Network Packet Brokers (NPBs) help organizations manage and secure their network traffic by aggregating, filtering, and distributing data across a complex network infrastructure.
Designed for advanced network management and security needs, Network Packet Brokers streamline the process of monitoring and analyzing network traffic. They ensure efficient data distribution to optimize network performance and enhance security measures by preventing data loss and mitigating potential threats.
What are the critical features of NPBs?In the financial sector, NPBs are essential for real-time data monitoring and compliance. Healthcare organizations utilize NPBs to secure sensitive patient data and ensure data integrity. In the telecommunications industry, they are crucial for managing large volumes of network traffic and ensuring seamless service delivery.
Network Packet Brokers are invaluable for organizations to manage their network traffic effectively. They enhance performance, ensure security, and provide insightful data monitoring, making them essential tools for modern network infrastructures.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Gigamon Deep Observability Pipeline | 20.5% |
| Ixia Network Packet Brokers | 13.2% |
| Big Switch Networks | 8.4% |
| Other | 57.9% |
The main purpose of a network packet broker (NPB) is to filter network traffic, thereby optimizing traffic flow, network security, performance management, and other monitoring tools. After an NPB receives data from network links, it then acts as a “broker” by funneling the relevant data from the network to each tool that needs it. NPBs are capable of performing crucial functionalities from providing total network visibility, to ensuring data loss prevention, and improving network management. NPBs are able to do this for networks that have very complex architectures or networks that are resource-intensive. Although it sounds conceptually easy to aggregate, filter, and deliver data, NPBs perform complex crucial functions that are ultimately responsible for exponentially increasing efficiency and heightened security.
Most network packet brokers consist of a header, a payload, and a trailer. The header includes packet information, such as proper protocols, the packet’s originating address, and its destination IP address. Oftentimes the header will also contain instructions about the data regarding the length of the packet, synchronization, and a packet number. The payload is also referred to as the “body” or the actual data of a packet. The trailer, sometimes known as the “footer,” communicates with the receiving device when the end of the packet has been reached. It can also include a CRC (cyclic redundancy check), which is the most commonly used form of error checking used in packets. Typically, routers will locate a destination address in the header, which indicates where the packet should be sent. When the packet reaches the destination, the header and trailer are stripped off of each packet and are reassembled based on the numbered sequence of the packets.
To find the solution that will best support your business when choosing an NPB:
Below is a helpful list of recommended features to consider when selecting a network packet broker:
Network packet brokers come with several benefits, including:
