Content

| 9.3 |  | Network Analysis Modules and Switch Fabric Modules |
| 9.3.1 |  | Overview of network analysis and switch fabric modules |

With the increased ability of access, distribution and core layer switches to monitor network traffic it is desirable to capture this monitored traffic at switching aggregation points. In this way the data can be recorded and analyzed at a central location.

Extra dataflow generated by monitored traffic puts additional load on a networks switching bandwidth. A trend towards integration of time sensitive Voice over IP and interactive multimedia services into data networks further exacerbates the situation. These developments make it imperative that the switching-fabric at aggregation points has sufficient bandwidth to ensure that latency does not become an issue with mission critical time sensitive traffic.

The issues outlined above have been addressed by the introduction of two modules for the 6500 series chassis:

The Network Analysis Module (NAM) contains features which allow it to store and analyze multiple monitored traffic streams in real time. This enhances the ability of the Network Manager to capture valuable information and fast-track problem solving.

The Switch Fabric Module (SFM), designed to address the requirement for increased switching bandwidth, catering to traffic monitoring and the increasing integration of high priority time-sensitive traffic into the data network.

In this lesson, the NAM and SFM module features, and installation and configuration issues will be explored in greater depth.