Content

| 2.4 |  | Network Management Tools |
| 2.4.4 |  | Event and fault management tools |

Event management
A protocol analyzer decodes the various protocol layers in a recorded frame and presents them as readable abbreviations or summaries, detailing which layer is involved such as physical, data link, and so forth. In addition, it displays what function each byte or set of bytes serves.

Most protocol analyzers can filter traffic that meets certain criteria so that, for example, all traffic to and from a particular device can be captured.

Time-stamped capturing of data:

Time-stamped capturing of data will perform the following tasks:

- Presents protocol layers in an easily readable form.
- Generates frames and transmits them onto the network.
- Incorporates an "expert" system, in which the analyzer uses a set of rules. These rules are combined with information about the network configuration and operation and are used to diagnose, solve, or offer potential solutions to network problems.

An example of a protocol inspector is the Fluke Optiview.

Fault management tools include Pair testers and Frequency based certification testers.

Pair testers – This category of tester is distinguished from a continuity tester by its ability to detect a split pair. A split pair is the simplest problem related to frequency that plagues network cable, and should be a minimum entry point for a network cable tester. If a cable passes the split pair test, it has a good chance of passing a basic Category 5 certification test.

Frequency based field certification testers (cable analyzers) – The first generation of field certification testers usually offered selections for Category 5 cable types with a maximum frequency rating of 10 or 20 MHz. The second generation of field certification testers became available in late 1995, and offered 100 MHz testing. This generation of tester is capable of certifying Category 5 cable, but not Category 5e cable (both 100 MHz). The third generation of field certification testers became available in late 1997, and offered testing to Category 6 speeds or higher. The fourth generation of field certification testers is expected around 2003. It is likely to rival the accuracy of lab quality equipment, and with frequency ranges that include the proposed Category 7 (600 MHz) cable. Unfortunately, the size of the tester has been increasing with each new generation. A lot of additional electronics are required to perform the growing suite of tests at ever-greater accuracy levels.