Abstract: An interactive system is provided to help an operator locate the source of a data fault in an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network. A database stores information related to data types and subsystems used by the ATM network. A processor coupled to the database uses the information stored therein to formulate a series of queries related to a selected one of the subsystems using the data type experiencing a data fault. The series of queries have a hierarchal order that sequentially inquire about operational status of the various subsystems having a relationship with the data type experiencing the data fault. A graphical user interface (GUI) coupled to the processor displays each query in accordance with the hierarchal order thereof. The GUI simultaneously displays identification of the various subsystems having a relationship with the data type experiencing the data fault.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for isolating analyzing faults in a complex system which is represented by a network comprising a plurality of nodes interconnected by links defining the flow among nodes corresponding to flows in the complex system. The complex system is stored as a database internal to the apparatus and represents a physical system under test. The apparatus localizes faults in the system by utilizing data structure search methods invoked by the operator successively passing and/or failing system nodes based on observed system status and technical information provided by the apparatus.