About This Manual

Document Objectives

This manual tells you how to use TrafficDirector's powerful tools to locate and diagnose network problems. It does not cover RMON agents or SwitchProbe operation. Refer to the appropriate agent manuals for instructions on agent operation.

Audience

This publication is designed for the person who will install and operate the TrafficDirector software. Although many network basics are defined in this manual, this person should have a good knowledge of network operation in order to use this manual effectively.

In addition, you should be familiar with PC operation, and with the Microsoft Windows environment.

Document Organization

The major sections of this user manual are as follows:

• Chapter 1, "Overview of TrafficDirector" provides essential background information on network terminology, the protocol model, and the evolution of network management standards from SNMP through TrafficDirector's Resource Manager. You should read this chapter even if you have a good background in network management, since it explains features that are exclusive to TrafficDirector products.
  

• Chapter 2, "Installing TrafficDirector Software" tells you how to install TrafficDirector. Installation instructions include minimum system requirements, a step-by-step installation procedure, and installing updates.
  

• Chapter 3, "Getting Started" tells you how to start TrafficDirector and describes the main TrafficDirector screen. Flow charts tell you how to perform most tasks.
  

• Chapter 4, "Adding and Modifying Agents and Agent Groups" tells you how to add agents and agent groups to TrafficDirector for network monitoring and troubleshooting.
  

• Chapter 5, "Monitoring Your Network Using Traffic Monitor and Protocol Monitor" tells you how to perform monitoring and troubleshooting at the network level.
  

• Chapter 6, "Installing, Deinstalling, and Monitoring Domains Using Domain Manager" tells you how to install and deinstall domains on a agent, and how to monitor domains using Domain Manager.
  

• Chapter 7, "Examining Captured Packets Using Protocol Decode" tells you how to capture selected data and examine single packets. Raw Hex mode and Full Frame Decode functions are included.
  

• Chapter 8, "Monitoring and Troubleshooting Single Domains" tells you how to use TrafficDirector tools that look at traffic for a single domain.
  

• Chapter 9, "Managing Remote Resources Using Resource Manager" tells you how to remotely monitor network resources without network congestion.
  

• Chapter 10, "Monitoring Token Ring Networks Using Ring Monitor" tells you how to monitor statistics specific to token ring networks.
  

• Chapter 11, "Monitoring FDDI Networks Using Ring Monitor" tells you how to monitor statistics specific to FDDI networks.
  

• Chapter 12, "Setting Alarms Using Watchdog" tells you how to monitor data thresholds by setting traps.
  

• Chapter 13, "Customizing Filters and Domains" tells you how to create your own customized filters for data capture and domain creation; it also tells you how to create your own customized domains.
  

• Chapter 14, "Logging and Reporting" tells you how to generate reports. Both interactive and command-line reports are available.
  

• Chapter 15, "Using Command Line Utilities" summarizes TrafficDirector tools as you use them from the command line.
  

• Appendix A, "Customizing Protocol Monitor" tells qualified users how to customize Protocol Monitor.
  

• Appendix B, "Start-up and Configuration Files" describes these files.
  

• Appendix C, "Error Messages" provides a list of common error messages.
  

• Appendix D, "Assigned Numbers" describes how to obtain information about RFC 1700.
  

• Appendix E, "OpenView Integration for Windows" describes where to find information about integrating TrafficDirector with HP OpenView for Windows.
  

Document Conventions

The document conventions used in this manual are:

• Commands, menu items, keywords, and items within TrafficDirector windows are in boldface font.
  

• Information you type on a command line is in boldface font, such as dvwatch.
  

• Examples are in screen font. Report examples also appear in this font.
  

• Parameters and command arguments, for which you must substitute your own values, are in italic screen font or italic boldface.
  

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