Computer hardware and software for providing the following functions, namely providing diagnostic testing analysis for data and telecommunications networks; computer hardware and software for simulating, monitoring, testing, or capturing data on a telephony network; communications hardware and software for convergence of telecommunication and Internet protocol networks, data and telecommunication database systems for use with telecommunications networks; routers for use in telephony and data networks; digital packet switches for use with telecommunications networks; computer hardware, software and firmware which comprises a distributed, high-speed, intelligent packet switch providing connectivity, message routing and distribution for distribution telecommunications protocols; computer processors, computer hardware and software interface network analysis and management software and hardware in the nature of network diagnostics, simulation, protocol analysis, operating system program monitors and network communications analyzers; telecommunications equipment, namely telecommunications switching equipment, and computer hardware and software comprising a voice, data and image communications network to allow users in a local area to interface with existing telecommunications networks; computer processors servers workstations, peripherals and software for use therewith to act as a switching system and network; local and wide area network communication equipment for conformance, performance and diagnostic, analysis and simulation; computer hardware and software comprising network management tools and interfaces, namely remote monitoring, protocol conversion, switching apparatus, and adjunct communication processors and computers, namely, external computing or processing platforms to be used in conjunction with said network management tools