Patent attributes
Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for improved management and control of packet forwarding in network systems. Network devices and tool optimizers and a related systems and methods are disclosed for improved packet forwarding between network sources and destination tools in a network monitoring environment. The network devices and tool optimizers disclosed can include a graphical user interfaces (GUIs) through which a user can create and modify filters and select associated filter criteria for forwarding packets from input ports to output ports. The network devices and tool optimizers can also automatically generate filter rules and apply them to the appropriate filter engines so that packets are forwarded as desired by the user. The GUI can be configured to provide other features as well.