Abstract: The present invention enables flexible deployment of testing agents within a firewalled network without the concern of needing to change security policies on routers and switches inside the firewalled network. Accordingly, remote diagnostic testing of networks and network devices can be conducted in which the firewalled network security is maintained and not compromised. The long-term diagnostic monitoring of networks is possible including an evolvable solution in which remote upgrades of the application agents are utilized.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for Network Problem Segment Isolation. The present invention provides a method for characterizing network segment quality for a segment transmitting messages from a first endpoint to a second endpoint on a network. The method includes the step of receiving messages transmitted between the first and second endpoints. The messages include a first set of quality metrics for message transmission from the first to second endpoint for both the first and second segments and a second set of quality metrics for message transmission from the first endpoint to the juncture. Furthermore, the method includes subtracting the second set of quality metrics from the corresponding quality metrics of the first set of quality metrics to calculate a third set of quality metrics representing the quality metrics of the second segment. Additionally, the method includes comparing the third set of quality metrics to a first set of segment qualities.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for Network Problem Segment Isolation. The present invention provides a method for characterizing network segment quality for a segment transmitting messages from a first endpoint to a second endpoint on a network. The method includes the step of receiving messages transmitted between the first and second endpoints. The messages include a first set of quality metrics for message transmission from the first to second endpoint for both the first and second segments and a second set of quality metrics for message transmission from the first endpoint to the juncture. Furthermore, the method includes subtracting the second set of quality metrics from the corresponding quality metrics of the first set of quality metrics to calculate a third set of quality metrics representing the quality metrics of the second segment. Additionally, the method includes comparing the third set of quality metrics to a first set of segment qualities.

Abstract: A rules-based expert analysis system for networks includes a combination of algorithmic and heuristic rules which are grouped in hierarchies in one or more related categories of network performance criteria. Each rule is interdependent in a prioritized manner with one or more other rules, and although the interdependencies are fixed the rule priorities are adaptable based on the user entered objective of the analysis.

Abstract: A knowledge based system uses a protocol analyzer which acquires real time statistical data on network signal traffic in a monitoring session and reports a session performance history as a real time composite of measured statistics and analysis-derived statistics, together with a real time report of discarded frames.

Abstract: An expert network analysis system includes multiple phases which offer a user the ability, at the user's option, to establish pretest conditions through a prompted interview which focuses the performance conditions to be analyzed and which allows the expert system to rank the analyzed results in importance with respect to their relationship to the user established conditions

Abstract: A new and improved protocol analyzer for monitoring digital transmission networks is disclosed. The protocol analyzer of the present invention is capable of displaying station level statistics, network statistics, real-time event information, and protocol distribution. The protocol analyzer of the present invention is additionally capable of creating baseline network performance information and displaying the baseline information simultaneously with real-time performance information, pre-programming monitoring sessions, and generating presentation-quality reports in conjunction with analyzing digital transmission networks, all in real time.

Abstract: A new and improved protocol analyzer for monitoring digital transmission networks is disclosed. The protocol analyzer of the present invention is capable of displaying station level statistics, network statistics, real-time event information, and protocol distribution. The protocol analyzer of the present invention is additionally capable of creating baseline network performance information and displaying the baseline information simultaneously with real-time performance information, pre-programming monitoring sessions, and generating presentation-quality reports in conjunction with analyzing digital transmission networks, all in real time.