Method, apparatus and system for a layer of stacked network captured traffic distribution devices

Abstract

Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and devices for transmitting received captured traffic through a stacked topology of network captured traffic distribution devices are provided. An exemplary system may include a source of captured network traffic, a plurality of stacked network captured traffic distribution devices arranged in a stacked topology, and an external device. On some occasions, one or more of the network captured traffic distribution devices may be associated with unique IP address and the system may further include a web browser. The web browser may be enabled to communicate with each of the plurality of stacked network captured traffic distribution devices via their respective unique IP address.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a NONPROVISIONAL of, claims priority to and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61 / 248,837, filed 5 Oct. 2009.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to systems and methods that employ a source of captured network traffic, a plurality of stacked network captured traffic distribution devices arranged in a stacked topology, and one or more external devices.BACKGROUND[0003]Traditionally, network traffic is captured locally using a mirror port present on a network switch or a network tap in conjunction with an inline traffic capture point positioned along a communication link coupling two or more communicating devices. Network traffic captured in this way is typically monitored locally, thus requiring a port on a monitor for every individual capture point and mirror port in the network. This localization leads to great infrastructure and bandwidth costs and, consequently, many networks are inadequa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach reduces infrastructure and bandwidth costs, enhances monitoring efficiency by filtering and routing network traffic effectively, and allows for geographically dispersed operation, improving the overall management of network traffic.

Problems solved by technology

This localization leads to great infrastructure and bandwidth costs and, consequently, many networks are inadequately monitored.

Another drawback to traditional network monitoring systems is that all captured traffic is sent to each monitoring device.

This results in an inefficient use of both bandwidth and monitoring capacity because, as a first step to monitoring the captured traffic, the monitor must first filter, or otherwise manipulate, the traffic to remove unnecessary information.

A further drawback to traditional network monitoring systems is that conventional taps do not communicate with one another.

Images