Method and apparatus to schedule multiple probes for active or passive monitoring of networks

Abstract

An apparatus and method for scheduling multiple probes for monitoring of a network is disclosed. The method comprises identifying a group of multiple probes to be deployed over an IP network, each of the multiple probes measuring different performance metrics in the network. A schedule period is also identified, in which to schedule the deployment of the multiple probes in the group. An even or random mode of scheduling may be specified. In response the even mode of scheduling, the apparatus may schedule the deployment of the multiple probes in the defined group periodically in the schedule period and/or schedules the group of probes periodically. Alternatively, in response to the random mode of scheduling, the scheduling apparatus may schedule the deployment of each of the multiple probes in the defined group at random intervals and/or schedules the group of probes randomly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of scheduling multiple probes in a network, the method comprising:
 identifying at least one group of multiple probes to be deployed in the network;   identifying a schedule period in which to schedule the deployment of the group of multiple probes; and   deploying the group of multiple probes in the schedule period.