The Network Instruments Gigabit Observer Suite System (GOSS) contains all the hardware and software needed to troubleshoot and manage the most advanced wire-speed gigabit networks in real time.

Advantages of the GOSS
    • Fully portable, all-in-one solution
    • Full-duplex, wire-speed gigabit capture
    • Real-time gigabit analysis and a comprehensive Expert system
    • Includes custom-designed Gen2™ Gigabit Capture Card with SFP technology to easily
      switch between monitoring copper and optical links
    • Transparent design?insert and remove the GOSS without disruption to the network
      with the installation of an nTAP
    • Provides an independent view of gigabit data flow ? with an nTAP installed,
      the GOSS is not dependent on switch or port redirection
    • Completely passive analysis – will not interfere with the gigabit network
    • Internal Advanced Expert Probe allows for multi-session collaboration with other
      Expert Observer or Observer Suite users

The GOSS contains all the hardware and software required to perform wire-speed analysis in a fully ruggedized case to meet any high-end administrator’s needs. This all-in-one solution is ideal for field engineers, tasked with solving elusive network abnormalities at particular points across the organization.

The GOSS includes the Gen2 Gigabit Capture Card and a 10/100/1000 adapter card for complete, wire-speed, full-duplex packet capture, network statistics, trending, real-time Expert, web-based reporting, and an SNMP management system for your network.

Includes an nTAP to Ensure Accurate Captures
The gigabit analyzer’s functionality includes full-duplex, wire-speed gigabit analysis for copper and optical fiber networks. To achieve full-duplex capture, all configurations of the GOSS include an internal nTAP that provides a copy of the gigabit signal to Observer. The GOSS can also connect to nTAPs that are already permanently deployed on the network for targeted analysis. Once an nTAP is inserted into the gigabit connection, the GOSS can be attached or removed without interruption of the gigabit signal. nTAPs are 100 percent passive. In the case of gigabit over fiber (i.e. optical) networks, the nTAP uses optical prisms to provide a copy of the data stream. In the case of gigabit over copper, the nTAP electronically duplicates the gigabit signal—one for the network, and one for the analyzer. With an nTAP, the gigabit network flow always remains unaltered and uninterrupted.

Compact Design
When loaded with all included software and hardware components, the GOSS weighs 25 lbs (11.3 kg). With the ATA travel case, the entire system weighs less than 50 lbs (22.7 kg). Smaller and lighter than previous models, the GOSS offers greater efficiency and convenience in travel and shipping.

Network Instruments Gigabit Technology–Gen2
The GOSS includes the Gen2 Gigabit Capture Card exclusively designed by Network Instruments. Gen2 technology maximizes Observer performance for full-duplex, wire-speed gigabit analysis. The card’s SFP modules offer the flexibility of switching between monitoring copper or optical full-duplex links. Since the card is based on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), updates to the card can be made with a downloadable software patch, eliminating the need to swap cards or systems. The combination of the Gen2 Capture Card, PCI-X design, Windows and dual-processors allows the GOSS to provide full-duplex gigabit analysis functionality without deviating from any industry standards.

Continuous Visibility Into Your Network
The GOSS not only stands on its own as a complete network analyzer but also connects as a probe to any Expert Observer or Observer Suite console for advanced troubleshooting across the entire network. With the Network Instruments Distributed Network Analysis (NI-DNA™) architecture all Network Instruments’ products can link to each other for complete monitoring and real-time analysis across multiple locations. For example, use the GOSS to retrieve data from any remote probe or to allow a network administrator at another site to access local data. The GOSS not only offers complete portability but also maintains uninterrupted visibility into your entire network.

Proven Analysis Metrics

Real-time statistics such as network summary, total and individual link bandwidth utilization, top talkers, and switch statistics.

Packet capture and decode enhancements such as nanosecond resolution, and over 500 protocols decoded.

Network trending and reporting features such as comparison analysis reports, web reporting, and customized reports.

Here the GOSS is deployed to analyze the link between a gigabit switch and server. But the TAP can replace any link between DTE and DCE gigabit devices.

Gigabit Observer Suite System Requirements
The GOSS is a complete analyzer, and includes a copy of Observer Suite for gigabit networks and does not require any additional hardware or software. Additional probes (hardware or software) can connect to any Gigabit Observer Suite System (sold separately).

System configurations are subject to change. View hardware and software warranty information.