METHOD AND APPARATUS TO ESTABLISH A TAP-POINT IN A SWITCHED NETWORK

A method and apparatus for monitoring data sent between a source node and destination node in a switched network, wherein the switches configure themselves to establish a connection path to a probe switch to receive the monitored data. The source and destination are identified along with the pro be switch. An originating switch on a path between the source and destination i s identified and connections between the originating switch and the probe swit ch are established. The originating switch sends out a first message and when t he probe switch receives the first message, it returns a second message to the originating switch. Each switch between the originating switch and the probe switch that receives the first and second messages configures itself to establish the connection path.