The 'Traffic in Context' feature in NetProfiler is a powerful drill-down tool designed to maintain the analytical context when pivoting from one report to another. When a user generates a new report using this feature, NetProfiler preserves the complete context of the original report. This includes both the specific time frame being analyzed and all previously applied traffic criteria or filters (e.g., hosts, applications, conversations). This functionality enables a seamless and focused investigation of a specific traffic pattern or performance issue without requiring the user to manually re-apply the same parameters for each new analytical view.

B. Only the traffic criteria: This is incorrect because the time frame is a fundamental part of the analytical context and is also carried forward.

C. Only the time frame: This is incorrect because the specific traffic filters are essential for the drill-down analysis and are also preserved.

D. No data is carried forward: This is incorrect as the core purpose of the 'Traffic in Context' feature is to carry forward the existing analytical context.

1. Riverbed SteelCentral NetProfiler 10.9.2 User's Guide: In the section "Reports," under the subsection "Drilling Down with Traffic in Context," the documentation states: "When you launch a new report using Traffic in Context, the new report inherits the time controls and any filters from the original report. The item you selected in the original report is added as a new filter." (This concept is detailed in the reporting and analysis chapters of the official user guides).

2. Riverbed Official Courseware, RSP 220-A: Riverbed SteelCentral NetProfiler & NetExpress Essentials: Module 6, "Reporting and Analysis," explains that context-based drill-down reporting maintains the time interval and filters from the parent report to provide a consistent and focused troubleshooting workflow. The 'Traffic in Context' menu is presented as the primary mechanism for this action.