Over the past several years, we've often discussed the tremendous advantages that using intelligent DSU/CSU products can bring in terms of network optimization. In addition to being a trouble-shooting aid, these products with capability to monitor traffic, have offered significant cost-saving advantages in terms of "right-sizing" your frame relay, IP, and ATM networks.

More recently, products from Visual Networks, Kentrox, and other suppliers of these capabilities have moved up the protocol stack to the application monitoring realm, providing what's commonly called "Layer 4 through 7" visibility.

However, there's been one problem. If these capabilities are integral to a DSU/CSU, then it's assumed that a DSU/CSU is present. Consequently, the monitoring capabilities are not as easily implemented when a newer access technology - like cable modem or ADSL - is used.

Visual Networks, arguably the market leader in this segment, recently bridged this gap with the introduction of its first Ethernet-based Analysis Services Element (ASE).  The Ethernet ASE is Visual's first LAN-based product, providing similar capabilities to the WAN-based product without the necessity of the DSU/CSU being involved.

The Ethernet ASE is slated for general availability this month, with three models differentiated primarily on analysis speed. The entry-level Model 120 handles a full duplex connection at 2M bit/sec (4M bit/sec total), while the top-of-the-line Model 220 handles 100M bit/sec full duplex, for 200M-bit/sec total analysis capability.

Next time we'll take a closer look at some of the implications that this new product could have, both in terms of service offerings and additional capabilities.

Steve Taylor is president of Distributed Networking Associates and publisher/editor-in-chief of Webtorials. Jim Metzler is vice president of Ashton, Metzler & Associates.