Defining the WAN
In order to analyze WAN performance and identify opportunities for WAN optimization, the NetProfiler appliance must know which network interfaces are part of a WAN, which of these are using a WAN optimization device, and which are not. It automatically creates Optimized and Non-optimized interface groups. It recognizes WAN interfaces that are on SteelHead devices of version 5.5.3 or higher if the SteelHead is exporting NetFlow 5.1 or SteelFlow Net and automatically adds these Optimized interface group. You can use the Find Riverbed QoS devices button to automatically populate the group with SteelHead WAN interfaces. Other WAN interfaces must be added to the groups using the browse tool.
The WAN interface groups displayed on the Definitions > WAN page are a special case of the entire set of interface groups displayed on the Definitions > Interface Groups page. You can add, delete and move WAN interfaces the same way you do other interfaces on the Definitions > Interface Groups page, with the following exceptions:
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The WAN view can contain only the Optimized and Non-optimized interface groups. You cannot create other interface groups, devices or interface subgroups within the WAN network view.
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If you move an optimized WAN interface for a SteelHead appliance of version 5.5.3 or higher out of the Optimized group, the NetProfiler will move it back into the Optimized group the next time it receives flow information from the SteelHead and recognizes it as a WAN optimization device.
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If you drag and drop or otherwise move an interface into the Non-optimized group, NetProfiler will treat it as a non-optimized WAN interface.
For additional information about managing interface groups, refer to Interface groups.