Electrical networks can be measured and assessed using the electrical network analyser. Of special interest when using this network analyser are the electrical networks' properties that pertain to reflection of electrical signals and subsequent transmission – these are called the S-parameters or scattering parameters. The usual operating frequencies of this network analyser start at nine kilohertz and reach up to 110 gigahertz.



There are however some types of network analysers which can operate at a low-frequency range reaching down to 10 hertz. A network analyser that falls in this category can help make open loop stability analysis or gauge the capacity of ultra sonic and audio parts.

A network analyser can either be a Scalar Network Analyser (or SNA) that is only devoted to gauging amplitude properties, or a Vector Network Analyser or (VNA) that encompasses amplitude plus phase properties at the same time. The VNA is sometimes dubbed an Automatic Network Analyzer or gain-phase meter. On the other hand, the SNA has the same functions as a spectrum analyzer, fused with the tracking generator. But a network analyser will probably be a VNA – so if you are not sure what type of network analyser you have, it is probably a VNA.

You might also run across a new variety of network analyser which is called the Microwave Transition Analyzer (or MTA) – sometimes known as the Large Signal Network Analyser (or LSNA) – that can gauge the phase and amplitude of the harmonics and fundamental at the same time.

The AC Network Analyser served as the model for studying major alternating current power networks between years 1929 to the latter half of the 1960s. The AC Network Analyser was actually based on the DC calculating board common to pioneering analysis of power systems. Though the AC Network Analyser were applied greatly to consideration of system stability, short circuit assessments, and analysis of power flow, they were phased out eventually in favor of numerical solutions computed by digital computers.

Actually, the robust analog computer of the past was dependent on the many components of the AC Network Analyser.

A Network Analyser can have test port cables plus adapters as well as probe accessories in its list of components. The test port cable and adapter can be subdivided based on what type of network analyser they fit into. You need these test port cables plus adapters so that you can connect your network analyser to different test gadgets plus equipment, when needed. The probe accessories are also necessary when using a network analyser, plus may also be employed for spectrum analysers.

To determine whether your network analyser kit is marked by systematic errors, you may have to buy a mechanical plus electronic calibration kit too.

In computer networks today, a network analyser (particularly the one known as a network protocol analyser) is useful for identifying threats to the computer network that would otherwise be hidden from normal computer network users. Using the network analyser helps to analyze each component of your network protocols.