Multiple channels of a multi-channel analyzer are allocated among multiple
users such that each user can initiate and retrieve the results of separate diagnostic
sessions. Each analyzer channel includes an input connection port, a trace buffer
memory and logic circuitry. Each input connection port is operably connected to
a unique node in the communication network. A host processor connected to each
analyzer channel assigns ownership of a unique set of analyzer channel to at least
two different users such that each user can initiate separate traces that are simultaneously
established on the connection port at each node in accordance with a set of instructions
established by the user assigned to the analyzer channel for that node, and the
traces are captured in response to the set of instructions for each analyzer channel
such that each user retrieves only the results of the analyzer channels assigned
to that user.
