The Polystar MediaProbe is a next generation network monitoring device that allows the user to 'see' all the data and information relating to the control and operation of a given network. This information extends (through drill-down) to the individual user and includes important 'anti-churn' data such as handset and cell site performance.

The MediaProbe offers fantastic flexibility and power by being able to be deployed in the smallest of networks to the largest and can make lossless connections at 10/100mb, 1gb and 10gb connections. Provisions have been made for both 40gb and 100gb ports and therefore, as soon as these port speeds are required, MediaProbe will be ready.

How does it work?
MediaProbe is strategically placed at the various points within the network and network gateways that allows it to collect 100% of the network data. By 'listening' to the signalling (control) layer of the network, MediaProbe constructs mirror images of all records and actions that are undertaken.

In a normal environment, network monitoring solutions would alert network managers of major faults and outages needing repair; only a slight degradation in service performance or quality would not be noticed or considered important. However, it is these small issues that quite often lead to bigger problems and ultimately customer churn.

MediaProbe is the all-seeing eye and presents this information (and much more) for further analysis. Some will be presented directly; other data will be aggregated in order for the information to be better suited for comparison and meaningful analysis. Whilst the mapping within MediaProbe and its associated products and solutions is pre-configured, the system is fully customisable, which allows the user to control and display any information for processing. Be it by manual methods or via other systems within the network, MediaProbe can tailor the information to suit your needs.

Enhanced performance
Processing the huge volumes of data required for in-depth per-user analysis was until recently considered impossible. However, by adopting and implementing sophisticated algorithms to process RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) streams, MediaProbe delivers all information in as near real time as you are able to process it. In addition to presenting Mean Opinion scores if required.

Complex fault-finding through aggregation
Small and per-user faults can be hard to find, or more importantly, difficult to establish the root cause for. To solve this, monitoring of up to 10 simultaneous users is possible using the same conditions. Parameter settings for this complex analysis could be 10 users of the same make and model handset, for example. This scenario would help decide if a fault or issue was handset specific or a 'one-off'. A very important and unique capability in network performance enhancement and the fight against customer churn.

Summary
MediaProbe is a Next Generation base component that provides the ability to view and process network 'bits and bytes' for further processing. Additional systems (such as Jupiter) can be added to create a very powerful capture and analysis solution, which provides network operators with the ability to proactively manage and use data in a way never before thought possible.

For more information on MediaProbe or Jupiter, please contact us.