QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Inet Technologies, Inc. of our reports dated January 26, 2004, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Inet Technologies, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas
July 15, 2004

QuickLinks

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM