Interface apparatus and method of interfacing a monitoring system
First Claim
1. An interface apparatus for supporting communication between a data processor of a monitoring system and a network element of a communications network, the apparatus comprising:
- a processing unit, a data input for receiving data from the network element, and a data output for communicating at least part of the data to the data processor of the monitoring system, the processing unit being coupled to the data input and the data output;
wherein the processing unit supports a mapping entity for providing, when in use, received data comprising first identification data compatible with the network element with second identification data compatible with the monitoring system, the first and second identification data identifying a data flow.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Known probe-based network monitoring systems, whilst providing may benefits to network operators wishing to monitor various aspects of their network, have a cost implication associated with them in relation to the setting-up of taps. Also, the use of such systems may become problematic if network operators decide to encrypt signalling data. Whilst a probe-less monitoring system exists, it requires a compatible switch to be provided from the same manufacturer of the probe-less monitoring system. The present invention overcomes these difficulties by providing an interface for use with a monitoring system otherwise incapable of supporting direct connection with a network element. The interface is provide identity information compatible with the monitoring system in response to receipt of identity information compatible with the network element
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An interface apparatus for supporting communication between a data processor of a monitoring system and a network element of a communications network, the apparatus comprising:
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a processing unit, a data input for receiving data from the network element, and a data output for communicating at least part of the data to the data processor of the monitoring system, the processing unit being coupled to the data input and the data output;
whereinthe processing unit supports a mapping entity for providing, when in use, received data comprising first identification data compatible with the network element with second identification data compatible with the monitoring system, the first and second identification data identifying a data flow. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of interfacing a data processor of a monitoring system with a network element of a communications network, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving data at a data input associated with the network element;
providing the received data comprising first identification data compatible with the network element with second identification data compatible with the data processor of the monitoring system, the first and second identification data identifying a data flow; and
communicating at least part of the received data including the second identification data via a data output for receipt by the data processor of the monitoring system. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A network element comprising:
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a processing unit arranged to generate and communicate data for receipt by a data processor of a non-integrated monitoring system, the processing unit being capable of transmitting the data in accordance with a predetermined transport mechanism; and
a synchronisation entity for ensuring synchronism with the monitoring system.
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Specification