Wednesday 21 December 2011

What Are the Common Network Tools That are Used

By Harry Malvarn


Network engineers and system administrators are all too familiar with most of the network tools you will come across. These are used to monitor and correct problems regarding the transmission of data from the internet going to the local intranet. This also holds true for intranet communication.

Each tool has a specific purpose which the user should know. Without proper knowledge of what tool to use, the network could suffer for a longer amount of time. Worse, the use of the wrong tools could aggravate the situation even further. One fantastic tool is the packet sniffer. This tool is essentially a piece of software but there are also hardware versions of it. Its purpose is to read the contents of packets sent along the network. Systems administrators will use the information to deem if anything is out of the ordinary.

Another tool that is necessary is the port scanner. It will list the state of all the ports on the device it is attached to. As a security measure, this is used on every device in order to detect any ports that were unintentionally opened. A single port left unmanaged could very well be the break a hacker needs.

For problems regarding connectivity, cable testers can be used. A broken cable is the worst thing that could happen to networks. Intermittent problems are not actually alright but they are far better than the permanent problem that a broken cable gives.

A cable tester allows the systems admin to verify if signals are sent from end to end. It also notifies him if there is a problem with select wires only. This may alert the office to pest infestations or layout problems.

Another tool that a systems admin needs is a certifier. This also deals with cables but in a different light. It is able to tell if the cable capacity is correct. This is usually used when there is an active connection but it experiences severe latency. Latency is when there is a delay in the transmission of data. This is usually evident in wireless networks and is uncommon in local intranets. When this happens in your intranet, a certifier might be needed.

A person who knows when a certain tool is needed is a big asset. It helps by saving time when browsing stores for network tools. Likewise, one can fix any problems that arise in their home or office without the need to consult a professional especially at awkward times when your network bogs down.




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