New SNA Application Note: Visual Network Analysis31-Mar-2009: Daintree has added a new SNA application note to its library. Traditional network analysis uses passive monitoring to observe communications and interactions within a wireless embedded network, and then presents information about these interactions in lists and tables. You can also view the physical devices within the network, which often have LEDs that flash to let you know when they’re communicating. Network visualization takes analysis to the next level by actually showing you what is happening in your network. Visualization provides a graphical rendition of network topology and information flows between devices in a wireless embedded network. It automatically detects network formation, reports changes to the network structure, and notifies of the states of individual devices in the network—especially with regard to formation. Not only can visualization help those who are new to wireless embedded networking more easily understand what is going on within the network, it can also help those with many years of experience to quickly identify and locate problems (and potential problems) within the network. Daintree’s Sensor Network Analyzer (SNA) provides an advanced visualization system for network protocols that use 802.15.4 MAC Association. The visualization system includes many options for customizing not only what information is shown, but also the way in which that information is formatted, including the ability to overlay devices on a floor plan. It also provides the ability for “active” analysis, which enables the SNA to poll devices and obtain details not available through passive sniffing alone (such as neighbor LQI and device power/battery levels). |
