Abstract: That each switch is configured with a series of new commands, such as NELD, which include various parameters, the parameters matching predefined terms, such as STP, BGP or DROP, and specifying a particular port or interface, if relevant. By predefining the parameters, the switch is configured to obtain data relevant to a particular problem. When a problem occurs, the administrator sends the command to all relevant switches with a parameter relevant to the problem being analyzed. Preferably, this sending of the command is done using a management application, so that the command can be sent to each switch by the management application in an extremely short period. By capturing all of the data in a small window, the odds are greatly improved on obtaining the relevant data. By having the preprogrammed commands, all of the desired data can be obtained in a single command rather than a series of commands.

Abstract: That each switch is configured with a series of new commands, such as NELD, which include various parameters, the parameters matching predefined terms, such as STP, BGP or DROP, and specifying a particular port or interface, if relevant. By predefining the parameters, the switch is configured to obtain data relevant to a particular problem. When a problem occurs, the administrator sends the command to all relevant switches with a parameter relevant to the problem being analyzed. Preferably, this sending of the command is done using a management application, so that the command can be sent to each switch by the management application in an extremely short period. By capturing all of the data in a small window, the odds are greatly improved on obtaining the relevant data. By having the preprogrammed commands, all of the desired data can be obtained in a single command rather than a series of commands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying operating hybrid solutions is provided. An operating hybrid solution includes a combination of hardware and software components operating together for a particular purpose, such as to provide particular functionality. In various embodiments, mappings are stored to associate operating hybrid solutions with operating criteria that describe devices when the devices are operating according to the operating hybrid solutions. During operation of a device, a monitoring process uses the mappings to determine whether the device is operating as part of an operating hybrid solution. The monitoring process stores an indication of whether the device is operating as part of the operating hybrid solution, and the indication may be provided in response to a request for operating hybrid solution information associated with the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying operating hybrid solutions is provided. An operating hybrid solution includes a combination of hardware and software components operating together for a particular purpose, such as to provide particular functionality. In various embodiments, mappings are stored to associate operating hybrid solutions with operating criteria that describe devices when the devices are operating according to the operating hybrid solutions. During operation of a device, a monitoring process uses the mappings to determine whether the device is operating as part of an operating hybrid solution. The monitoring process stores an indication of whether the device is operating as part of the operating hybrid solution, and the indication may be provided in response to a request for operating hybrid solution information associated with the device.