Abstract: A storage area network that includes a monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component is capable of characterizing data flowing into or out of at least one port associated with a fiber channel director or switch so as to enable an operator to ascertain some usable information regarding the characterized data and/or its impact on the network. In many embodiments, the monitoring component provides a visual or audible signal to the operator regarding a particular data component. The present invention is further directed to methods for monitoring a storage area network, in particular, at least one port associated therewith.

Abstract: Methods for detecting assignment changes as well as address changes in address identifiers (particularly fibre channel—FC-2-address identifiers such as D_ID, S_ID) are disclosed. When such changes are detected, and a probe is in place monitoring at least a portion of a system (i.e., at least one port associated therewith), the detection of a change in address or port assignment triggers a command to map the change to ensure the user defined port name is always correct. The present invention is further directed to methods for monitoring a storage area network, in particular, at least one port associated therewith using user defined port names as a field in any data reported by the monitoring system. The invention is yet further directed to probes and monitoring systems that are capable of generating data that employ statistics or data referring to user-defined port names at least for purposes of archiving and/or viewing such data or statistics.