Maximize datacenter efficiency with SONiC and ONES Network Traffic Insights

In our interconnected world where the smooth flow of information traverses expansive networks, the practice of network traffic monitoring has become indispensable. Whether it’s businesses relying on efficient communication or individuals accessing online services, the uninterrupted flow of network traffic plays a vital role. This article aims to highlight the significance of network traffic metrics and traffic monitoring by using Aviz Networks’ ONES solution for data centers SONiC switches that provide detailed insights into network performance, congestion levels, error rates, and the overall health of network traffic.

Traffic monitoring using SONiC-provided traffic metrics is crucial for maintaining optimal network performance and ensuring seamless connectivity. By closely observing network metrics, network admin gains valuable insights into the performance of their networks. Analyzing these metrics allows for identifying bottlenecks, optimizing network resources, and proactively resolving issues that may hinder network efficiency.

What is Network Traffic Analysis (NTA)?

Network traffic analysis is the process of monitoring, capturing, and analysing data that flows across the network. It involves examining the patterns and behaviours of packets, such as source, destination, protocols, and content, to gain insights into network performance, security, and potential issues

Here’s a quick sneak peek into all the metrics:

1. Bandwidth Utilization (%) In/Out: Monitoring the percentage of bandwidth utilization for incoming and outgoing traffic helps identify if the network is reaching its capacity limits. High bandwidth utilization can indicate congestion or excessive traffic, leading to potential performance issues.
   
   
2. PPS In: PPS stands for "Packets Per Second". PPS In represents the number of packets being received per second on the network interface. It helps measure the rate of incoming packet traffic. A sudden increase or decrease in PPS In can indicate unusual traffic patterns, potential network attacks, or congestion. 
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3. PPS Out: Monitoring the rate of outgoing packets per second helps understand the volume of data leaving the network interface. A significant drop in PPS Out could indicate connectivity problems, network congestion, or issues with the destination.
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4. Mbps In: Measuring the rate of incoming data transfer in megabits per second provides insights into the bandwidth usage for incoming traffic. Sudden drops in Mbps In may indicate network connectivity issues or problems with data sources.
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5. Mbps Out: Measuring the rate of outgoing data transfer in megabits per second helps assess the bandwidth usage for outgoing traffic. Decreased Mbps Out can indicate network congestion, connectivity problems, or issues with the destination network.
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6. Packets In: Monitoring the number of incoming packets helps assess the volume of traffic hitting the network interface. A sudden spike or drop in packet count can indicate abnormal network behavior, potential attacks, or issues with network devices. 
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7. Packets Out: Monitoring the number of outgoing packets provides insights into the volume of data being transmitted from the network interface. Drastic changes in packet count can indicate network congestion, connectivity problems, or issues with the destination. 
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8. Errors In: Tracking the number of errors encountered in incoming packets helps identify potential issues with the network interface, data sources, or transmission errors. High error rates can indicate problems with data integrity or misconfigurations. 
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9. Errors Out: Monitoring the number of errors encountered in outgoing packets helps pin down potential issues with the network interface, destination networks, or transmission errors. High error rates may indicate problems with data integrity or misconfigurations.
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10. Discards In: Monitoring the number of discarded or dropped incoming packets helps diagnose potential issues with network congestion, buffer overflow, or misconfigurations. High discard rates can indicate problems with packet handling or insufficient resources.
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11. Discards Out: Monitoring the number of discarded or dropped outgoing packets helps spot potential issues with network congestion, destination networks, or misconfigurations. High discard rates can indicate problems with packet handling or insufficient resources.
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12. Queue Drops: Monitoring queue drops helps identify potential issues with buffer overflow or congestion in the network queue. High drop rates can indicate network congestion or misconfiguration.

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Aviz ONES and Network Monitoring:

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Open Networking Enterprises Suite (ONES) real-time traffic monitor tool provides a comprehensive solution for collecting traffic data and resolving data center network issues. This tool offers advanced features and functionalities to help network administrators effectively manage and optimize their network infrastructure.

The features include:

• Real-time traffic visualization
• Detailed traffic analysis
• Historical traffic analysis

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Conclusion:

ONES serves as a valuable asset for network administrators, empowering them to effectively monitor, analyze, and optimize their data center networks. It enhances network visibility, aids in issue resolution, and supports data-driven decision-making for improved network performance and reliability.

Contact us for more information on Aviz ONES and learn how we can help with traffic monitoring for your network. You can also schedule a free demo to understand how ONES can benefit your business.