Network traffic is growing faster than the traditional monitoring stack was built to handle. This is where the Disaggregated and Open Packet Broker model changes the game.
What is Disaggregated & Open Packet Broker?
What is a Network Packet Broker?
A network packet broker (NPB) is a network device with copper and/or fiber interfaces that directs network traffic from switch SPAN ports and/or Network TAPs between two connected routers and/or switches and then manipulates that traffic to allow the more efficient use of network security and performance tools, both inline and passive.
What is a Disaggregated Open Packet Broker?
Much like the switches and routers from which they collect traffic, network packet brokers have traditionally been locked-in systems. However, the networking industry is evolving, and the network packet broker industry is, too. The new Disaggregated Open Packet Brokers are intended to accelerate the deployment of management, monitoring, and security tools, eliminate blind spots in conventional architectures, and provide high-scale, multi-speed support, a comprehensive feature set, and a competitive total cost of ownership (TCO).
Traditional NPB
Tied to vendor-specific hardware and lifecycle, often limiting flexibility, scale strategy, and long-term cost control.
Disaggregated Open NPB
Separates software and hardware to scale faster on open platforms with greater flexibility.
E.C.I. NETWORKS offers PacketMaestro, a disaggregated packet broker product that can run on off-the-shelf, open network hardware. This option provides flexibility and affordability.
Problem We Solve
Connecting monitoring tools directly to network ports has limitations. Network Packet Brokers (NPBs) solve this by efficiently managing traffic. Traditional approaches lack enough ports and lead to data redundancy. NPBs aggregate data, address these issues, and optimize tool performance during network upgrades. Unlike traditional NPBs with locked-in hardware, disaggregated packet brokers offer more flexibility. NPBs ensure accurate insights and maximize monitoring tool efficiency.
Traffic aggregation: consolidate SPAN/TAP data before it reaches tools.
Redundancy reduction: eliminate duplicate or irrelevant traffic that wastes tool capacity.
Upgrade-ready visibility: maintain accurate insights as network speed and architecture evolve.
Ready to Move Beyond Locked-In Packet Brokering?
Design an open visibility architecture that scales with your network and your monitoring strategy.