A filter might limit the instrument to capturing traffic only from a particular source. The filter also can detect particular types of commands or responses, or it can filter just the first n bytes in each frame. When a Fibre Channel system includes several sets of computers, workstations, and arrays of disks that operate over a fabric, you'll need several sets of test gear that must operate in concert. To make measurements across such a fabric requires synchronizing two protocol analyzers by using a direct connection. First, you need to check the integrity of the Fibre Channel network itself.
Error logs maintained by workstations and smart hubs in the fabric can indicate problems.
If your Fibre Channel system already includes a protocol analyzer, the analyzer will provide log information, too. The logged information helps you assess whether or not the network's electrical or optical links are operating properly. Most Fibre Channel users report error rates considerably lower than that. LIPs also occur when someone adds or removes a device from a Fibre Channel network. When errors appear in a network, testing poses a challenge because a Fibre Channel network provides no easy way to determine where errors arise between the source of information and the device that monitors link activity.