Method and system for monitoring fieldbus network with multiple packet filters
First Claim
1. A method of monitoring fieldbus packets on a fieldbus network using a monitor configured on the fieldbus network to receive the fieldbus packets, wherein the monitor includes a display screen, the method comprising:
- initializing two or more packet filters;
combining said two or more packet filters into a single combined filter;
filtering said fieldbus packets with said single combined filter to produce filtered data;
capturing said filtered data, wherein said capturing includes storing said filtered data in a memory of said fieldbus monitor; and
separating said filtered data into filtered packet data for each of said two or more packet filters, wherein said separating is performed based on said two or more packet filters.
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Abstract
An improved system and method for monitoring a fieldbus network. The improved method and monitor utilize multiple filters with the capability of simultaneously capturing packets from more than one fieldbus and the ability to apply multiple filters to any single fieldbus. Filtered packets are captured as capture documents and stored in the monitor'"'"'s memory storage. Filtered packets can be displayed, in real time, on the monitor'"'"'s display screen. The improved monitor is configured to perform post-capture filtering of captured packets. Post-capture filtering does not destroy data. The improved monitor permits dynamic altering of filter settings. Using this feature, the user can initiate capture using a first filter settings, alter the filter setting while packets are being captured, and apply the altered filter setting to the fieldbus without terminating capture. The altered filtered settings are applied to the fieldbus substantially instantaneously and the packets captured under the altered filter settings are displayed.
98 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of monitoring fieldbus packets on a fieldbus network using a monitor configured on the fieldbus network to receive the fieldbus packets, wherein the monitor includes a display screen, the method comprising:
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initializing two or more packet filters; combining said two or more packet filters into a single combined filter; filtering said fieldbus packets with said single combined filter to produce filtered data; capturing said filtered data, wherein said capturing includes storing said filtered data in a memory of said fieldbus monitor; and separating said filtered data into filtered packet data for each of said two or more packet filters, wherein said separating is performed based on said two or more packet filters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for monitoring fieldbus packets on a fieldbus network, said fieldbus packets each comprising a plurality of information layers and originating from one of a plurality of network addresses, said apparatus comprising:
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a packet receptor having an input and an output, said input coupled to said fieldbus network; means for initializing two or more packet filters, wherein each of said two or more packet filters corresponds to a permutation of said plurality of information layers and network addresses; means for combining said two or more packet filters to generate a concatenated filter corresponding to a union of said permutations of each of said two or more packet filters; filter logic including an input connected to an output of said packet receptor, wherein said filter logic uses said concatenated filter to filter the fieldbus packets on the fieldbus network; separating means for separating said filtered data into filtered packet data for each of said two or more packet filters, wherein said separating means operates based on said two or more packet filters; and a memory coupled to said filter logic for storing said filtered packet data. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification