Uptime and fast problem resolution are top priorities in enterprise networks. But purchasing dedicated monitoring devices for hundreds of network points is impractical, but you can use a matrix switch to do the same thing.

This technology lets network engineers electronically move and share expensive testing and monitoring equipment across a network. Using drag-and-drop functionality in a Web-based GUI, they can connect any device on the network to another without the need for a manual cable-pull.

That compares with the conventional approach in which each network analyzer (or network probe, sniffer, intrusion detection device) is connected one-to-one to a dedicated Layer 2 switch. With a matrix switch, you get the same instant access but with fewer devices, resulting in cost and labor savings.

The solution scales to support thousands of ports and devices, so it’s applicable in even the most expansive and complex networks.

Click to see: Diagram of how a matrix switch works

Consider a major financial institution that developed a plan for upgrading its network infrastructure to take advantage of the services supported by a 10 Gigabit core. The plan called for the distribution of eight packet analyzers across the network, with one installed at each Layer 2 switch. System engineers specified three additional analyzers for assurance that all critical aspects of packet analysis were addressed.

Total expense for this these devices was nearly $800,000. Unfortunately, the budget was $400,000.

A workaround strategy featuring fewer analyzers met the budget but required that each device be moved by hand to the network location needed. This meant that when an issue surfaced, engineers would need to physically move an analyzer to the suspected trouble spot, increasing mean-time-to-resolution. There was also the added vulnerability of not having the entire network covered — meaning potential issues could not be dealt with before they became major problems.

A new strategy, centered around a Layer 1 matrix switch, provided a more agile monitoring capability, with complete network visibility — and all at a cost that was under budget. The solution included three packet analyzers cabled to two matrix switches, which featured a GUI accessible via a Web browser. Through the GUI, engineers could observe the entire network and electronically connect the analyzers to points where they were needed, thus ensuring fully optimized network performance.