer, also known as a network analyzer or packet sniffer, is a tool used to monitor, capture, and analyze the data traveling across a network. It can intercept and log traffic passing over a digital network or part of a network. The captured data is then presented in a format that is easy to understand and analyze. This utility is indispensable for network administrators who need to troubleshoot network issues, optimize performance, and plan for upgrades.

Network Traffic Analysis in the Context of a Network Upgrade

When a small company is planning a network upgrade, it’s vital to ensure that the new infrastructure can handle the expected traffic load. A network that cannot support the required data transfer rates or that experiences congestion can lead to slow performance, dropped packets, and reduced productivity. To avoid these issues, network administrators use protocol analyzers to document and analyze the traffic patterns on the network.

Here’s how this process unfolds:

1. Baseline Establishment: Before any network upgrade, it is essential to establish a baseline of the current network performance. This includes understanding the average and peak traffic loads, the types of traffic (e.g., HTTP, FTP, VoIP), and the most active network segments. By capturing and analyzing this data, administrators can identify potential bottlenecks and areas where the current network infrastructure may be insufficient.
2. Traffic Analysis: Once the baseline is established, the protocol analyzer is used to document the specific network traffic requirements on each segment of the network. This involves capturing packets over a period of time to understand the flow of data between devices, the volume of traffic, and the protocols in use. For example, a protocol analyzer can reveal whether certain segments of the network are primarily used for email traffic, file transfers, video conferencing, or other types of communication.
3. Identifying Traffic Patterns: Analyzing traffic patterns is crucial for determining where upgrades are necessary. For instance, if a particular segment consistently experiences high traffic volumes during business hours, it might require a more robust infrastructure to prevent congestion. Conversely, if another segment shows minimal usage, it might be over-provisioned, and resources could be reallocated more effectively.
4. Bandwidth Requirements: Understanding the bandwidth requirements of each network segment is essential for a successful upgrade. The protocol analyzer helps in documenting the amount of data being transmitted and the speed at which it is moving. This information is critical when deciding on the capacity of new switches, routers, and other networking hardware. If the current infrastructure is not meeting the required bandwidth, the upgrade will need to include equipment that can handle the expected load.
5. Security Considerations: While the primary purpose of using a protocol analyzer in this scenario is to document and analyze traffic, it also provides valuable insights into network security. By analyzing the captured data, administrators can identify unusual or unauthorized traffic patterns that could indicate a security breach or vulnerability. This information can be used to implement stronger security measures during the upgrade.
6. Future-Proofing the Network: One of the key reasons for analyzing current network traffic is to ensure that the upgraded network can not only meet current demands but also accommodate future growth. A protocol analyzer helps in predicting future traffic trends by analyzing current patterns. For example, if the company plans to implement new applications or services that will increase traffic, these factors must be considered during the upgrade planning.

Documenting Network Traffic Requirements

The documentation process involves recording the findings from the protocol analyzer in a structured format that can be used for planning and reference. This documentation should include:

• Traffic Volume: The average and peak traffic volumes on each network segment.
• Protocol Usage: A breakdown of the protocols in use and their respective bandwidth consumption.
• Top Talkers: Identification of the devices or applications generating the most traffic.
• Latency and Throughput: Measurements of network latency and throughput on each segment.
• Error Rates: Any network errors or dropped packets that could indicate issues with the current infrastructure.

This documentation provides a comprehensive view of the network’s current state and is critical for making informed decisions about the upgrade. It ensures that the new infrastructure will be sized appropriately, that it will support the required protocols, and that it will provide the necessary performance and security.

Conclusion

In summary, the use of a protocol analyzer utility to capture network traffic is a vital step in the network upgrade process for a small company. The primary purpose is to document and analyze the network traffic requirements on each network segment. This analysis provides the data needed to make informed decisions about the new infrastructure, ensuring that it will meet current needs and support future growth. By thoroughly understanding the existing network traffic patterns and requirements, the company can upgrade its network with confidence, knowing that the new system will deliver the desired performance, reliability, and security.