Basic Port Monitor Functions

A port monitor is a process that is responsible for monitoring a set of homogeneous, incoming ports on a machine. A port monitor's major purpose is to detect incoming service requests and to dispatch them appropriately.

A port is an externally seen access point on a system. A port can be an address on a network (TSAP or PSAP), a hardwired terminal line, an incoming phone line, and so on. The definition of what constitutes a port is strictly a function of the port monitor itself.

A port monitor performs certain basic functions. Some of these functions are required to conform to the SAF. Other functions can be specified by the requirements and design of the port monitor itself.

Port monitors have two main functions:

• Managing ports

• Monitoring ports for indications of activity