Overview
Key Features
Integration
Deployment
What's New
Tech Specs
Resources
Observer GigaStor plays a significant role for transaction-heavy organizations in data mining, network forensics, and data retention compliance. The undisputed leader in retrospective network analysis (RNA), GigaStor eliminates the time-consuming task of recreating problems for troubleshooting. Just hit rewind to go back in time and review past network activity. Then navigate to the exact moment a problem occurred and see detailed packet-level views before, during, and after an issue occurrence.
The result is the elimination of unnecessary finger-pointing between network and application teams, fast and accurate issue identification, and speedy resolution. By removing the guesswork, GigaStor provides long-term corporate-wide benefits that include:
- Ensuring successful application deployments
- Solving network and application problem quickly
- Reconstructing and troubleshooting VoIP calls
- Investigating and documenting compliance violations
GigaStor is the perfect solution for your network’s security, compliance, and troubleshooting needs. It works on gigabit, 10 Gb, and 40 Gb links – with an immense storage capacity that dwarfs the competition. Product offerings come in a range of sizes with capacity support for more than a petabyte of network data for days, weeks, or months of visibility.
What advantages does GigaStor offer network teams?
- Back-in-time functionality
- Storage capacity of more than a petabyte of data
- Exclusive Gen2 packet capture technology
- Data-at-rest encryption
- Integration with Hardware Security Modules (HSM)
- Superior scalability
- Root-cause analysis
- Platform integration
- Latency identification
- Portable options
- Server delay tracking
- Application-specific error monitoring
- Expert Analytics
Its high performance RAID array permits continuous capture of live traffic at full-duplex gigabit, 10 Gb, and 40 Gb line rates. Network teams can choose from a selection of sizes and from console and portable versions.
Its flexibility and storage capacity made Observer GigaStor Portable the logical choice on which to standardize our network practice.
- NEC Unified Solutions
Time Navigation Interface
Simplify problem isolation with Observer GigaStor's unique time-based navigation system. Identify time of problem occurrence, and then navigate down to the nanosecond for quick and accurate root-cause identification. GigaStor also offers a big-picture view with a macro timeline graph for proactive management, showing related problems and spikes occurring before an incident so you can dig deeper to prevent reoccurrence.
Root-Cause Analysis
Sift through more than a petabyte of data, perform analysis, and find the problem through root-cause analysis – minimizing downtime and end-user impact. From an enterprise-wide view, you can track bandwidth utilization, network Top Talkers, application metrics, and even VoIP quality statistics.
Have more than one GigaStor? Multi-GigaStor Analysis allows you to extract and combine data from numerous appliances into one console, providing a consolidated view of all GigaStor data.
Robust Data Protection
Super strong military-grade AES-256 data-at-rest encryption protects highly sensitive user data when held within GigaStor at 10 Gb line rate without degradation to packet capture and store performance
Integration with hardware security modules (HSM) enables GigaStor to perform conversation-based decryption using SSL/TSL certificates while fully complying with PKCS #11 standards
Precision Engineering
The Gen2 Card is exclusively built and engineered by Network Instruments. Designed to maximize performance on critical links, it guarantees the fastest real-time packet capture, largest buffers, and highest port density in the industry. See the 10 Gb speed test report by Tolly.Gen2 ensures accurate captures on fully-saturated networks, collects full-duplex wire speed capture statistics, and can monitor multiple gigabit links. It supports full-duplex gigabit, 10 Gb, and 40 Gb.
Observer Platform Integration
The Observer Platform is a full-service IT solution for optimizing application and network performance management. Each part of the system fits perfectly with all other components, and increases capabilities, power, and speed. Explore how GigaStor works with the products described below.
Observer Analyzer Console
GigaStor works seamlessly with the Observer Analyzer Expert console for Expert Analysis, trending, alerting, and more. Analyzer helps network teams understand packet flow across the network and its impact on network health, while GigaStor adds post-event functionalities so that packets can be stored and reviewed if needed, ensuring no sporadic application abnormalities or security risks are missed.
Observer Apex
Apex serves as the center of the Observer Performance Management Platform. It combines flow technologies, captured packets, and Expert Analysis to provide an overall view of network health. Combine GigaStor with Apex and accelerate troubleshooting speed through retrospective network analysis (RNA), pinpointing issues by rewinding the network to exact times and users. Apex and GigaStor working together provides baselining capability, easy drilldowns into key metrics, large-scale correlations, and more.
Third-Party Systems
Capture packets with GigaStor and effortlessly launch alternate solutions to manage and investigate performance issues on the network. Mine data and automatically launch analysis of data within third-party tools alongside Analyzer reports. GigaStor captures can be easily exported to security devices, compliance and forensic tools, and other network analyzers.
How is Observer GigaStor Deployed?
Observer GigaStor can be easily mounted in a standard rack unit. By utilizing the Observer nTAPs included, you can insert and remove GigaStor around network without disruption of flow. GigaStor reports back to Observer Analyzer Expert Edition and Suite consoles for in-depth analysis.
If desired, GigaStor can be configured as a local console for on-site analysis. And because GigaStor integrates into the Observer Platfom's Unified Architecture.
Best Practices
- Place GigaStors in the data center core
- Locate near servers to capture their server-to-server traffic
- The distribution layer is another optimal position for GigaStor.
What's New?
GigaStor Portable SSD
Expanded GigaStor Portable family based on SSD storage delivers up to 5x performance improvement
Supports AES-256 at-rest encryption to fully protect sensitive data while stored within GigaStor Portable
Included is the GigaStor Portable 10 Gb Wire Speed which offers 10 Gb sustained, full-duplex, line-rate capture and write-to-storage performance
Multi-GigaStor Analysis
Is visibility into your complex network architecture a challenge? Multi-GigaStor analysis simplifies access to the critical information you need. Using multiple GigaStors, now you can quickly get relevant content from different perspectives across multiple models. Our optimized Multi-GigaStor Analysis feature combines data from multiple appliances into a single pane of glass, providing aggregated statistical analysis of all your metrics.
VoIP and Video Extract
VoIP and videoconferencing are complex communications – difficult to isolate and troubleshoot without using advanced GigaStor features such as Call Extract. GigaStor streamlines the process of locating and extracting VoIP and video call sessions, saving hours of troubleshooting time and ensuring all relevant activity has been identified for investigation. Just enter a variable such as a phone number or Caller ID, and the system will automatically piece communications together for analysis.
Gen2 Capture Card Enhancements
- Faster, more flexible gigabit and 10 Gb packet capture and RNA
- Synchronized hardware-accelerated filtering for up to 12 ports
- Flexible hardware deduplication; no latency introduced
GigaStor Upgradeable 2U Form Factor
In addition to 5U, the GigaStor Upgradeable now offers a 2U option. It provides the same fault-tolerant capabilities as the 5U, including redundant fans and power supplies, hot-swap drives, and Lights out Management (LOM). The 2U extends high-speed packet capture and retrospective network analysis to the network edge or branch office sites in a cost-effective, field-scalable platform that supports 4 TB to 16 TB of storage in four drive increments. The 5U chassis continues to have the flexibility to support 16 to 48 TB of storage, and is ideal for the data center, distribution layer, and server access layer.
Third-Party Analysis
Using multiple tools to manage and investigate performance issues on the network? The Observer Platform now supports third-party analysis capabilities, enabli`ng you to actually launch the third-party tool from GigaStor to external analysis and security solutions.
- Using multiple tools to manage and investigate performance issues on the network? The Observer Platform now supports third-party analysis capabilities, enabling. It enables you to actually launch the third-party tool from GigaStor to external analysis and security solutions.
- Observer Analyzer and GigaStor captures can be sent to IPS/IDS and security devices, compliance and forensic tools, and other network analyzers.
Technical Specifications
All Observer GigaStor appliances include a local Observer Analyzer Expert Edition console and can connect to any Analyzer Expert or Suite Edition.
To ensure wire-speed and line-rate capture, each system includes the Observer Platform’s unique full-duplex Gen2 capture card with multiple-link support.
Each unit also includes all required cabling, dual six-core processor with Windows 7 Pro 64-bit Edition, and a 10/100/1000 Ethernet management port.
The appliances support multiple topologies: Gigabit, 10 Gb, and 40 Gb.
| Model | Storage Capacity |
| GigaStor Portable | 4, 6, 8 TB |
| GigaStor Upgradeable | 4-48 TB |
| GigaStor Expandable | 48 TB-1.15 PB |
| GigaStor 10 Gb Wire Speed | 144, 288 TB |
GigaStor Portable
Technical Specifications
GigaStor Portable is a custom designed platform built to allow for flexible application and network debug, especially where a dedicated probe is not optimal. Its light weight form factor makes it easy to quickly move around the data center or transport to a branch office.
Memory
64 GB RAM (32 for operating system, 32 for Observer Analyzer)
Storage Capacity
4 TB or 8 TB (SATA) or 6 TB (SSD) arrays for data collection
1 Gb Link Support
1, 2, 4, or 6 Links (2, 4, 8, or 12 ports)
10 Gb Link Support
1, 2, 4 or 6 Links (2, 4, 8, and 12 ports)
10 Gb Wire Speed Link Support
1 Link (2 ports)
40 Gb Link Support
1 Link (2 ports)
Operating Temperature
32 F (0 C) to 104 F (40 C)
Dimensions
16 in (W) x 12.75 in (H) x 7.88 (D)
40.5 cm (W) x 32.50 cm (H) x 20 cm (D)
29 lbs. (13 kg) / 52 lbs (23.6 kg) with case
GigaStor Upgradeable
Technical Specifications
The GigaStor Upgradeable supports up to 24 drives (in increments of four and eight) and is available with storage capacities ranging from 4 TB to 48 TB. It's offered in 2U and 5U form factors. The 2U is designed for network edge and branch locations, supporting from 4 TB to 16 TB of storage in four drive increments. The 5U chassis has the flexibility to support 16 TB to 48 TB of storage in eight drive increments, and is ideal for the data center, distribution layer, and server access layer. Systems can be upgraded in the field without removal from the rack. Includes redundant power supplies and a field replaceable operating system drive.
Upgradeable (2U) |
Upgradeable (5U) |
|
Memory |
Memory |
|
Storage Capacity |
Storage Capacity |
|
Link Support (1 Gb and 10 Gb) |
1 Gb Link Support |
|
Additional Hardware |
Additional Hardware |
|
Key Remote Capabilities |
Key Remote Capabilities |
|
Power Consumption (Full load) |
Power Consumption (Full load) |
|
Operating Temperature |
Operating Temperature |
|
Dimensions |
Dimensions |
|
Weight |
Weight |
|
Lights Out Capability |
Lights Out Capability |
GigaStor Expandable
Technical Specifications
The GigaStor Expandable unit begins with 48 TB of storage capacity and can expand over a petabyte with additional expansion units. Includes redundant power supplies and a field replaceable operating system drive.
Memory
64 GB RAM (32 for operating system, 32 for Observer Analyzer)
Storage Capacity
48 TB up to a 1.15 PB disk array for data collection
1 Gb Link Support
2, 4, or 6 Links (4, 8, and 12 ports)
10 Gb Link Support
1, 2, 4 or 6 Links (2, 4, 8, and 12 ports)
40 Gb Link Support
1 Link (2 ports)
Additional Hardware
Includes Network TAPs and media kit(s)
Key Remote Capabilities
Web-based management
Graceful power shutdown, startup, and reboot
Pager and email alerts
Power Consumption (Full load)
Input voltage: 100V-240V auto select
Input frequency: 50/60Hz
Main unit:
GigaStor Expandable 612 W (2088 Btu/h)
10 Gb GigaStor Expandable 632 W (2156 Btu/h)
40 Gb GigaStor Expandable 632 W (2156 Btu/h)
Expansion unit:
333W (1136 Btu/h)
Operating Temperature
32 F (0 C) to 104 F (40 C)
Dimensions
Main & Expansion Units
5U 19-inch rack-mountable appliance
16.84 in (W) x 8.72 in (H) x 26.08 in (mounting depth)
(Full probe depth with handles: 28.13 in)
42.23 cm (W) x 22.15 cm (H) x 66.23 cm (mounting depth)
(Full probe depth with handles: 71.32 cm)
Weight
Main Unit:
107 lbs (49 kg) / mounting rails: 9 lbs (4.1kg)
Expansion Unit:
103 lbs (47 kg) / mounting rails: 9 lbs (4.1kg)
Lights Out Capability
Manage, monitor and control the probe remotely through an intuitive web-based IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) v2.0 port.
GigaStor 10 Gb Wire Speed
Technical Specifications
The GigaStor 10 Gb Wire Speed provides 144 or 288 TB of storage capacity via three- 5U enclosures. Includes redundant power supplies and a field replaceable operating system drive.
Memory
64 GB RAM (32 for operating system, 32 for Observer Analyzer)
Storage Capacity
144 or 288 TB disk array for data collection
10 Gb Link Support
1 Link (2 ports)
Additional Hardware
Includes Network TAPs and media kit(s)
Key Remote Capabilities
Web-based management
Graceful power shutdown, startup, and reboot
Pager and email alerts
Power Consumption (Full load)
Input voltage: 100V-240V auto select
Input frequency: 50/60Hz
Main unit:
GigaStor Expandable 612 W (2088 Btu/h)
10 Gb GigaStor Expandable 632 W (2156 Btu/h)
40 Gb GigaStor Expandable 632 W (2156 Btu/h)
Expansion unit:
333W (1136 Btu/h)
Operating Temperature
32 F (0 C) to 104 F (40 C)
Dimensions
Main & Expansion Units
5U 19-inch rack-mountable appliance
16.84 in (W) x 8.72 in (H) x 26.08 in (mounting depth)
(Full probe depth with handles: 28.13 in)
42.23 cm (W) x 22.15 cm (H) x 66.23 cm (mounting depth)
(Full probe depth with handles: 71.32 cm)
Weight
Main Unit:
107 lbs (49 kg) / mounting rails: 9 lbs (4.1kg)
Expansion Unit:
103 lbs (47 kg) / mounting rails: 9 lbs (4.1kg)
Lights Out Capability
Manage, monitor and control the probe remotely through an intuitive web-based IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) v2.0 port.