Diagnostic test unit network and system

An apparatus for communicating with a plurality of devices comprising

• a plurality of programmable distributed test units each communicating with an associated one of the plurality of devices;
• a network which permits communication of information among the plurality of distributed test units;
• and
• a system monitor unit communicating with the plurality of programmable distributed test units by way of the network, wherein the system monitor unit programs each of the plurality of programmable distributed test units to function in a selected manner, and gathers information obtained by the plurality of programmable distributed test units, as programmed, from the plurality of devices.