In order for any next-generation technology to be implemented in multiple businesses, these companies need to truly understand the ins and outs in regards to what this solution can bring to their organization in terms of benefits. And for those not familiar with the functionality a network packet broker provides who are required to leverage network security tools to enhance the performance of their network, you are in luck because Network Packet Brokers for Dummies is now available and hot off the presses.

This informative guide starts off with a brief definition of this term stating, “Network packet brokers (NPBs) enable your tools to perform optimally while providing unprecedented network visibility. Unlike their TAP predecessors, NPBs are sophisticated, high-end devices that provide traffic regeneration, aggregation, load balancing, packet de-duplication, and much, much more.”

It then divulges into eight chapters which are separated into categories including: starting with the basics, understanding TAPs, understanding network packet brokers, use cases for network security, use cases for network performance, use cases for service providers, selecting the right NPB vendor, and last but definitely not least ten ways to lower your company’s TCO. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

A great place to start is to outline some of the most prominent obstacles that enterprises see within their networks that range from not having enough SPAN ports for tools and not being able to see each and every operation currently occurring with the infrastructure to outdated tools that don’t have the capability needed to continue to evolve and adapt to increasing needs and rising costs.

In order to overcome these barriers, in previous years organizations turned to network TAPs, products that can be leveraged to route traffic either to a single monitoring tool or directly to a network packet broker that services multiple monitoring tools simultaneously.

While TAPS can be deployed in multiple ways such as active versus passive and fail open versus fail closed, a network packet broker (NPB) differs in the fact that this network device can completely control the flow of traffic and powers much more efficient use of network security and performance tools, both inline and passive.

According to the book, “NPBs add what leading vendors call a network intelligence optimization layer. This layer resides between the network intelligence tools layer (containing network security and performance tools) and the network/cloud switching layer (containing routers and switches).NPBs in the network optimization layer provide critical mediation functions between security and performance tools and the underlying network infrastructure to make these tools more effective and to extend their useful life.”

Virtually any service provider within the telecommunications, television and IT industries can see multiple advantages from implementing a network packet broker like the one powered by VSS Monitoring. Various types of operators including mobile network operators, fixed network operators, multiple-systems operators in addition to other types of service providers also are encouraged to utilize a NPB due to the fact that an ultra high level of visibility is key to enabling these companies to see exactly what is taking up the largest amount of bandwidth and how to better optimize operations. With a network packet broker in place, network operators can achieve higher service availability, lower labor costs for network analysis, lower analysis costs overall and greater subscriber and revenue protection.

Some of these packet brokers’ capabilities are aggregating monitored traffic from multiple links, traffic filtering, traffic regeneration, load balancing flagged traffic to various tools, pre-filtering traffic to offload, and directing traffic intelligently based on various port-mapping schemes.

Now when selecting the ideal network packer broker, how do you know which NPB vendor is the best? Be sure to first outline your network bandwidth, network connectivity and NPB feature requirements which enable you to see which provider offers the most perfectly matched solution. However, the guide advises, “Don’t fall into the trap of designing your NPB system to accommodate only your immediate needs. Save yourself considerable money and headaches by building in additional capacity to accommodate future growth.”

With the ability to implement a NPB in your corporate network, you can completely eliminate tool oversubscription, alleviate SPAN-port contention, and enhance the functionality of tools you already have at your fingertips. Reduce your deployment costs of network security and performance tools once and for all with a little help for your friend, a network packet broker.

Still didn’t get your NPB fix? Then take place in tomorrow’s not-to-miss webinar sponsored in conjunction with VSS Monitoring (News - Alert) and TMC titled, “Network Packet Brokers: A strategic approach for optimizing network & security monitoring infrastructure and ROI ”, which is slated to take place on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. EDT / 11:00 a.m. PDT.

You still have time to register. To do so, click here.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.