Method and apparatus to establish a tap-point in a switched network using self-configuring switches having distributed configuration capabilities
US5940376A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2012/5617
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for monitoring data sent between a source node and destination node in a switched network, wherein the switches configure themselves to establish a connection path to a probe switch to receive the monitored data. The source and destination are identified along with the probe switch. An originating switch on a path between the source and destination is identified and connections between the originating switch and the probe switch are established. The originating switch sends out a first message and when the probe switch receives the first message, it returns a second message to the originating switch. Each switch between the originating switch and the probe switch that receives the first and second messages configures itself to establish the connection path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.