PassiveLINE

PassiveLINE is a system for the passive measurement of traffic and communication data. It is designed to collect information without actively probing or interfering with the network it is monitoring. The primary function of PassiveLINE is to provide insights into network behavior, usage patterns, and potential anomalies by observing existing network traffic. This makes it a non-intrusive method for data collection.

The system typically operates by tapping into network links and analyzing data packets as they flow. This allows for the capture of various metadata, such as source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, protocols, and timestamps. Depending on the implementation, it may also be capable of inspecting packet payloads, though this is often subject to privacy and security considerations. The data collected by PassiveLINE can be used for a range of applications, including network performance monitoring, security analysis, and traffic engineering.

Key advantages of using a passive measurement system like PassiveLINE include its low impact on network performance, as it does not generate its own traffic. It can also offer a more realistic view of actual network activity compared to active probing techniques, which might alter the behavior of the network being studied. However, passive systems are limited to observing traffic that passes through the point of measurement and cannot gather information about unobserved segments of the network. Deployment often requires physical access to network infrastructure.