Performance and status monitoring in a computer network

A method for monitoring the performance and status of links and/or nodes of a communications network from a single point of control (POC) node, by propagating a test message between the nodes of the network, the method comprising the following steps:

• injecting into the network the test message requiring specific information by sending the test message to a node test program (NTP) on one of the network nodes, said test message identifying the POC node for the test;
• automatically, in response to receipt of the test message, sending to the POC node from the receiving NTP a reply message including information from the receiving node, and forwarding the test message to the NTP on each of said receiving node's adjacent connected nodes;
• each subsequent receiving NTP, automatically in response to receipt of the forwarded test message, at least if the received test message is within an unexpired test, sending to the POC node a reply message including information from said subsequent receiving NTP's node, and, at least the first time said subsequent NTP receives a message within a given test, forwarding the test message to the NTP on each of its own adjacent connected nodes;
• and
• analyzing reply messages received by the POC node.

A computer having means for monitoring the performance and status of links and/or nodes of a communications network which includes the computer, the computer having a network management program thereon which comprises:

• a Point of Control (POC) means for initiating a test by sending to a first Node Test Program (NTP) on said computer or on a connected computer a test message requiring specific information, said test message identifying the computer as the POC node for the test, the POC process including means for receiving, from NTPs on the computer and on other computers with direct or indirect connections thereto, reply messages to a test for which the computer is the identified POC node;
• and
• a Network Test Program (NTP) for processing a received test message automatically on receipt by performing the following operations:
• sending to the POC node identified by the received test message a reply including information from the current computer;
• and forwarding the test message to the NTP on each of the adjacent computers with direct connections to the current computer;
• said network management program further comprising means associated with the POC means for analyzing said reply messages.