Probing is the foundation of NetBroker. It performs continuous, end-to-end measurement of key performance indicators such as delay, jitter, and packet loss. Rather than relying solely on external devices or edge-based monitoring, NetBroker probes the entire data path, including both WAN and LAN segments. Artificial traffic streams simulate real ATM applications such as voice or radar data. This approach makes it possible to assess the true network performance experienced by operational systems. Probing operates independently of the existing routing configuration and introduces no change to live services.

All measured values are collected and displayed in the NetBroker Visualiser. Operators can view the current network status, compare performance across multiple paths, and review historical data trends. 

Typical monitoring functions include: 

• Live status of each network connection
• KPI charts for delay, jitter, and packet loss
• Alarm history and threshold breaches
• Mean Opinion Score (MOS) for assessing voice quality 

Monitoring supports brownout detection, identifying reduced service quality even when the link remains operational. This enables preventive action before a service interruption occurs.

The steering module uses probing data to decide which network path should carry each service. When the measured quality of a link no longer meets the defined requirements for a particular application, NetBroker automatically switches the affected traffic to an alternative path that fulfils the required thresholds. Key features include: 

• Selective rerouting – only the affected traffic is redirected
• Fast reaction time – switching within a few seconds
• Automatic return to the primary path once quality recovers
• Flow whitelisting – only predefined traffic types are permitted 

In situations with limited bandwidth, NetBroker supports graceful degradation, maintaining essential traffic (such as voice or primary video) while reducing or suspending less critical data flows.

The NetBroker Duplicator increases reliability by transmitting identical IP packets simultaneously over two or more independent network paths. At the receiving side, duplicate packets are discarded and the first valid packet is processed. 

This function eliminates packet loss and ensures seamless service continuity, even if one connection degrades or fails. Duplication operates at the IP layer, allowing the use of completely different network providers or technologies (for example, terrestrial IP and VSAT) without requiring synchronisation between them.