Abstract: Multiple channels of a multi-channel analyzer are allocated among multiple users such that each user can initiate and retrieve the results of separate diagnostic sessions. Each analyzer channel includes an input connection port, a trace buffer memory and logic circuitry. Each input connection port is operably connected to a unique node in the communication network. A host processor connected to each analyzer channel assigns ownership of a unique set of analyzer channel to at least two different users such that each user can initiate separate traces that are simultaneously established on the connection port at each node in accordance with a set of instructions established by the user assigned to the analyzer channel for that node, and the traces are captured in response to the set of instructions for each analyzer channel such that each user retrieves only the results of the analyzer channels assigned to that user.