Distributed monitoring and analysis system for network traffic

An apparatus for use in a network-based communication system, the apparatus comprising:

• a first endpoint device configurable for operation with at least a second endpoint device;
• the first and second endpoint devices being two of a plurality of endpoint devices collectively implementing a distributed monitoring and analysis system in which a communication is directed to at least one of the endpoint devices and one or more measurements are made based on the communication;
• wherein the distributed monitoring and analysis system does not require a centralized controller;
• wherein each of the first and second endpoint devices has associated therewith a corresponding distributed test unit;
• and
• wherein at least one of the distributed test units is configured to support a web-based user interface providing access to measurement data associated with the one or more measurements.

An apparatus for use in a network-based communication system, the apparatus comprising:

• a first endpoint device configurable for operation with at least a second endpoint device;
• the first and second endpoint devices being two of a plurality of endpoint devices collectively implementing a distributed monitoring and analysis system in which a communication is directed to at least one of the endpoint devices and one or more measurements are made based on the communication;
• wherein the distributed monitoring and analysis system does not require a centralized controller;
• wherein at least a given one of the endpoint devices is operative to implement an address discovery process which permits that endpoint device to locate other endpoint devices configured for participation in the distributed monitoring and analysis system;
• and
• wherein the address discovery process is operative such that, upon identification of an additional endpoint device configured for participation in the distributed monitoring and analysis system, a remaining search space is partitioned among at least the given endpoint device and the additional endpoint device.

An apparatus for use in a network-based communication system, the apparatus comprising:

• a first endpoint device configurable for operation with at least a second endpoint device;
• at least the first and second endpoint devices collectively implementing a distributed monitoring and analysis system in which a communication is directed to at least one of the endpoint devices and one or more measurements are made based on the communication;
• wherein the distributed monitoring and analysis system does not require a centralized controller;
• and
• wherein the first and second endpoint devices are part of a plurality of endpoint devices organized into a hierarchy comprising a plurality of zones, with each of the plurality of endpoint devices belonging to at least one zone.

An apparatus for use in a network-based communication system, the apparatus comprising:

• a first endpoint device configurable for operation with at least a second endpoint device;
• the first and second endpoint devices being two of a plurality of endpoint devices collectively implementing a distributed monitoring and analysis system in which a communication is directed to at least one of the endpoint devices and one or more measurements are made based on the communication;
• wherein the distributed monitoring and analysis system does not require a centralized controller;
• and
• wherein the distributed monitoring and analysis system supports a scripting feature which permits a user-scripted test program to be carried out by one or more of the endpoints.