Multiple channels of a multi-channel analyzer are allocated among multiple users such that each user can initiate and retrieve the results of separate diagnostic sessions or strategies. Each analyzer channel includes an input connection port, a trace buffer memory and logic circuitry. The input connection port is operably connected to a unique node in the communication network. A host processor assigns ownership of a unique set of analyzer channels to at least two users such that each user can initiate separate simultaneously established traces on the communication network. The logic circuitry monitors frame data on the connection port at each node in accordance with a set of instructions established by the user assigned to the analyzer channel for that node, and the traces are captured in response to the set of instructions such that each user retrieves only results of the analyzer channels assigned to that user.