PIM FAQ

Q. As a Smarts user, why do I need the Packet Design Integration Module (PIM) ? Doesn’t Smarts Network Protocol Manager (NPM) do this already ?

A. NPM like many first-generation management tools relies on rudimentary data gathering techniques that rely on periodic SNMP/Telnet discovery and polling. In consequence NPM's data is often out of date and not reflective of real-time routing status. NPM is also incapable of identifying service impacting routing issues such as path/prefix changes as there is no modelling of paths within the Smarts data model (ICIM). PIM on the other hand has access to Packet Design REX's real-time model of routing topology and status based on REX's unique ability to participate in the exchange of routing information - the only feasible approach in large and dynamically changing IP networks.

Q. If I have NPM already can I replace it with PIM ?

A.  PIM is designed to operate independently of Smarts NPM via direct API level integration with Smarts Service Assurance Manager (SAM). It can therefore be used independently of/or in conjunction with NPM. NPM does some things that PIM currently doesn’t do - such as basic routing configuration and correlation of underlying L2/L3 faults with routing service impacts. If these things are important to you, you should probably retain NPM in some form.

Q. How does the PIM solution scale ?

A.  PIM has the same data footprint as Smarts and can significantly reduce the overall processing overhead on Smarts. Additional PIM instances can also be deployed at zero additional license cost in large/distributed network environments.

Q. Does PIM have its own ‘codebook’ or correlate faults ?

A.  PIM directly leverages the advanced IP routing analysis capabilities of Packet Design Route Explorer (REX). Smarts primary role in an integrated solution comprising PIM and REX is a repository of event and topology data and as a GUI presentation mechanism that is familiar to network operators. Use of PIM does not affect the normal operation of the Smarts correlation codebook technology in any way.