Using The Microburst Analysis Tab In The Gigastor Control Panel - Network Instruments GigaStor User Manual

constantly busy for more than one millisecond at a time, and no data will be delayed on the link for more than
one millisecond.
Another option is to smooth out any traffic or applications not sensitive to latency or jitter sharing the same link.
Using these options, you can optimize your network for bandwidth efficiency, performance, or a combination of
both depending on each application's requirements.
Even after identifying and correcting for all issues in your network, you may still have problems with your
Internet Service Provider. A study performed by Microsoft Research indicates that microbursts are more likely to
occur at edge or aggregation links.
you.
Practically speaking, the capacity necessary to keep latency below one millisecond is normally much less than
the peak one millisecond data rate. This is because many links use buffers to hold the traffic exceeding the link
capacity until the buffer can be cleared. Assuming the system can clear the buffer queue quickly when the burst
ends, microbursts are avoided because buffer capacity was created.
In the GigaStor Control Panel, a microburst occurs when 1) the maximum bits per duration interval based on
the capture card speed and utilization threshold you define is reached, and 2) the interval contains at least two
packets (full or partial).
There are a few different ways to search for microbursts using Observer.
Using triggers and alarms to inform you when microbursts occur. Customize your triggers and actions
and choose Microbursts from the Alarms list.
Using the Microburst Analysis tab is the easiest way to analyze large chunks of time for microbursts and
view the decoded packets.
Using Network Trending for microbursts. This option is different than the packet capture and decode
option available through the Microburst Analysis tab. First, packet capture does not need to be running
for Microburst trending to see any microbursts. Second, Microburst trending can also be pushed to
Observer Reporting Server and aggregated with Microburst trending information from other probes in
your network so that you have a fuller picture of where and when microbursts are occurring.
Using the Detail Chart. This method is limited to a 15 minute time frame on the Detail Chart.

Using the Microburst Analysis tab in the GigaStor Control Panel

To search for microbursts across a large time frame (greater than 15 minutes) you must use the Microburst
Analysis tab.
The Microburst Analysis tab shows you the number of microbursts Observer found in the time frame you
selected. You can see exactly when the microburst occurred, how many bytes where in the burst, and the
network utilization when the burst occurred.
When you select a microburst, you can choose to see that slice of time on the Detail Chart or you can view the
packet in the Decode pane.
You can select the Microburst Analysis Graph tab and see the found microbursts on a graph.
1. Select the probe instance and then choose Capture > GigaStor Control Panel.
2. Click the Microburst Analysis tab.
3. Highlight the data in the Detail Chart you want to analyze for microbursts and click Analyze. The GigaStor
Analysis Options screen opens.
2)
Microsoft Research, June 1, 2009.
2
Therefore, it may be necessary to also have your ISP optimize their flows to
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