Protocol analyzers in CSU/DSUs

Earlier this month, we discussed the fact that enhanced CSU/DSUs have become available with embedded protocol analyzers. These devices enable you to watch your traffic at the frame relay level and also to set traps and analyze the data, locally or remotely, at the IP layer. This capability could have a positive impact on WAN support costs.

We received some reader feedback that we'd like to share. For example, it was noted that the addition of protocol analysis capabilities to a device might increase its cost, and users must decide if the tradeoff is worth it.

Some network problems, for example, stem from issues involving the router and the frame relay Link Management Interface. In addition, others have to do with network availability, throughput and latency issues in the core frame relay network. In these instances, the protocol analyzer capability in the frame-aware CSU/DSU wouldn't pick up the problem.

" You need to determine that packets are making it through the network before you concern yourself with checking for protocol issues, " says Jim DesRosiers, director of carrier marketing at Paradyne, a maker of enhanced CSU/DSUs. Paradyne competes with Visual Networks, the company that recently announced the availability of protocol analyzer capabilities in its products.

DesRosiers asserts that carriers offering managed network services - those who install intelligent CSU/DSUs on your premises and manage them on your behalf--are attempting to keep equipment costs down at this network demarcation point and only require basic troubleshooting capabilities in the devices.

Users and carriers out there: What do you think? What's it worth to you to have a built-in protocol analyzer?

Steven Taylor, consultant and broadband packet evangelist, and Joanie Wexler, an independent networking technology editor and writer, team up to bring you this analysis and commentary. Taylor specializes in education and market analysis, and Wexler adds incisive reporting and research. For more detailed information on most of the topics discussed in this newsletter, connect to www.webtorials.com, the first Web site dedicated exclusively to market studies and technology tutorials in the Broadband Packet areas of Frame Relay, ATM, and IP.

Feedback and additional topic ideas are welcome. Please contact taylor@webtorials.com or joanie@jwexler.com.

Frame Relay archive
Past newsletters.

Frame relay still attracting new fans
Network World, 11/19/01