Network visibility is a necessary factor to keep running smoothly and sensitive data secure. It is getting rapid traction across the globe as global organizations are spending on expanding architecture and keep adding tools for performance management, monitoring, and security tools.
Network Packet Broker is a technology that implements a range of monitoring tools to access and analyze traffic across the network. Basically, the NPB technology works as a “Broker” in network traffic. It helps in filtering serval links that come into a network and then distributing every packet to the correct networking tools.
It is also known as a Network TAP aggregator or Visibility Fabric. An NPB collects data packets from various network traffic sources such as routers, firewalls, and switches, and then delivers the traffic to the appropriate destination, such as monitoring tools and network security. This allows network administrators to improve network performance, enhance security, and manage and monitor their network traffic more effectively.
Key Functions of NPB
An NPB performs various functions such as aggregation, filtering, load balancing, duplication, and packet slicing. It can filter and sort packets based on specific criteria, such as source or destination, address, application, and protocol. It can also aggregate multiple traffic sources into a single stream, eliminating duplicates and reducing network congestion.
- Aggregation
Aggregation is one of the most important tools of NPB as it helps in increasing monitoring tools. It extends the timeline for purchasing additional NPBs, while also allowing network admins to monitor parts of the network that previously had been considered blind spots.
- Filtering
Packet filtering makes network monitoring systems more efficient and it allows users to manage higher-speed network traffic at rates such as 40G/100G whereas the legacy tools have limitations. It helps in extending the life of working life of legacy 1G and 100G monitoring tools.
- Load Balancing
Load balancing is another important function of an NPB. It distributes network traffic across multiple networks monitoring tools, ensuring that each tool receives an equal amount of traffic. This helps prevent tool overload, which can cause dropped packets and missed threats.
- Packet Slicing
Packet slicing is another important function of an NPB. It allows network administrators to extract only the relevant parts of a packet, such as a header or a payload, which can help reduce the amount of data that needs to be analyzed by monitoring tools or security.
Network Packet Broker plays a critical role in optimizing network performance and enhancing security by providing visibility and control over network traffic.
Why is Network Packet Broker necessary for an organization?
Data breaching activities are rapidly increasing with the increasing number of companies across the globe. The need for packet brokers is rapidly increasing as global companies face issues regarding handling networks and accessibility.
Global organizations manage several things at once with their monitoring system as monitoring clients, infrastructure, data centers, and cloud management. A network packet broker is the ultimate solution for handling monitoring systems. NPB helps to analyze, filter and manage all traffic coming from various networks, and as per the user’s activity, it can distribute one particular or several network packets to one packet storage device.
Cloud computing technology is gaining rapid traction as major tech companies are preferring Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a service for their own software. Cloud computing is going to be the future of technology which can create new opportunities for companies that provide Network Packet Broker services and the NPB market is going to get a major boom in the coming years.
Network Packet Broker Market Insights
The global network packet broker market size was valued at USD 695 Million in 2021 and is expected to surpass USD 1350 Million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period, 2022–2030. The growth of the market is attributed to the rising demand for high-speed networking packet products and increasing use of effective data management solutions among business enterprises.
The demand for high-speed networks and the expansion of big data centers with cloud computing technology is rapidly increasing across the globe and major global companies adopting AI-based software to enhance productivity. This can drive the demand for Network Packet Broker technology for the Internet of Things (IoT)-based software and solutions.
Key players competing in the Network Packet Broker market are VIAVI Solutions Inc.; Plixer, LLC.; Cisco Systems, Inc.; cPacket Networks; NETSCOUT; Gigamon; APCON; Garland Technology; Keysight Technologies; Network Critical; Datacom; 5FeetNetworks Oy; Pico Quantitative Trading LLC; Microtel Innovation S.r.l; ECI TELECOM; Juniper Networks, Inc.; Arista Networks, Inc.; Profitap HQ B.V.; CGS Tower Networks; and Niagara Networks.
