Network Instruments GigaStor 114ff - Manual (Page 112)

What is a probe instance?
Chapter 8 Probe Instances 112
rev. 1
What is a probe instance?
T IP !
For instructions on setting up a probe instance, see “Probe
administration” on page 24.
Observer uses probes to capture network data. In some cases you may
want or need more than one probe in a specific location. You can
achieve that through probe instances. A probe instance provides you
the ability to look at multiple network interfaces or to publish to
multiple Observer consoles.
Observer has only one kind of probe instance: the passive probe
instance. If you have a GigaStor you have an additional probe instance
type available to you: the active probe instance.
Table 9 compares the features of active and passive probe instances.
A passive probe instance captures packets to RAM and allows you to
do reactive analysis or look at real-time statistics for troubleshooting.
The passive probe instance binds to whichever network adapter you
want. You can change whatever adapter a passive probe instance is
bound to without affecting any active probe instance.
C AUTION : P ASSIVE
PROBE INSTANCE AND
THE G EN 2 CARD
With a GigaStor you have the option of which NIC to bind
the passive probe instance. Do not bind any passive probe
Table 9 Active probe instance compared to passive
GigaStor
Active GigaStor
Passive Observer
Start packet capture
Stop packet capture
Start GigaStor packet capture
Schedule packet capture
Change directories where data is stored
Able to set permissions
Able to redirect to different console, etc.
Better suited for troubleshooting
Better suited for data capture