What is Network Visibility?

Network visibility is becoming more and more important as organizations face the challenges of deploying increasingly complex network services such as security, performance management, and monitoring on ever-evolving and expanding networks, that span from on-prem traditional networks to hybrid cloud modern architectures. 

In an ideal world, you would cover every link to prevent blind spots in your network visibility layer. However, due to issues like budget constraints or port limitations, this may not be possible. Therefore, visibility on the high-capacity links and other critical points on your network should be prioritized. A central visibility controller management system can serve as a force multiplier on the links that you have covered.

The types of network tools to empower your network visibility primarily include monitoring and inspection tools that are supported by such components as network TAPs, packet brokers (NPBs), and bypass switches. Each of these devices has an important function and promotes comprehensive coverage of all aspects of your network. Depending on the network architectural design – and what works best for your needs – some devices are placed in-line or out-of-band, while others are designed to specifically work out-of-band. In some cases, hybrid combinations of the devices are used that further enhance visibility.

 

Diagram_visibility layer_grey-01
The key to ensuring proper network visibility is creating a network visibility mediation layer that comprises strategically placed network interception TAPs, network bypasses, and intelligent packet brokers.
This kind of comprehensive visibility is called “Pervasive”.
 
A pervasive visibility layer not only increases network security, but also holds key advantages in reducing downtime in maintenance periods, improving network service recovery time, and increasing your overall ROI. If your network visibility layer is not pervasive, you risk network blind spots potentially compromising your security and network performance.
 
For pervasive network visibility, it is vital that you approach the visibility layer with a cohesive agile strategy that takes into account the current status of your network, and areas where your network and services may grow or the topology may change.

What is a Pervasive Network Visibility Layer?

Most networking hardware and network visibility tools have limitations. Even modern network switches are equipped with only one or two SPAN ports, and you may need to connect more than two devices to them or have different departments tap into the traffic. Upgrade your physical network, and you may find your current monitoring tools lack the processing power or connectivity for higher throughputs and bandwidths.

A pervasive network visibility layer lets you forward to each tool the traffic that it needs. Aggregating low utilization links from across your network to central processing centers. Furthermore, some network visibility layer deployments take advantage of a central visibility controller management system like Niagara’s NVC. In such systems, independent visibility appliances are managed as a single virtual switch fabric across all of your visibility layers. This offers even more agility and efficiency in your deployment of network services such as monitoring and performance management.

Network Visibility Solution - The Niagara Networks Way

The correct design of your network architecture will enable the network administrator and the IT team to handle all managerial and security issues that may occur, by being able to initially ‘see’ what is happening over the network at all times – and then act accordingly. This full visibility usually referred to as Pervasive Network Visibility, is based on having the right set of tools and devices distributed across the topology, continuously monitoring and inspecting the data traffic, collecting and analyzing data, and sending relevant notifications – as needed.

Niagara Networks' broad range of network visibility solutions and tools include physical network TAPs, virtual TAPs, network packet brokers (NPBs), and bypass switches. These are designed to be placed in key network access points to empower the network’s own self-sustaining security mechanisms while being flexible and manageable enough to allow IT to step in immediately and with the right and capable device tools and features to handle all scenarios.

With the right solutions and tools – that are smarter, quicker, and more robust – set up correctly to ensure pervasive network visibility, the network and security operations will always be on top of all possible issues. This will ensure network security and stability while furthering your ROI.

 

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