CyberSpark excels in consulting and engineering tailored for intricate communication systems. Our dedicated team of network specialists specializes in a wide spectrum, including communication networks and fortified network security, analysis, forensics, strategy and training across diverse domains such as land-line campus networks, wireless infrastructure, and cellular networks.

Network Analysis

Gain insights into your network traffic and troubleshoot network issues effectively.

Service Objectives:

• Gather and analyze data flowing through the network.
• Utilize advanced network analysis tools to offer insights into network traffic, including bandwidth consumption, load distribution, and identifying network issues.
• Continuous, on-demand analysis.

Deliverables:

• Comprehensive reports providing insights into network conditions.
• Guaranteed improvement in network performance.

Advantages for Customers:

• Enhanced network performance.
• Optimized network utilization.

Case Study:

Several years ago, a sophisticated security camera network overseeing a high-resolution monitoring system along a highway faced intermittent video “freezes” detected by operators in control rooms. Despite extensive testing on the network switches indicating no errors or overloads and all connections functioning normally, with each camera allotted 1G bandwidth and 10G between switches via newly installed fiber optics, the network appeared to operate under typical conditions. However, a Wireshark test using TCP Stream Graphs unveiled brief “run-away” periods in Video Frames (I/P Frames) lasting around 50 milliseconds, causing discernible distortions in the video feed.

The necessity for network testing often arises from user complaints regarding system sluggishness, delayed or unresponsive systems, voice or image distortions during video or phone calls, among other issues. The primary aim of network assessments is to identify the root causes of these problems. It’s crucial to note that faults don’t always originate within the communication network; oftentimes, issues stem from other sources. Nevertheless, a comprehensive examination is essential to pinpoint the true source of the problem.

Numerous tools are available for network testing. SNMP tools like Solarwinds NPM, PRTG, or similar software can be employed for continuous monitoring. Netflow/IPFix tools such as Solarwinds NTA, PRTG, or equivalents can track statistics regarding network loads based on addresses and protocols. Furthermore, web-based IP address monitoring and mapping tools can be advantageous before diving into application and server monitoring.

Identifying faults, performance slowdowns, disconnection issues, and other problems that might evade standard monitoring systems requires software capable of intercepting and interpreting information traversing the network. Wireshark, a protocol analysis tool, serves as a pivotal resource for this purpose.

With over thirty years of experience in the field, conducting numerous network tests and publishing top-rated books distributed worldwide, we are equipped to assist with cases involving slow performance, disconnections, suspected network intrusions, and security concerns. To resolve the initial network issue we faced, the root cause was identified as a software problem causing delays in the video feed transmitted to the control room monitors. You can see it in the Wireshark graph above.