Abstract: A dynamically adaptive network element telemetry system, leveraging the functionality of a high speed communications network comprising a network element telemetry infrastructure comprised of at least one Performance Monitor (PM) server computer and at least one, and preferably a plurality of Data Collection (DC) node computers comprising a Data Collection Process (DCP) comprising a command handler. The system further comprises a Single Distributed Arena (SDA) encompassing the network element telemetry infrastructure to form a single large parallel virtual application wherein the DCP further comprises a run time telemetry parameter operational change application. The SDA further comprises a telemetry control and collected data filter application providing the primary interface between the DCP and the SDA and a performance telemetry controller to enable the suspension, resumption or change of the parameters of performance telemetry for any network element.