Method and apparatus for replicating digital signals

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing a plurality of digital devices, including protocol analyzers, work stations, cable testers, and the like, with a data signal received from one of a plurality of target networks is. A plurality of data ports, including at least one target data port, a plurality of device data ports, and a plurality of intermediate data ports. Data channels establish a plurality of device data paths between a plurality of digital devices and a corresponding plurality of device data ports and a target data path between one of the target networks and at least one of the target data ports. A switch establishes a first data path between any selected one of the plurality of target data ports and a respective first intermediate data port. A replicator replicates a first data signal from the first intermediate data port at least to a second intermediate data port and to a third intermediate data port. A switch establishes a second data path between the second intermediate data port and a first selected data port of the plurality of device data ports and establishes a third data path between the third intermediate data port and a second selected data port of the plurality of device data ports. Thus, data can be selectively exchanged between any one of the plurality of target networks and at least any two of the plurality of digital devices.