Assisted determination of data flows in communication/data networks

摘要

In one embodiment, a method of determining data traffic flow in a network includes: (a) selecting a location within the network for providing a data collector adapted to process data pertaining to the network data traffic flow; (b) determining the expense or level of data capture that would result from providing the data collector at the selected location; and (c) providing the data collector at the selected location dependent on the determination in step (b) and predetermined expense or data capture targets.