Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for analyzing and monitoring network activity. The present invention provides one-hundred percent data capture for complete monitoring capability. The present invention also permits the simulated generation of traffic up to network capacity. The method and apparatus of the present invention allows for the use of pre-defined or custom-designed network tests so that users can analyze protocols and trouble-shoot network problems at various levels. Although one-hundred percent data capture is possible, the user may also customize the system to capture only certain packets of information. For example, the present invention can be implemented to capture errors, collisions and short-length packets. The present invention accesses the token ring network through a ring interface. The output of the ring interface is coupled to a media access control (MAC) block. The MAC block includes a memory for packet buffering and is coupled to the primary memory, which is coupled to the host interface. The output of the ring interface is also coupled to a serial state machine. The serial state machine is used for high speed decoding of packet information. The output of the serial state machine is coupled to a series of timers and filters tracking information from the data stream. An on-board CPU controls the timers and is coupled to the primary memory.

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First Claim