Abstract: A cross-port analysis method is provided to analyze multichannel traces in a network. More particularly, cross-port analysis is a method allowing for aggregate network analysis capabilities from a multi-channel analyzer. This can be performed as traces of network traffic generated by each port on two or more analyzers. Precise timestamps are recorded for each trace and the topology of devices on the network is determined. An expert analysis is then performed on the captured data traces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for determining errors and metrics in a computer network. The method includes positioning an analyzer in communication with the network, capturing a data trace of the network with the analyzer, determining a network device topology from a first processing of the data trace, building user layer protocols using a second processing of the data trace and the determined device topology, determining errors in the network device topology using protocol experts applied to the user layer protocols in conjunction with the determined device topology, and displaying at least one of the device topology and the determined errors to a user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a scalable method for analyzing a network. The method includes generating a data trace representative of the network, determining a topology for the network from the data trace, and sequentially analyzing each frame in the data trace to determine at least one of network errors, warnings, and metrics. The analysis of each frame generally includes analyzing a first protocol layer of the frame with a first expert engine, determining if a second protocol layer is present in the frame, passing the frame to a second expert engine, and passing the frame to additional expert engines if the frame contains additional protocol layers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for analyzing a data trace representative of an FC network. The method includes determining a topology of the network, filtering the data trace for open commands that are not perceived by at least one analyzer positioned in communication with the network and eliminating devices associated with these open commands not received by an analyzer from further analysis, filtering the data trace for failed open commands and eliminating devices associated with the failed open commands from further analysis, and filtering the trace data for frames to destinations that are not received by the analyzer and eliminating devices associated with these frame from further analysis. The method further includes filtering frames transmitted when a loop is in closed state and eliminating devices associated with transmitting frames when a loop is closed from further analysis, and conducting error analysis of the network topology not eliminated by a filtering step.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for analyzing a data trace representative of an FC network. The method includes determining a topology of the network, filtering the data trace for open commands that are not perceived by at least one analyzer positioned in communication with the network and eliminating devices associated with these open commands not received by an analyzer from further analysis, filtering the data trace for failed open commands and eliminating devices associated with the failed open commands from further analysis, and filtering the trace data for frames to destinations that are not received by the analyzer and eliminating devices associated with these frame from further analysis. The method further includes filtering frames transmitted when a loop is in closed state and eliminating devices associated with transmitting frames when a loop is closed from further analysis, and conducting error analysis of the network topology not eliminated by a filtering step.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a scalable method for analyzing a network. The method includes generating a data trace representative of the network, determining a topology for the network from the data trace, and sequentially analyzing each frame in the data trace to determine at least one of network errors, warnings, and metrics. The analysis of each frame generally includes analyzing a first protocol layer of the frame with a first expert engine, determining if a second protocol layer is present in the frame, passing the frame to a second expert engine, and passing the frame to additional expert engines if the frame contains additional protocol layers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for determining network topology. The method includes capturing and storing channelized data with a network analyzer, interleaving the channelized data into a unitary data stream in chronological order, and processing the unitary data stream to extrapolate indicators of network elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an expert analysis method for analyzing a network. The method includes capturing at least one bidirectional data trace from the network, determining a network topology, analyzing protocols in conversations between initiators and targets to determine if the protocols are valid using the determined network topology and known protocol standards, and displaying at least one of errors or warnings determined in the protocol and metrics calculated from the analysis of the protocols to a user.