Abstract: A system for collecting and aggregating data from network entities for a data consuming application is described. The system includes a data collector layer to receive network flow information from the network entities and to produce records based on the information. The system also includes a flow aggregation layer fed from the data collection layer and coupled to a storage device. The flow aggregation layer receiving records produced by the data collector layer and aggregates received records. The system can also include an equipment interface layer coupled to the data collector layer and a distribution layer to obtain selected information stored in the storage device and to distribute the select information to a requesting, data consuming application.

Abstract: A system for collecting and aggregating data from network entities for a data consuming application is described. The system includes a data collector layer to receive network flow information from the network entities and to produce records based on the information. The system also includes a flow aggregation layer fed from the data collection layer and coupled to a storage device. The flow aggregation layer receiving records produced by the data collector layer and aggregates received records. The system can also include an equipment interface layer coupled to the data collector layer and a distribution layer to obtain selected information stored in the storage device and to distribute the select information to a requesting, data consuming application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which a user can enter and edit communication configuration parameters. A screen display includes a depiction of a communication connection and a scrollable list of communication parameter sets. The depiction of the connection includes a local system icon, an icon identifying a particular remote system, and a visual indication of other communication parameters. The depiction is updated to represent the current values of the currently selected set of communication parameters. Prompts to aid in entering and changing these parameters are presented in the context of the display of a the connection and the display of the communication parameter set list.