As you roll out network-driven applications that rely on a steady bandwidth stream, you might feel the urge to upgrade your network capacity. Whether moving from 10/100 Mbps to 1 Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet, a network analyzer can play a central role in evaluating whether you need to upgrade your network.
One of our customers, Sussex Health Informatics (HIS) with a network of 200 remote sites and 25,000 users, needed to upgrade its network to support an image archiving system and replace their existing WAN with a newer, more resilient one. In making this multi-million dollar investment, HIS needed to be able to troubleshoot future roll outs and guarantee delivery of network services.
The image archival system would replace the healthcare provider’s traditional X-ray machines. The system vendor told the team they would need to invest in Gigabit WAN links to ensure performance. However, using a network analyzer (Observer) they were able to test the network and determined that the existing 100 MB links were sufficient.
“Analysis showed that the need for more Gigabit WAN links was only necessary on rare occasions,” explained Mark Walker, IT consultant for HIS. “Observer has given us immediate ROI by proving we don’t need to go and invest in these huge links.”
HIS’ approach of monitoring and fully understanding network behavior and demand with an analyzer allowed them to evaluate their needs and more important stay on budget. Before you make a decision to upgrade network capacity, use an analyzer to accurately assess network demand. This can save you money, and give you the proof necessary to demonstrate the need for a spending request. Read more.
Tags: network analyzer, WAN
