Visual Networks Inc. is introducing new probe software that gathers more information about the performance of IP networks for carriers and enterprises interested in making sure service-level agreements are met.
Called Visual Uptime 7.2, the new software revision can track the performance of up to eight classes of service on IP paths between any two points served by a Visual probe, known as an analysis service element (ASE). It can track up to 10 different applications at a time on each class of service.
Customers or service providers place ASEs between LAN routers and a public IP network to monitor traffic. ASEs gather traffic data passively, and if an ASE fails, passes traffic through as if it were part of the network wiring.
Real time reports of performance can be used to troubleshoot problems as well as verify SLAs, the company says.
Visual is also introducing a new ASE for DS-3 IP links. The hardware is designed so that with relatively minor design changes it can be adapted to handle OC-3 connections, the company says.
Visual Uptime 7.2 ships in June as does the DS-3 ASE, which costs US$24,995.