NetCap: a tool for the capacity planning of Ethernet LANs

Abstract

Network capacity planning is the practice of anticipating the future needs of networked users and designing the network accordingly. This paper presents a tool called NetCap, which takes a unique approach to the problem of capacity planning for Ethernet LANs. The tool, which runs on standard Intel-based PCs running Windows NT, takes advantage of live network utilization data from Simple Network Management Protocol agents on the LAN to perform an analysis of the present LAN condition. In addition, using the same utilization data, it allows a network administrator to describe additions to the LAN and then predicts the future performance of the LAN based on the prescribed changes. To make the analysis, the tool uses proven analysis techniques. The results from using the tool for a month in a real world network environment are also discussed.