Network Instruments WAN Probe Kit - Manual (Page 7)

1
Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing Network Instruments WAN Probe Kit. The WAN Probe Kit,
when coupled with Network Instruments Observer
®
software, offers full-featured frame
capture, decode, and analysis for T1/E1, DS3/E3 and HSSI WAN links.
Installation Overview
To install the WAN Probe Kit, you must follow these overall steps:
1. Make sure that your system meets the requirements for hardware and software
installation as described in Hardware and Software Requirements on page 3 of this
Guide.
2. Install the network interface cards (NICs), and their custom software drivers. See
Installing the Interface Cards and Drivers on page 9 of this Guide for detailed
instructions.
3. Cable the NICs to the network. See “WAN Probe Kit Quick Installation Diagrams” on
page 4 for a diagram that shows how to cable the TAP for a T1/E1 link; page 5 shows
how to cable the TAP for a DS3/E3 link.
4. Run the WAN Configuration Utility (NIWANCFG.EXE) to define and name the links
you wish to monitor.
5. Install and run the Probe software. See the RMON1/2 & Advanced Probe User Guide
for details.
6. Run Observer and redirect the WAN Probe to the Observer console. See Running
Observer Software with the WAN Probe on page 27 of this Guide for important
information about running Observer with the WAN Probe Kit.