* Fluke Networks’ device pinpoints VoIP problems
Fluke Networks recently joined a growing number of vendors providing tools to help network managers get granular statistics on how voice applications behave on IP nets.
Fluke Networks (not to be confused with Fluke Corp.) showcased its NetTool VoIP handheld network analyzer at Interop, which was announced in late April. Company representatives say the appliance will help network managers perform post mortem analysis on links between VoIP phones and switches, down to replaying single phone calls.
To use the device, network managers connect it to the network between a phone and a switch. The analyzer will reveal details about packets on the link and reveal performance issues that may exist. According to Fluke Networks, the tool can test the link for performance metrics such as jitter, packet loss and latency.
NetTool VoIP includes a feature, dubbed the Boot Log, that the company says will replay key boot events such as DHCP address acquisition, DNS lookup of call servers and gateways, downloading of operating files, and call server registration. The company says knowing the details of calls at this level will help network managers better understand how voice applications traverse the IP net. Another feature, the VoIP Log, displays call control events, quality-of-service configuration and call-quality metrics. The company says the log can record call setup, configuration and tear-down of a call in progress as well.
Companies such as Apparent Networks, Empirix and Network General provide tools to either assess a network’s readiness for voice applications or to test their performance following deployment.
NetTool VoIP is available now through Fluke Networks channel partners for about $2,500.
