Abstract: Systems, methods, software, and apparatus for managing computer networks are described where a combination of high levels of technical expertise and access rights preclude current users from installing mandated IDS and network management tools on the small office, home office (SOHO) and small branch installations. In some embodiments, the invention implements network packet capture and distributed packet and stream analysis using “hacker” techniques that redirect existing network packet flows to the network management and monitoring appliance without requiring the network user to have authorized access to reconfigure the router. The appliance then optionally forwards the redirected traffic to its destination, so the insertion of the appliance and its monitoring and management functions are transparent to the users.