A-Packets
7.5#2 in network protocol analyzersFrom $99 a yearFree planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted
VisitA-Packets vs VIAVI Observer Analyzer
VIAVI Observer Analyzer
5.3#30 in network packet analyzer softwareWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | A-Packets | VIAVI Observer Analyzer |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | OnPrem supports Docker Compose, Kubernetes with Helm, and air-gapped deployments, with captures and reports stored in infrastructure controlled by the customer. | Analyzer is most frequently deployed on a network engineer’s laptop, and organizations may also centrally deploy Analyzer Suite for ongoing trending and alarm analysis. |
| Integrations | OnPrem supports local passkey two-factor authentication, LDAP/Active Directory, SAML 2.0, OAuth through Google, Microsoft, and GitHub, and SCIM provisioning. | The page says Analyzer integrates with IBM Tivoli and HP OpenView and is often used with GigaStor and Apex. |
| Purpose | A-Packets analyzes PCAP and PCAPNG captures for incident response, forensics, and protocol inspection. | Observer Analyzer monitors unified communications deployments, network security performance, applications and complex network traffic, including VM environments. |
| Support | OnPrem inquiries normally begin with a 30-minute fit call, and the maker says it replies to requests within two business days. | VIAVI says full technical support is provided to customers with an active hardware warranty or software maintenance agreement. |
A-Packets plans
- Public analysisFree
- Starter Workspace$11.99 a month
- Starter Workspace (monthly)$11.99 a month
- Starter Pack$14.99, paid once
- Professional$24.99 a month
- Professional (monthly)$24.99 a month
VIAVI Observer Analyzer plans
- Observer Analyzer Expert EditionPriced on request
- Observer Analyzer Standard EditionPriced on request
- Observer Analyzer SuitePriced on request
Pick A-Packets if…
It suits SOC, DFIR, incident response, network security, network operations, MSSP, integration, and forensic teams analyzing packet captures. OnPrem may fit teams that need capture and report storage in customer-controlled infrastructure.
Pick VIAVI Observer Analyzer if…
Observer Analyzer may suit network engineers and organizations that need packet analysis, traffic monitoring, and configurable alerts. Buyers should note its Windows requirements and the customer agreement required for downloads and full support.