Item: NETSCOUT nGeniusONE
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We primarily use nGeniusONE for troubleshooting of issues across the network. By entering the source/destination we can get the metadata and packet level data to have good visibility into what is happening. Additionally, dashboards can be set up for quick views into the network and utilizing baselines, find out if anything is out of the norm. Packet level data can be exported and sent for analysis if necessary as well.

Pros and Cons

Packet captures
Metadata of Network
Troubleshooting Issues

Complicated UI
Requires Training
Complex initial configuration

Return on Investment

Identify problems
Point toward solutions
CISO dashboards

Usability

Requires quite a bit of training not only for config but to use. Highly recommend having a SME come in from Netscout to help initially for these. Once you learn the UI, it’s much better to use but is not intuitive.

Support Rating

We have a dedicated OSE who has been very helpful. Besides that, we have little experience beyond this specific model.

Alternatives Considered

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

They are different as one is more used for network config management and SNMP polling. Netscout is more of a packet level, metadata, baselining troubleshooting tool. Both I’d recommend but for different purposes.

Other Software Used

Spectrum, SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, Cisco Prime LAN Management Solution

Likelihood to Recommend

It’s best for troubleshooting issues that require a packet level analysis. By having source/destination you can have a view into how the packets are traversing the network. If alerts/baselines are set up it can help identify something out of the norm. Very useful for VoIP applications as well. Would not recommend for small scale environments.

Complex But Useful

Overall Satisfaction with NETSCOUT nGeniusONE