4 Figure 3: Protocol analysis in Switched Ethernet with mirror port All data communication which is mirrored on the target port from the source ports is recorded. Today's complex networks are divided into numerous bridges, routers and switches in many little networks. Data analysis must be performed here for each network segment. The analyzer must be connected where recording is to be done. If you do not want to connect/disconnect so many times, an analyzer must be installed at each place that is to be recorded. This can be very expensive, however. Probes – external analysis devices which are available both as hardware and software –collect information and send it over the network to the central console. Usually probes only collect parameters such as load, port errors, rejected packets, and so on. True frame recording does not occur. NetSpector: Remote recording by separating recording and indication INAT NetSpector goes one step further here. The network sniffer enables protocol analysis in switched networks from one central point. NetSpector is modularly designed. Display unit and recording agent are separate and can be used at different locations. The display unit is the user interface with which data recording is controlled and the recorded data are indicated. The recording agent is responsible for the actual recording (capturing). It is either installed on the same station on which the display unit was installed or – and this is the special feature – on a remote station. Where can the NetSpector recording agent be run? On any PC, on diverse INAT products and, in the future, also directly integrated in infrastructure components like switches.