Getting Started

This chapter contains getting started information for both users that want to use the Packet Analyzer quickly without customizing the product or that want to customize the Packet Analyzer. It includes some simple workflows that illustrate how to use Packet Analyzer quickly to help troubleshoot performance and optimization issues.

There are many additional workflows for which Packet Analyzer can be used. These tasks are documented in the following chapters. Cisco Security Packet Analyzer

This chapter contains the following sections:

Before You Begin

This section contains tasks that must be performed prior to using Packet Analyzer.

1. Ensure you perform all required tasks in your Packet Analyzer installation guide. To review your platform’s specific requirements, see http://cisco.com/go/secpa/software.

2. Ensure that the Packet Analyzer system time is configured correctly. If the system time is incorrect, Packet Analyzer data presentation may be inaccurate due to time ranges, hence providing incorrect interpretations of Packet Analyzer data. Although some platforms are synchronized automatically, you must also synchronize the standard time source outside the Packet Analyzer in addition to the Packet Analyzer and the router or switch in order for the data to be accurate. For details, see Synchronizing Your System Time.

Quick Start

Use the following workflows to get started using your product. These tasks do not require additional configuration or setup. You can see other workflows and tasks within this user guide in the task-specific chapters.

Where to Go to Learn How to Customize Your Packet Analyzer

There are many capabilities beyond the tasks you can perform out-of-the box. These tasks require some level of customization before you can access some of the additional functionality within Packet Analyzer.

To review the customization you may need to perform, see Advanced Configuration Overview.