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Frequently Asked Questions: Network Crit

Frequently Asked Questions

Find our most frequently asked questions below. From questions on the solutions, Drag-n-Vu GUI, current affairs or just generic questions, this page intends to answer any questions you have. If your question is not answered, please Contact Us here or use the Live Chat to reach our network experts.

GENERAL

Where can I find the user guides?

These are available upon request, simply email us and we will get back to you.

How long will it take to receive my order?

This depends on your order request. We ship most items from stock, but for more specialist requirements we begin manufacturing the order once it is confirmed. You should expect to receive all orders within 6 weeks of the order confirmation.

Can I make special requests for the solutions?

Yes, we can work towards any special requirement that you may have, even if it is not featured on our website. 

How do you do your filtering?

Network Critical Packet Brokers use standard ingress multilayer 2-4 switching architecture. This filters on frame/packet ingress matching packet hashes against those stored in TCAM for line rate forwarding performance. ACLs are not user editable, being automatically created based on user-defined maps & filters in Drag-n-Vu.

Where can I buy your products?

You can buy our products from us by filling out a contact us form on our website. You can also call us and if you prefer to do this we ask that you call the number dedicated to your region (provided below). We operate with an international service, so we will be able to deliver whatever you need to wherever you need it.

 

Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific: +44 (0) 118-954-3210

North and South America:  (470) 554-7170

What are your general warranty and support terms?

All of our products come with a 12-month Return To Factory (RTF) warranty. This can be upgraded, at time of purchase, to Gold Support where you gain the following:

  • Advanced replacement of defective hardware

  • Unlimited technical support (available Monday to Friday 8am to 10pm GMT)

  • Network design services

  • Remote configuration assistance

  • Access to online case management

  • Free firmware and feature enhancement updates

Please find our warranty information here: Warranty Information PDF

Can I get support coverage?

Yes, although we are committed to producing the highest quality products, we highly recommend having a support contract in place. Things happen and firmware updates do occur over time, so having a support contract in place provides a solution if something does happen. We have two levels to support your financial concerns and response needs. Please email us and we will get back to you with the information you need.

What are the requirements to become a reseller partner?

Please contact us via email, website contact page or phone and we can send you our reseller terms and conditions document to begin discussions.

PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS

What are the dimensions and weights of your products?

SmartNA: Dimensions (mm): 450 (w) x 44 (h) x 315 (d), Mass: 3.5 Kg (7.7 lbs)

SmartNA-XL: Dimensions (mm): 450 (w) x 44 (h) x 450 (d), Mass: 2.2 Kg (4.85 lbs)

SmartNA-PortPlus: Dimensions (mm): 440 (w) x 44 (h) x 434 (d), Mass: 10 kg (22 lbs)

SmartNA-PortPlus HyperCore: Dimensions (mm): 440 (w) x 44 (h) x 585 (d) Mass: 13.25 Kg (29.21 lbs)

Passive Optical MPO and LC: TAP Dimensions (mm): 97 (w) x 13 (h) x 168 (d), Mass: 0.085 Kg (0.19 lbs)

BiDi TAPs: Dimensions (mm): 97 (w) x 13 (h) x 168 (d), Mass: 0.085 Kg (0.19 lbs)

Are Network Critical's products only compatible with own-brand SFPs/Transceivers?

No. Network Critical products are compatible with most proprietary SFPs or Transceivers you use. However, we do not recommend a low quality transceiver as this may result in issues.

Why would I need a packet broker over a network switch?

Network switches can only follow the industry standard of reading packets, packet brokers enable you to create your own rules and therefore provide you with more flexibility in network management.

What is the difference between IDS and IPS?

IDS stands for Intrusion Detection System; it is an offline system that acts passively to detect threats to your network. It is different from an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) as this system is Inline and active, so it can prevent any intrusion that may challenge your network’s security.

How do passive optical TAPs work?

These TAPs operate by duplicating the signal being transmitted via the fibre medium. This technique does not require power, is fully passive and has no need for additional failsafe mechanisms. It is a very secure and safe way to monitor your network.

How do copper TAPs work?

These TAPs operate by duplicating the signal being transmitted via the fibre medium. This technique does not require power, is fully passive and has no need for additional failsafe mechanisms. It is a very secure and safe way to monitor your network.

What are all of the features in your PacketPro module?

PacketPro extends the functions of the NPB beyond a standard switch to allow free manipulation of any/all bits in any packet**. This works by analysing a packet to identify user-specified bit patterns. Once found, these data can be optionally stripped from the packet or modified, leaving the rest of the packet available for further processing..

  • Remove a specific byte from the packet broker

  • Change a specific byte in the packet header to a different value

  • Change any or all bits within a byte to the opposite value

  • Change any or all bits within a byte to have the value of 1, or value of 0

  • Delete all bytes beyond a specific byte

  • Change all bytes beyond a specific byte to a new value

  • Recalculate CRC for new packet

** PacketPro functions on the first 128 bytes of a frame. Can only truncate after that point.

What are all of the functions and features of your V-Line product?

V-Line taps allow inline tools to be deployed in a variety of pseudo-inline modes, affording extra layers of protection to the traffic flow.

 

V-Line modules allow Inline tools to be integrated into a live network, with a variety of extra protective features. The V-line module can be configured to bypass a failed Inline appliance to allow the network to continue running or it can be configured to stop the live network if the appliance is a critical component.

 

The V-Line module provides three primary areas of functionality, although there is some overlap in the normal usage. The three functions are:

  • Single Bypass facility with heartbeat based protection switching

  • Dual Bypass (Series) (with Dual HB protection) - Multiple functional tool deployment

  • Dual Bypass (Parallel) (with Dual HB protection) - Redundant (backup) tools deployment 

 

The V-Line module may also be used as:

  • A general TAP mode allowing breakout and aggregation tap operations

  • An egress packet slicing mode

DRAG-N-VU

What is the GUI Drag-n-Vu?

A revolutionary way of giving the user a clear visibility of traffic passing through the Network Critical device.

Who developed and owns Drag-n-Vu?

Network Critical engineered this GUI and owns Drag-n-Vu

How does Drag-n-Vu work?

Drag-n-Vu has been designed for use to be smooth and simple. When wanting to manage your network tools, login to your account and select your desired tool. From here you can manage your network tool with ease. For a full description, please request a demo and we’ll be happy to show you how it works.

  • Drag and drop filters

  • Does all of the calculations for you - draw a simple map that requires a complex

  • Does complex maths and configurations for you 

 

Drag-n-Vu works by taking your desired configuration of inputs to outputs, with packet filtering conditions in between, and calculating the most optimal set of ACLs that will get the job done, in seconds.

 

All you need to do is specify what traffic you’d like to go where, and Drag-n-Vu will do all the heavy lifting to calculate overlaps between competing requirements, and ensure that packets go where you want them.

BREXIT AND EXPORTS

What is your export control classification number (ECCN)?

ECCN Code EAR99

ECCN Code 5A991 (Network access controllers contained in telecommunications, Packet routing or switching equipment, Network control)

What are the HTS Harmonised codes?

HTS Code: 8517.62.0000: 

Machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus

Will Brexit affect services?

Our products are not subject to any restrictions, controls or licenses. This, along with our experience in shipping and preparing customs and import documentations means that Brexit should not affect our services. Our long standing relationship with UPS remains strong and successful.

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