Methods for embedding an out-of-band signal into a communication protocol capture stream

A method for managing a data capture stream for a communication protocol host and a device using an analyzer having a packet buffer, comprising the steps of:

• receiving one or more communication protocol packets from a communication protocol input line into a packet buffer;
• receiving signals unrelated to the communication protocol from a general purpose input line;
• if a change is detected with respect to at least some of the signals unrelated to the communication protocol, recording that the change has been detected and recording a timestamp corresponding to the change;
• inserting the change and the timestamp of the signals unrelated to the communication protocol in the packet buffer such that the change and the timestamp are interleaved with the one or more communication protocol packets in the packet buffer;
• and
• generating a data capture stream from the packet buffer.

A system for monitoring a communication protocol data stream between a source and a destination, comprising:

• an interface configured to
• receive a stream of one or more communication protocol packets from a communication protocol input line;
• and
• receive signals unrelated to the communication protocol from a general purpose input line;
• and
• a processor coupled to the interface, configured to:
• process the stream of one or more communication protocol packets and the signals unrelated to the communication protocol;
• interleave change of state information of the signals unrelated to the communication protocol with the stream of one or more processed communication protocol packets as an analysis stream without interleaving the signals unrelated to the communication protocol with the stream, wherein the change of state information includes a change of state in the signals unrelated to the communication protocol and a timestamp corresponding to the change of state, and wherein the change of state information of the signals unrelated to the communication protocol is different from the signals unrelated to the communication protocol;
• and
• send the analysis stream to an analysis computer.

A system for managing a data capture stream for a communication protocol host and a device, comprising:

• an interface configured to
• receive one or more communication protocol packets from a communication protocol input line into a packet buffer;
• and
• receive signals unrelated to the communication protocol from a general purpose input line;
• and
• a processor coupled to the interface, configured to:
• if a change is detected with respect to at least some of the signals unrelated to the communication protocol, record that the change has been detected and record a timestamp corresponding to the change;
• insert the change and the timestamp of the signals unrelated to the communication protocol in the packet buffer such that the change and the timestamp are interleaved with the one or more communication protocol packets in the packet buffer;
• and
• generate a data capture stream from the packet buffer.