Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

The Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) needed to improve the monitoring of its LAN and WiFi network with an approach oriented towards the real experience of its users. Although they had an infrastructure monitored with traditional tools, they lacked real-time visibility into the quality of service perceived by users. In addition, there was a need to detect incidents that could not be identified solely through passive monitoring, as well as to analyze network traffic in detail.

First, the Witch Monitor platform was deployed, an advanced active monitoring solution that makes it possible to detect incidents that usually go unnoticed with traditional tools. Fifty autonomous devices were installed at strategic points of the UOC’s LAN and WiFi network, simulating real user activity through scheduled synthetic tests. These devices collect real-time metrics such as ping, bandwidth, signal strength, or connection quality, as well as more specific parameters like the channel used or the connection BSSID. Additionally, the solution allows the tests to be adapted to the specific needs of the UOC, with the option of incorporating new tests oriented toward specific applications.

The collected information is centralized in a cloud platform that enables remote visualization and management of devices and data, including advanced functionalities such as comparative reports, historical analysis, and troubleshooting tools.

Additionally, the Riverbed AppResponse solution was incorporated together with Packet Analyzer Plus, designed to meet the UOC’s need for deep network-traffic analysis. A virtual appliance AppResponse VSCAN-100 was deployed, capable of capturing up to 100 GB of traffic and analyzing more than 70 metrics on TCP/UDP transactions. This tool provides real-time and forensic analysis, with predefined dashboards, configurable alerts, and customizable reports.

To complement this, Packet Analyzer Plus was integrated, allowing large traffic files (.pcap) to be analyzed and troubleshooting to be performed using an advanced visual interface. Its integration with AppResponse and Wireshark accelerates problem identification and optimizes response time.

Finally, the entire system was reinforced with a continuous 8×5 technical support service, which includes monitoring of probe performance, weekly review of devices that stop reporting data, configuration adjustments, and monthly technical meetings with the UOC team. The proposal also includes active software maintenance, availability of free spare devices, and a cost-free equipment renewal plan once the minimum useful life is reached.

Thanks to the solution implemented by NexTReT, the UOC has achieved:

• Improved service quality perceived by the end user, thanks to the ability to detect incidents invisible to traditional monitoring.
• Full visibility of the infrastructure status, with information updated every minute and accessible through Grafana dashboards and the Witch Monitor web interface.
• Greater agility and accuracy in troubleshooting, with real-time and forensic capabilities provided by Riverbed AppResponse and Packet Analyzer Plus.
• Flexibility and customization of tests to adapt to the UOC’s specific needs, such as critical applications or sensitive locations.
• Reduced diagnosis and incident-resolution time, thanks to advanced real-time analysis and reporting features.
• Operational efficiency through automated monitoring and tailored proactive alerts.
• Service continuity and security with active maintenance, technical meetings, spare equipment, and device renewal plans with no additional cost.