That each switch is configured with a series of new commands, such as NELD, which include various parameters, the parameters matching predefined terms, such as STP, BGP or DROP, and specifying a particular port or interface, if relevant. By predefining the parameters, the switch is configured to obtain data relevant to a particular problem. When a problem occurs, the administrator sends the command to all relevant switches with a parameter relevant to the problem being analyzed. Preferably, this sending of the command is done using a management application, so that the command can be sent to each switch by the management application in an extremely short period. By capturing all of the data in a small window, the odds are greatly improved on obtaining the relevant data. By having the preprogrammed commands, all of the desired data can be obtained in a single command rather than a series of commands.