System information

126 The Statistics Menu
Menu Path
Statistics->Top Talkers
Purpose
Top Talkers Statistics shows all stations on your network (subject to your filter
criteria) and the Broadcast/Multicast statistics. This information provides detailed
traffic flow statistics that can show a runaway station, a broadcast/multicast storm, or
an unbalanced switch.
If you are considering implementing a switch, this information can help divide
stations effectively for your switch. Once you have implemented a switch, using the
switched version of this mode can verify balanced port loads.
The Top Talkers window can be activated from the main window by selecting
Statistics > Top Talkers Statistics. You can choose MAC or IP view.
Top Talkers Setup Properties
MAC Properties Tab
Filtering direction—allows you to specify the direction of traffic Observer will
display. Options are listed below:
• Destination option button
• Source option button
• Destination+Source option button—on most occasions, you would want to use
the Destination+Source option.
• “Use current filter” checkbox—when selected, Observer will use the current
filter showing mode information. When not selected, Observer will display mode
information on all stations, not using any filter.