Diagnostic Tools

[jholden]

Hi all. I've been a member for a while but am just now posting a question. Does anyone have any ideas/recommendations for network diagnostic tools for h.323 traffic (both video and VoIP)?

For a long while I've talked to the network group about our inability to diagnose network issues related to video conferencing. Fortunately I used to be in that group and had sympathetic ears. Unfortunately, it has never translated into anything concrete.

My organization is starting a system wide network overhaul and there is backing from on high to make the network more h.323 video friendly. Also, VoIP is looming large on the horizon. Soooo . . . they are coming to me asking for recommendations (huzzah!). Of course that means I need to strike while the iron is hot. I'm frantically researching what is out there right now and would be very interested in what anyone on this site might have to say. Thanks all.

[thies]

Does anyone have any ideas/recommendations for network diagnostic tools for h.323 traffic (both video and VoIP)?

Applied Global Tech. has a tool called FATHOM. I have not used it myself, but the paperwork behind it seems impressive. I do think it is quite pricy/overkill for you needs, and from the web-site I couldn't tell if they sell the product by itself, or only in combination with service. Anyways, you may get some pointers to requirements of such a tool. The link is; http://www.appliedglobal.com/content/services/testing.asp look for the header 'About FATHOM'

Cheers,
Thies.

[Joe Vallender]

Sniffers are invaluable in seeing exactly what is traversing the wire. Wireshark is available for download and works very well for local sniffing. We have Network General Infinistream sniffers deployed around the network and capture the traffic for several days for mining and review after the fact.

[TheVideoGuy]

My recommendation is to telnet into your endpoints and do syslogs.
They are pretty informative while endpoints are communicating. Works for me...