System and method for automatically identifying and analyzing currently active channels in an atm network

Abstract

A system and method for identifying and analyzing active channels in an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. The system and method open a plurality of ATM network channels during a time period; automatically monitor each of the plurality of open channels to identify any active channels from among the open channels; and automatically identify the type of traffic transmitted on the open channels. By systematically identifying the active channels in the ATM network, the ATM network analysis device can further analyze the traffic on the active channels. The present invention includes at least three functions: network data detection and capture, active channel determination, and ATM Application Layer (AAL) service type categorization. A network data detector and identifier (DDI) performs the functions of network data detection and capture. The DDI connects to an ATM network and captures, copies, and repeats cells transmitted on the network and copies cells of interest to the DDI for further analysis. Active channel determination is performed by an active channel determinator (ACD) which is connected to the DDI. The ACD uses a user-defined total potential connection list which contains a range of channels to be tested for active channel identification.