Attempting to assist the medical field and other industries in managing their business networks, Plixer International, Inc. has updated its network analysis tool.
According to a press release by Plixer, the Scrutinizer NetFlow and sFlow Analyzer can use features like the new Sphere graphical feature to better visualize their networks. Improvements to the Google Maps feature and dashboard views also assist with improved visualization for better network management.
The medical field is extremely focused on patient and data security. To maintain strict adherence to HIPAA privacy regulations, both medical treatment facilities and medical record management facilities require comprehensive and reliable network monitoring solutions. When PresGar Companies, a privately owned medical imaging service company with headquarters in Tampa, Fla., experienced periods of poor Voice over IP (VoIP) quality, the IT team wondered if their service provider was adhering to preset packet markings.
According to its release, PresGar has successfully developed, managed or acquired advanced imaging centers throughout the United States. To troubleshoot VoIP and network problems, PresGar turned to NetFlow analysis and software tools. NetFlow is a technology created by Cisco Systems that monitors and records all IP traffic passing through the supported router or switch. Prior to this technology, IT administrators could see how much traffic was on a network prior to NetFlow creation, but they could not see what kind of traffic it was. NetFlow collectors gather and analyze the flow packets for source IP address, destination IP address, source port number, destination port number, protocol type, type of services, and the router input interface.
With the addition of Scrutinizer from Plixer International, PresGar was able to drill deep into the NetFlow records to troubleshoot and solve the voice quality errors and said it greatly improved efficiency across the enterprise. The level of network visibility obtained through NetFlow analysis directly aided DeFreese’s implementation of a locally housed ambulatory electronic medical record (AEMR) system for both remote sites and main locations.
The medical industry is charged with upholding data and patient security, meaning facilities require comprehensive and reliable network analysis solutions. According to Plixer, the eighth version release of Scrutinizer enhances the network visualization, allowing administrators to improve QoS and troubleshooting while decreasing IT costs.
Mandira Srivastava is a HealthTechZone contributor. She works as a full-time writer, ghostwriter and blogger, and has more than two years of experience in print and Web media. She has also worked on company brochures, website content and product descriptions, as well as proofreading and editing content. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.
