IT Support Network Analysis
A thorough analysis of your network is an important step in HCST's approach to responding to questions about the performance of your network infrastructure. While the Network Analysis does not specifically commit a client to further HCST services, it is often used as an initial step in our ongoing relationship with new clients.
Although each client is different, HCST generally employs the following broad steps in our network analysis methodology.
- HCST will interview applicable on-site personnel and visually inspect on-site to determine the existing network components and issues. Components of particular interest are Internet access; modem(s), router(s), firewall(s) and other access devices; voice delivery method; internal switches; server(s); workstations; network printers and phone system. Any impressions of network performance by on-site personnel are important for HCST to understand as well -- especially as related to current poor performance or reliability issues of the network or server infrastructure.
- HCST will develop a high-level network diagram to include these major components, including site-to-site connections and/or VPNs as applicable.
- HCST will generally conduct an inventory of the server(s) and workstations on the network via software installed on the various systems. The inventory software reports back to HCST Network Operations Center hardware and software configuration information only.
- HCST will put place our network probe (aptly named "snoopy") on your network for a reasonable period of time -- generally one week to provide HCST a monitoring point to further analyze your network.
- The probe is connected via a bridged network connection, generally on the "inside" of your network such that it can view traffic from and to the Internet.
- The probe can monitor critical network devices via SNMP as applicable. HCST uses this capability to gather network utilization and performance information.
- The probe allows HCST to provide a high-level break down of Internet traffic, specifically in terms of protocols seen.
- The probe allows HCST to capture specific network traffic if necessary.
During the network analysis, HCST technicians communicate with client personnel to gather additional details based on incremental findings.
After the network analysis, HCST will prepare documentation and review findings and high-level recommendations with the client.
Please contact HCST for further information and pricing on this valuable service.
