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AST II User Guide 3.0.book

1. m Traffic Distribution Transmitter Receiver Part Pairs Chassis 113 a Chassis 113 Chassis 1 14 Chassis 115 Chassis 115 Chassis 1 16 Chassis 1 16 Chassis 1 17 Chassis 1 17 Chassis 1 18 Chassis 1 18 Chassis 119 Chassis 119 gt Chassis 1 20 x Chassis 1 20 x Port Pairs Chassis 1 13 Chassis 1 14 Once you select the transmitter and receiver port click on this arrow The selected ports appear in the Port Pairs pane If this arrow is not available it means the selection of ports is not valid Check you selections and reselect the ports Figure 10 2 Traffic Distribution Pane Error Filtering Test Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Configuring Test Parameters Configuring Test Parameters y gt This section explains how to configure the test parameters for the Error Filtering test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already completed the general test setup including selecting the ports see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 186 See Table 10 3 on page 188 for descriptions of the test parameters Note If you already have a configuration file for this test you can open it and quickly configure the test includes card setup test options frame setup and test parameters To configure the Error Filtering test parameters follow these steps 1 Inthe main window make sure that the Test Setup tab is selected The selected Test Type should be Error
2. Frame Loss Rate 100 80 10 00 60 40 20 100 00 y The Load values for the test appear here o o gt E Z Bull Ports The ports you selected in the Chart Wizard appear here Figure 7 4 Chart Tab Congestion Control Test AST II User Guide Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Viewing Test Results Summary Tab The Summary tab Figure 7 5 displays the exact same information as the Chart tab but in tabular format Like the Chart tab the Summary tab allows you to select the frame size and burst size values that you want to view by using the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus The results are organized as follows e The different Load values of the test are displayed with each Load value in its own column e Each port is displayed in its own row The summary results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 7 5 shows an example of the Summary tab In this example the selected test parameter values are 128 for Frame Size and 50 for Burst Size Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you you want to view here want to view here Chart Summary Details Counters Frame Size 0 0000 0 0000 27 5532 49 9955 gooo 0 0000 27 5532 49 9955 Figure 7 5 Summary Tab Congestion Control Test AST II User Guide 145 Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Viewing Test Results
3. Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports on page 88 Setting the Options and Frame Setup parameters Setting the Test Options on page 94 and Setting the Frame Setup Parameters on page 98 Selecting the type of test you want to run Setting test parameters specific to the test 10 Starting the test 11 Viewing test results For steps 8 through 11 refer to the chapter that covers the test you want to run AST II User Guide 39 pe SPIRENT Communications 40 ASTII User Guide Chapter 3 Install and Connect This chapter provides information on the AST II installation requirements the AST II installation procedure and procedures for connecting your PC chassis and DUT SUT In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics SmartBits Hardware Requirements 42 PC Requirements 44 Installing AST II 45 e Connection Procedures 46 AST Il User Guide 41 Chapter 3 Install and Connect SmartBits Hardware Requirements SmartBits Hardware Requirements AST II supports the SmartBits hardware listed in Table 3 1 Table 3 2 and Table 3 3 Operation of AST II requires at least one of the supported chassis types is needed plus two or more SmartCards modules that are supported by the chassis Table 3 1 Supported SmartBits Chassis Chassis SmartBits 200 SmartBits 2000 SmartBits 600 SmartBits 6000B
4. SmartBits 6000C Table 3 2 Supported SmartBits 200 2000 SmartCards SmartCard GX 1405B Description 1000Base LX Ethernet 1 port multi mode 850nm GX 1405Bs 1000Base LX Ethernet 1 port single mode 1310nm GX 1420B 10 100Base Ethernet Copper 1 port ML 5710A 10Base T Ethernet USB 2 port SmartMetrics ML 7710 10 100Base TX Ethernet 1 port SmartMetrics ML 7711 100Base FX Ethernet 1 port multi mode 1300nm SmartMetrics ML 771 1s 100Base FX Ethernet 1 port single mode 1310nm SmartMetrics SX 7210 10 100Base TX Ethernet MII 1 port SX 7410B 10 100Base TX Ethernet 1 port SX 7411 42 ASTII User Guide 10 100Base FX Ethernet 1 port Chapter 3 Install and Connect SmartBits Hardware Requirements Table 3 3 Supported SmartBits 600 6000B 6000C Modules Module Description LAN 3100A 10 100Base TX Ethernet 8 port LAN 3101A B 10 100Base TX Ethernet 6 port SmartMetrics LAN 3102A 10 100Base TX Ethernet 2 port SmartMetrics LAN 3200A 1000Base SX Ethernet 2 port multi mode 850nm LAN 3200As 1000Base LX Ethernet 2 port single mode 1310nm LAN 3201B C 1000Base Ethernet GBIC 1 port SmartMetrics LAN 3300A 10 100 1000Base T Ethernet Copper 2 port SmartMetrics LAN 3301A 10 100 1000Base T Ethernet Copper 2 port TeraMetrics LAN 3302A 10 100Base T Ethernet Copper 2 port TeraMetric
5. Option 5 Many to many bidirectional m to n M N Port 1 Port3 For this option the number of m ports Port 2 C a Port 4 and n ports does not have to be equal Option 6 Many to many unidirectional m to n M N Port 1 on Porka For this option the number of m ports Port 2 C gt O Port 4 Profile and n ports does not have to be equal One of the test available test modes This mode provides an overall view of the DUT SUT s performance as the test parameter s vary increase In this mode you have the option of specifying the length of the test iterations or you can choose to run the test continuously See Profile Mode Duration set to Seconds on page 25 and Profile Mode Duration set to Continuous on page 27 for details Resolution The finest adjustment in percent possible for the Load during the test This parameter applies only to the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests when using Search mode to measure throughput The smaller the Resolution value the more accurate the test results Smaller Resolution values also increase test time If the required adjustment to the current Load is less than the Resolution the trial stops For example if your Resolution setting is 5 0 and the required adjustment to the current Load is less than 5 0 the trial stops See Search on page 18 for details on Search mode Search 18 ASTII User Guide One o
6. e The type of chassis see Table 3 4 Note The display of the available SmartCard module ports is not affected by whether or not you have multiple IP SmartBits connections or if you are using multiple chassis SmartBits Connection Names When setting up a SmartBits connection for a SmartBits chassis you can assign a specific name to each connection If you entered a name each port in the chassis for that connection contains the name you entered see Setting up SmartBits Connections on page 47 for details on entering a name for the SmartBits connection If you did not enter aname AST II assigns the default name of SMB The numbering that follows the name you specified or the default name varies depending on the type of chassis see Table 3 4 AST II displays the ports in the main window in the same manner as they appear on the chassis For all types of chassis the name of the SmartBits connection is the first portion of each port name that appears in the main window Depending on the type of chassis the markings that follow the connection name in the port names indicate the particular port in the chassis The following table describes the port numbering scheme for all chassis types Table 3 4 Port Numbering for Various SmartBits Chassis Chassis Type Port Numbering SmartBits This example shows six ports in a chassis with the SmartBits 200 2000 connection name of Chassis 1 The number following the SmartBits con
7. Allows you to select the speed of the DUT SUT to which this port is connected The options are 10M 10 Mbps Ethernet e 100M 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet e 1G 1 Gigabit per second Gigabit Ethernet e 10G 10 Gigabit per second Gigabit Ethernet Duplex Default is Full Duplex Allows you to select the duplex mode of the DUT SUT to which this port is connected The options are e Full Duplex Allows traffic in both directions simultaneously e Half Duplex Allows traffic in one direction at a time If you select Half Duplex the actual duration can exceed the duration specified in the test setup Note By default AST II waits 15 seconds between each iteration of a test This allows the transmitting ports to complete transmitting the traffic for the current iteration before starting to transmit traffic for the next iteration If you select Half Duplex the test may terminate before completion with a Partial Transmission error due to additional delay caused by collisions To prevent this you can increase the delay between iterations by increasing the wait timer value from 15 seconds to 30 seconds To make this change modify the Delay After Transmit setting on the Options tab see Table 5 2 Test Options on page 96 AST Il User Guide 91 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports Table 5 1 Card Setup Parameters continued Parameter Autonegotiation Descriptio
8. Note Since AST II automatically reserves the available SmartCards modules for your use while the test runs you can choose not to reserve cards before you run a test AST II also automatically releases a card makes it available for other users when the test is completed However it is highly recommended that you reserve the cards you want to use in the test If you try to run a test using a card that has been reserved by another user after you have already configured it for the test you cannot use it until the other user completes his her testing and unreserves it The following sections show you how to e View the SmartCards modules available for testing see Viewing the Available SmartCards Modules on page 86 e Reserve and unreserve SmartCards modules for a test see Reserving and Unreserving SmartCards Modules on page 87 AST II User Guide 85 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Reserving SmartCards Modules for the Test Viewing the Available SmartCards Modules When you connect to a chassis the Ports pane of the main window see below displays only the ports of the SmartCards modules that are available for the test The port display varies depending on the type of chassis See SmartCard Module Port Display in the Main Window on page 52 for information In this example the chassis is a SmartBits 200 and the test type selected is Forwarding with a Partially Meshed traffic distribution Monitor Ports OCha
9. e Counters tab see Appendix D Test Results Counters for information and field descriptions This tab is the same for all tests 224 ASTII User Guide Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Viewing Test Results Chart Tab The Chart tab Figure 12 5 displays the latency results in microseconds for selected Frame Size and Burst Size values for all ports in the test Select the Frame Size and Burst Size values that you want to view by sing the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus Note Do not use the Chart Wizard to specify the test results you want displayed for this test The charts can also be exported as jpg files or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 12 5 shows an example of the Chart tab In this example the selected test parameter values are 128 for Frame Size and one 1 for Burst Size Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you you want to view here want to view here rc i Details ieee Frame Size Burst Size Latency us 150 100 Latency 50 a Y N ho QJ Ports Figure 12 5 Chart Tab AST II User Guide 225 Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Viewing Test Results 226 Summary Tab The Summary tab Figure 12 6 displays the exact same latency results as the Chart tab but in tabular format Like the Chart tab the Summary tab allows you to select the Frame Size and Burst Size values that you want
10. Appendix B Formulas Calculating the Number of Bursts Using the IBG Calculator gt Although AST II automatically calculates the IBG for you based on your Frame Size Load Burst Size and Speed settings you can use the JBG Calculator window to calculate the IBG You can also use it to calculate the number of bursts and Txtime transmit time The procedure below shows you how to use this window to calculate these values To calculate the IBG using the IBG Calculator window follow the steps below 1 Open the IBG Calculator window Figure B 4 by doing one of the following e Choose Help gt IBG Calculator e Click the IBG Calculator button on the toolbar 2 Using the Speed pull down menu select one of the following options e 10M 10 Mbps Ethernet e 100M 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet e 1G 1 Gigabit per second Gigabit Ethernet e 10G 10 Gigabit per second Gigabit Ethernet 3 Inthe Load field enter the desired load 4 Inthe Frame Size field enter the desired frame size 5 In the Burst Size field enter the desired burst size 6 In the Duration field enter the desired duration The IBG appears in the JBG ns field based on the values you entered in Step 2 through Step 6 Other values such as the Txtime displayed as Burst Time and the number of bursts displayed as Burst Count appear below the IBG ns field Speed MME 8 Ins 614438 The BG appears here Load 10 Burst Time ns 57600 The Burst T
11. From 1 to 3000 seconds Default is 10 For the Address Learning and Address Caching tests the maximum is 3600 seconds AST II User Guide 257 Appendix C Valid Test Parameter Values Table C 1 Valid Test Parameter Values and Ranges continued Test Parameter Frame Size all tests except Error Filtering Value Range From 24 to 16387 bytes Depending on the type of test and the test mode you are required to specify one or a number of frame sizes tests that increment Frame Size require more than one size to be specified Some tests such as the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests allow you to specify custom Frame Sizes for the test When using custom frame sizes AST II allows a maximum of 2048 different sizes The defaults custom sizes are the recommended values specified in RFC 2285 64 128 256 512 1024 1280 1518 Frame Size Error Filtering test only The allowable ranges vary depending on the frame size option The allowable ranges per option are From 64 to 1518 The default is 64 bytes From 1519 16387 The default is 1523 e Size e Oversize bytes e Undersize From 24 63 The default is 63 bytes Initial MAC address pattern 6 octets Default is 00 00 00 00 00 00 Learning Rate Address Learning and Address Caching tests From 1 10000000 frames per second See the chapters that cover the Address Learning and Address Caching tests for the defaults for th
12. RFCs supported 10 running a test Address Caching test 174 Address Learning test 158 Broadcast Forwarding test 208 Broadcast Latency test 223 Congestion Control test 142 Error Filtering test 191 Forward Pressure test 239 Forwarding test 126 S saving test results 80 search algorithms Address Caching test 250 Address Learning test 249 Broadcast Forwarding test 248 Forwarding test 247 general information 246 Search mode Broadcast Forwarding test 28 definition 24 Forwarding test 28 serial connection 49 Setup and Run display 57 shortcut bar main window 70 SmartBits menu 64 Status bar Results display 79 Summary tab Address Caching test results 177 Address Learning test results 161 Broadcast Forwarding test results 211 Broadcast Latency test results 226 Congestion Control test results 145 Error Filtering test results 194 Forward Pressure test results 242 Forwarding test results 129 general information 75 supported hardware 42 synchronizing chassis 46 T technical support contact 6 Test menu 64 test methodology 20 test options description of 96 setting 94 test results Address Caching test 175 Address Learning test 159 Broadcast Forwarding test 209 Broadcast Latency test 224 Congestion Control test 143 Error Filtering test 192 Forward Pressure test 240 AST II User Guide 275 Index Forwarding test 127 saving to csv files 82 saving to HTML files 80 Test Setup tab 58 Address Caching test 171
13. depending on the type of test results you want to view chart summary results detail results or counters In the example shown in Figure 4 11 the Chart tab is selected See Results Tabs on page 73 for descriptions of the tabs Menu Bar see page 67 Toolbar see page 68 Sample Forwarding Test ast Result 1 Astil File Edit View Smartbits Test Results Help OSm ss op EL Chart Summary Details Counters Results Frame Size v Burst Size 50 x F You use these tabs to select the type of results you want to view see page 73 Forward elect the Frame heat Frame Loss Rate Size and Burst Size g you want to view in Congestion Control the chart F5 Address Learning Address Caching Error Filtering Broadcast Forwarding Broadcast Latency o M For Help press F1 Status bar see page 71 Connection indicator see page 71 Figure 4 11 AST II Main Window Results Display 72 ASTII User Guide Results Tabs Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Results Display The Results display contains four tabs that you use to view test results These tabs allow you to view results in chart or table format and you can choose to view summary results or detailed results Availability of the tabs depends on the type of test you are running The following paragraphs describe each of the tabs including which tabs are available for each te
14. on page 66 Opens the About AST II window see Figure 4 9 on page 67 This window displays the AST II software version level plus the version of API and the SmartBits Programming Library used to support AST II This window also displays the name and number of each port the current firmware and required firmware for each SmartCard module and the name of the chassis scroll to view the chassis name If you need to download updated versions of firmware for your SmartCard modules click on the link in the middle of the window to go to the Spirent Communications Customer Service Center website at http support spirentcom com from which youMain Window Setup and Run Display 57 can download the firmware You can also use the Help menu to open this window see Help Menu on page 66 AST II User Guide 69 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display Shortcut Bar The main window provides a shortcut bar Figure 4 10 which you can use to launch the various AST II tests You can also use the Test menu to start the tests see Test Menu on page 64 The Setup amp Run and Results buttons at the top and bottom of the Shortcut bar can be used to select the desired main window display see Selecting the Display on page 56 You have the option of hiding or displaying the Shortcut bar To hide it click the X button at the top right of the Shortcut bar as shown in Figure 4 10 T
15. 26750 Agoura Road Calabasas CA 91302 USA Chapter 1 AST II Overview In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics What Is ASTII 8 e Why Test with ASTII 10 Summary of AST II Tests 11 AST II User Guide 7 Chapter 1 AST II Overview What Is AST II What Is AST II 8 AST II User Guide AST II is an industry standard performance analysis tool for testing Layer 2 LAN switching devices AST II consists of tests based on RFC 2285 and RFC 2889 which specify the terminology and methodology for use in benchmark testing of LAN switching devices The various AST II tests allow you to measure key performance criteria of your LAN switching devices such as e Throughput e Frame loss e Latency when forwarding broadcast traffic e Performance under congested conditions including e Determining if head of line blocking exists e Determining if forward pressure exists e Address handling including e Address learning rate e Address caching For information on the features capabilities supported RFCs and a list of the various AST II tests see the following sections e Features and capabilities of AST II see page 9 e RFCs supported by AST II see page 10 e Summary of the various AST II tests see page 11 Chapter 1 AST II Overview What Is AST II Features and Capabilities Vv AST II provides the following features and capabilities Tests single or multiple devices in
16. 9 Chapter 1 AST II Overview Supported RFCs Supported RFCs AST II supports to the following RFCs e IETF RFC 2285 Benchmarking Terminology for LAN Switching Devices e IETF RFC 2889 Benchmarking Methodology for LAN Switching Devices Why Test with AST II 10 AST II provides a series of tests that you can use to measure key performance criteria of Layer 2 LAN switching devices The tests enable you to simulate extreme conditions to determine how the device performs For example you can use AST II to measure not only the frame loss and throughput of a LAN switching device but you can simulate congestion on the test ports of the device to see how it responds to congestion The ability to test devices by simulating real world conditions is a valuable tool that can be used to e Verify the functionality and performance of LAN switching devices e Accelerate the development and deployment of LAN switching technology Benefits of Performance Testing with AST II In performance testing AST II enables you to e Identify performance issues and boost product performance AST II s high port density allows you to test the capacity of the backbone of the DUT SUT using hundreds of ports e Perform comparative product testing e Generate comprehensive performance test results for publication in industry sponsored comparative analyses and reports e Shorten your development cycle and reduce your testing effort AST II
17. Definition One of the traffic distribution patterns All of the non meshed traffic distribution pattern options are port pairs You can set up the test to have a single port pair or multiple port pairs There are three options for this traffic distribution pattern Option 1 Bidirectional A to B and B to A Single port pair Multiple port pairs Port 1 Jae Port2 Port1 4 a8 Port 2 Port 3 Aya 8 Port 4 Option 2 Unidirectional A to B Single port pair Multiple port pairs Port 1 A _ Port 2 Port 1 4 _ 8 Port 2 Port 3 Oa Port 4 Option 3 Unidirectional B to A Single port pair Multiple port pairs Port 1 A lt _ 8 Port 2 Port 1 4 lt __ 8 Port 2 Port 3 A lt _ 8 Port 4 Table 2 1 General Test Terminology continued Term Partially Meshed Definition Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Terminology One of the traffic distribution patterns There are three basic options one to many many to one and many to many Since you must also specify the traffic direction bidirectional or unidirectional there are a total of six possible partially meshed traffic pattern options These options are Option 1 Many to one bidirectional Port 1 Ee C Port 3 AST II User Guide 17 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Terminology Table 2 1 General Test Terminology continued Term Partially Meshed continued Definition
18. also do this by using the Results button on the toolbar see Toolbar on page 68 AST II User Guide 65 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display 66 Option Chart Wizard Description Opens the Chart Wizard window Use this window to select the ports you want to view You can also open the Chart Wizard using the Chart Wizard button on the toolbar see Toolbar on page 68 Note For information on saving test results including csv files see Test Results on F page 80 Help Menu The Help menu provides options for displaying AST II online help opening the IBG calculator and viewing details about the AST II software you are running Option Help Topics Description Opens online Help IBG Calculator Opens the IBG Calculator window see Figure 4 8 on page 67 Use this window to calculate the IBG interburst gap See Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG on page 252 for details on how to use this window About AST II AST II User Guide Opens the About AST II window see Figure 4 9 on page 67 This window displays the AST II software version level plus the version of API and the SmartBits Programming Library used to support AST II This window also displays the name and number of each port the current firmware and required firmware for each SmartCard module and the name of the chassis scroll to view the chassis name If you need to dow
19. displays detailed test for all ports for a single iteration in tabular format You can select the Frame Size Burst Size and Load values for the iteration you want to view by using the Frame Size Burst Size and Load pull down menus If you set up a monitor port for the test this tab displays test results for that port The detailed results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 6 9 shows an example of the Details tab In this example the selected test Load value is 10 Frame Size is 512 and Burst Size is 50 See Table 6 2 on page 122 for descriptions of the Details tab fields Select the Frame Size you Select the Burst Size you Select the Load you want want to view here want to view here to view here Total Test Frames Test Frames oer Frames R gt Ict Frames Received eceive os Received If you set up a monitor port for the test not available for all tests this tab displays test results for the port here rc Figure 6 9 Details Tab Forwarding Test 130 ASTII User Guide Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results Counters Tab The Counters tab displays the same test results data for all AST II tests For a list and descriptions of the various counters see Appendix D Test Results Counters AST Il User Guide 131 pe SPIRENT Communications 132 ASTII User Guide Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test This chapter descr
20. e Updated the AST II connection procedures and included additional information that pertains to multiple chassis environments see Connection Procedures on page 46 e Updated Card Setup tab information to include the new Interface field see Card Setup Tab on page 61 Also added this field to the port configuration procedure see Configuring Ports Individually on page 90 and port configuration parameter table see Table 5 1 on page 91 Updated screen shots of the Card Setup tab throughout the manual AST II User Guide 267 Appendix G Revision History 268 Deleted the reference to the ASTIapi ini file as a means of modifying the delay between test iterations The reference was deleted from the Duplex parameter description in Table 5 1 Card Setup Parameters on page 91 The delay between test iterations can now be specified by the new Delay After Transmit parameter on the Options tab Updated Options tab information to include the new Stagger Start and Delay After Transmit parameters see Options Tab on page 60 Also added these parameters to the option setup procedure see Setting the Test Options on page 94 and test options table see Table 5 2 on page 96 Updated screen shots of the Options tab throughout the manual Updated the Frame Setup procedure including the addition of the new ZP Header and Type of Service parameters see Setting the Frame Setup Parameters on page 98 and Tab
21. is set to Continuous Using these settings the test parameters remain constant throughout the test and you do not specify the length of the test The test runs continuously until you manually stop it y Note Since the length of the test is controlled manually and the parameters do not vary the concept of trials and iterations do not apply to when the Duration option is set to Continuous in Profile mode In this example the test parameters are Load Burst Size and Frame Size The values are as follows Parameter Values Parameter Values Parameter Values Load Start 10 Burst Size Start 1 Frame Size Start 64 As shown in Figure 2 3 the parameters remain constant during the test Burst Size Frame Size Load 64 Start of Test Figure 2 3 Profile Mode Duration set to Continuous AST Il User Guide 27 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology 28 Search Mode Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests Unlike Profile mode only the Burst Size and Frame Size vary according to your Start Step and Stop settings when running the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests in Search mode these tests can be run in either mode The Load is automatically adjusted up or down from iteration to iteration based on whether the DUT SUT passes or fails at the current Load The amount of adjustment up or down is determined by the search algorithm the test uses to
22. see Iteration on page 15 AST Il User Guide 19 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology General Test Methodology This section provides information on the general test methodology of AST II including the basic phases of the AST II tests see Basic Phases of an AST II Test below and the basic structure of the tests during the testing phase see Basic AST II Test Structure on page 23 Basic Phases of an AST II Test AST II test phases include how the application processes input performs the test and returns status information and test results Each of the phases is described in Table 2 2 below See Figure 2 1 on page 22 for a diagram of the AST II test phases Table 2 2 Phases of an AST II Test Phase Description Input Validation All the user specified arguments are checked for proper valid ranges and values If invalid values are detected an error message appears Test Reset All previous port groups are cleared e All participating ports are added to test groups e All VFDs are cleared e All triggers are cleared e All alignment and CRC error generation is cleared e Transmit mode is set e All port counters are cleared Port Validation In the port validation phase Speed Duplex Autonegotiation Flow Control and Interface parameters are set and verified for each port in the test Link Check Each port in the test is checked for a valid link before the start of
23. selected is Address Learning as shown in Figure 8 3 Test Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Test Type Address Learning x Test Learning Rate Frames sec Number of Trials fi Initial 10000 Frame Size 64 Aging Time fis ee fass 488 seconds iai Burst Size Number of e5538 TA FETT Addresses Maximum Lz Figure 8 3 Test Setup Tab Address Learning Test EE 2 Inthe Test pane do the following Inthe Number of Trials field enter the number of trials for the test Inthe Aging Time field enter the Aging Time in seconds for the test This field must be set to a value greater than the value of the address aging timer on the DUT Also the address aging timer on the DUT must be set greater than the time it takes the Minimum learning rate frames second to transmit the Number of Addresses defined AST II User Guide 155 Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Configuring Test Parameters Configuration Example This example will help illustrate how to configure the Aging Time and Number of Addresses fields in relationship with the Minimum learning rate setting in AST II If the Minimum learning rate is left at the default value of 1488 and you set the Number of Addresses to 16 000 addresses then the absolute minimum of the DUT address Aging Time should be 16 000 1488 10 75 or 11 seconds To be conservative we recommend that you add 10 seconds of AST II overhead an
24. technical content changes When minor non technical changes cosmetic or editorial are made the revision letter does not increment This revision history for the AST II User Guide begins with Revision A Revision A August 1999 First release of this manual Revision B March 2001 Updated the manual to include AST II 2 00 updates Revision C November 2001 Updated the manual to include AST II 2 10 updates Revision D August 2003 Updated the manual to include AST II 3 00 updates The following changes were made to the manual e Updated overall layout and format of the manual and made general text corrections e Changed software version references to version 3 00 throughout the manual e Updated the list of related manuals see Related Manuals on page 5 e Updated technical support contact information see How to Contact Us on page 6 Added references to Spirent Communications Customer Service Center website throughout manual e Updated the supported hardware list to include the SmartBits 6000C chassis the ATM 3451A 3453 modules and the LAN 3306A 3320A 3321A 3324A 3325A 3327A modules see SmartBits Hardware Requirements on page 42 Also updated all other card descriptions and included SmartBits 6000C references throughout the manual Updated AST II operating system support under PC Requirements on page 44 Updated the AST II software installation procedure under Installing AST IT on page 45
25. test including e The supported traffic distribution patterns see Supported Traffic Distributions e Basic traffic flow see Traffic Flow below For information on Error Filtering test methodology see Test Methodology on page 185 Supported Traffic Distributions Figure 10 1 shows the supported traffic distribution patterns for this test either a single port pair or multiple port pairs with one transmitting and one receiving port in each pair The traffic direction for this test is always unidirectional Single port pair Multiple port pairs Transmitter Receiver Transmitter Receiver Port 1 Port 2 Port 1 Port 2 Port 3 Port 4 Figure 10 1 Supported Traffic Distributions Note Unlike some tests like the Forwarding test you do not select the traffic distribution using a pull down menu When you select the ports you specify the transmitting port and receiving port of each port pair see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 186 for details Traffic Flow The transmitting ports in each port pair you set up transmit traffic to the receiving ports in sequence The following table shows how the transmitting ports transmit frames to the receiving ports using the configuration shown in Figure 10 1 AST II User Guide Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Test Methodology Configuration Source Port Destination Ports simultaneous transmission Single Port Pa
26. 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 1 og 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 Figure 8 5 Summary Tab Address Learning Test AST II User Guide 161 Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Viewing Test Results Details Tab The Details tab Figure 8 6 displays detailed test results for a selected port pair and the monitor port for all iterations of the test in tabular format You can select the port pair that you want to view by using the Port Pairs pull down menu The Frame Size for the test appears near the top of the tab The detailed results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 8 6 shows an example of the Details tab In this example the Frame Size is 64 See Table 8 2 on page 163 for descriptions of the Details tab fields The Frame Size for the Select the port pair you test appears here want to view here jart Summary Deiais Counters Frame Size je i Port Pairs Mine 2 1 gt Mine 2 2 2 1 gt Mine 2 2 Correct Other Frames Ficnd Court Other Frames 1 ee Count Total Frames earning Rate Learning Port Frames on on Learning Test Port es t Port Test Port Monitor Port On Monitor Received on Test St Learning Port Port Cotes nese Port Monitor Port Soo ooo Ses So oo 0 0 0 0 0 0 coo oo Soo Sas Tests results for the monitor port appear here In this example floo
27. ASTII User Guide Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Configuring Test Parameters Configuring Test Parameters y gt This section explains how to configure test parameters for the Broadcast Latency test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already completed the general test setup including selecting the ports see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 219 See Table 12 1 on page 222 for descriptions of the test parameters Note If you already have a configuration file for this test you can open it to quickly configure the test includes card setup test options frame setup and test parameters To configure the Broadcast Latency test parameters follow these steps 1 In the main window make sure the Test Setup tab is selected The selected Test Type should be Broadcast Latency as shown in Figure 12 4 Test Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Test Type HAMER ERa EG Test 1 Frame Size Number Of Trials f Start e4 Step e4 1518 H Ei T Custom Edit Figure 12 4 Test Setup Tab Broadcast Latency Test Stop 2 Inthe Number of Trials field enter the number of trials you want for the test 3 Inthe Frame Size pane select the desired frame size values for the test You are now ready to run the test If you did not use an existing configuration file to configure the test parameters you can save the current configuration to a file by choosing Fil
28. All Zeros Ai Zeros SmartBits see SmartBits Menu on page 64 Test see Test Menu on page 64 Results see Results Menu on page 65 Help see Help Menu on page 66 Reserve Enable Fiber T Reserve Enable Fiber iat Reserve Enable a T Reserve Enable Fiber CT Reserve Enable Fiber Reserve Enable Fiber E Reserve Enable Fiber itt Reserve Enable Fiber O T Reserve Enable Fiber AST II User Guide Note Many of the functions provided through menu options are also available by using the AST II toolbar see Toolbar on page 68 61 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display File Menu The File menu allows you to open save and create configuration files and test results files Option Description New Creates a new test configuration ast file If you changed the values of the configuration parameters from the default values use this option to reset the parameters to the default values Open Opens the Open window Use this window to open load a test configuration ast file Save The Save option works as follows e Ifyou select Save prior to running a test the current configuration is saved to an ast file e Ifyou select Save after running a test both the current configuration and test results are saved to a single ast file Save As Saves the current test configuration to a new ast file You must specify the name for the new
29. As soon as you Start the test the main window changes from the Setup amp Run display to the Results display This display includes four tabs that you can use to select the test results information you want to view For information on the test results data for a specific tab see the following sections Chart tab see Chart Tab on page 128 Summary tab see Summary Tab on page 129 Details tab see Details Tab on page 130 Counters tab see Appendix D Test Results Counters for information and field descriptions This tab is the same for all fields AST II User Guide 127 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results Chart Tab The Chart tab Figure 6 7 displays results for selected ports and selected Frame Size and Burst Size values You can select the ports you want to view by using the Chart Wizard see Using the Chart Wizard on page 75 You can select the Frame Size and Burst Size values you want to view by using the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus Results for all iterations of the test are displayed The charts can also be exported as jpg files or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 6 7 shows an example of the Chart tab In this example the selected test parameter values are 512 for Frame Size and 50 for Burst Size Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you you want to view here want to view here Summary Details Cou t
30. Buttons continued Description Restarts the test after a pause The test begins again at the point it was stopped by using the Pause option see page 68 You can also choose Test gt Resume to resume restart the test Stops the test You can also stop the test by choosing Test gt Stop Opens the Browse Results window This window contains identifiers for test results for tests run using the same test configuration If you run a test more than once without changing the configuration each test result is assigned a unique identifier that appears in the browse list window This allows you to select the particular test result you want to view using the identifiers If you change one or more test parameters and run the test you are prompted to overwrite save the existing test results to an ast file You can also open the Browse Results window by choosing Results gt Chart Wizard Opens the Chart Wizard window Use this window to select the ports you want to view in the test results You can also open the Chart Wizard window by choosing Results gt Chart Wizard Exports saves the results displayed in the Chart Summary and Details tabs as HTML files You can also do this using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Opens the IBG Calculator window see Figure 4 8 on page 67 Use this window to calculate the IBG interburst gap You can also use the Help menu to open this window see Help Menu
31. Counters tab see Appendix D Test Results Counters for information and field descriptions This tab is the same for all tests AST II User Guide 209 Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results 210 Chart Tab The Chart tab Figure 11 5 displays results for selected ports and selected Frame Size and Burst Size values Select the ports that you want to view by using the Chart Wizard see Using the Chart Wizard on page 75 Select the Frame Size and Burst Size values that you want to view by using the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus Results for all iterations of the test are displayed The charts can also be exported as jpg files or HTML files by using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 11 5 shows an example of the Chart tab In this example the selected test parameter values are 128 for Frame Size and 50 for Burst Size Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you you want to view here want to view here Chart Summary Details Cou ers Frame Size 128 ba Burst Size Frame Loss Rate 100 a0 10 00 60 40 20 P 100 00 y The Load values for the test appear here 3 oO oO No No N QJ Ports The ports you selected in the Chart Wizard appear here Figure 11 5 Chart Tab AST II User Guide Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results Summary Tab The Summary tab Figure 1
32. Details Tab The Details tab Figure 7 6 displays detailed results for the congested and uncongested receiving ports for a single iteration in tabular format You can select the Frame Size Burst Size and Load values for the iteration that you want to view by using the Frame Size Burst Size and Load pull down menus The detailed results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 7 6 shows an example of the Details tab In this example the selected Load value is 10 Frame Size is 128 and Burst Size is 50 See Table 7 2 for descriptions of the Details tab fields Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you Select the Load you want you want to view here want to view here to view here p a Frame Size fize 7 Burst Size 50 x Load u ted Uncongested Uncongested Uncongested c ted Congested Congested Congested POBA ed Test Frames Test Frames Test Frames HOLB Exists Ces B Test Frames Test Frames Test Frames z Expected Received Lost Expected Received Lost 3 0 0 F 42233 B Mine 2 4 126699 Figure 7 6 Details Tab Congestion Control Test Table 7 2 Details Tab Field Descriptions Field Description Uncongested Port Uncongested Port Uncongested Port The name of the uncongested port this port receives 50 of the load Uncongested Test Frames The number of test frames the uncongested port expects to Expected receive This nu
33. Fiber The port uses an SFP MSA Small Form Factor Pluggable Optics connector AST II User Guide 93 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Setting the Test Options Setting the Test Options Once you have completed configuring the SmartCard module ports you can set the test options If you have not yet configured the SmartCard module ports do so now see Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports on page 88 Setting the AST II test options allows you to specify the following based on the type of test you want to run e The units for the Load and Learning Rate applies only to the tests that utilize the Load and Learning Rate parameters e The options for address learning e How you want the transmitting ports to transmit traffic during the test simultaneously or in sequence e The options for error handling applies to all tests e Ifyou want to be advised by email when the test is completed or is aborted due to an error applies to all tests D gt To set the test options follow these steps 1 Inthe main window click on the Options tab Figure 5 4 on page 95 2 Inthe Units pane select the Load and Learning Rate units using the pull down menu based on the type of test you want to run applies only to the tests that utilize the Load and Learning Rate parameters 94 ASTI User Guide Chapter 5 General Test Setup Setting the Test Options Test Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Units Test Ex
34. Filtering as shown in Figure 10 3 Test Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Test Type SECT Test Addresses Errors Duration IV Oversize Dribble Bit Seconds fio T Random J a Addresses j i M Undersize Alignment Per Port es l CRC Number Of Trials fi m1 Frame Size 2 Burst Size 3 Load Percentage Size e4 Size fi 7 Start fi 0 Oversize 1523 Step fi 0 Undersize amp Stop 100 Figure 10 3 Test Setup Tab Error Filtering Test 2 Inthe Test pane enter the number of seconds you want each iteration to run in the Seconds text entry field 3 Inthe Number of Trials field enter the number of trials you want for the test In the Addresses pane do one of the following e Check the Random checkbox to randomly assign addresses to each port e Use the Addresses Per Port arrows to specify the number of address you want assigned to each port 5 Inthe Errors pane select the error type s for the test The error type s you can test vary depending on the type of interface see Table 10 2 on page 183 for details You have the option of specifying more than one error type If you select more than one type the test repeats for each error type you select this has no affect on your Number AST II User Guide 187 Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Configuring Test Parameters 188 of Trials setting For example if you select Undersize and Oversize th
35. Installing ASTI ove sexe wiehag dedhedtseetiage dase O Mises E E E Se 45 Connection Procedures 45 2 6iss88 hee oh das a bed eee awe ee ives AEAEE san 46 Synchronizing CHASSIS ons g scrs o8a o ae Sade d awa peewenasdwel ee deans Seeded 46 Setting up SmartBits Connections 0 0 eee eee eee 47 Establishing a SmartBits AST If Connection 0 0 0 e eee eee eee ee 50 SmartCard Module Port Display in the Main Window 000005 52 Preparing the DUT SUT eccso sg eide eae oae ks oa yee hata e hectare gene eka 53 Connecting SmartBits to the DUT SUT 0 00 0 urnur 54 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools 0 0005 55 The Main WindOW 2 25 ssid ee ore eNews pO eked ee Ree ED eRe aOR cea Ae Sane 56 Selecting the Display cess 2 g0uch20 S420 se Sheik al Ohba ibe ddd Lace pbe tide 56 ASTII User Guide iii Contents Main Window Setup and Run Display 00 0 cee ee eee 57 Tabs earar eee A pees wees iweke babes we on a e Santoks obese deed 2S 58 MENUS s scs5 5 sedeacgra checargrs E Gua oo EA EA tons EEE EENET ate emer per et eh ete ac ges 61 MOO Dar ec3 53 ereraa Bohs Bea Och bbe bokeh aw bb eee E bee Beha eet eed 68 Shortcut Bar seson ves yeaa SSS Koda aed dba ieee LGR 70 Connection Indicator Light 0 0 eee cc eee eee 71 Main Window Results Display ssepe sre 0 cece sitet tareka KENE eaka 72 Res lis TabSi ienne tot cei ati bee be EE E r E OER ANES 73 Status B
36. Italics are used to indicate titles of books volumes documents sections of documents such as chapters window names tabs options field or parameter names and for general emphasis For example The SmartFabric User Guide describes tests devices used in SANs Storage Area Networks e The Traffic area of the window contains four options e The test results provide information on the frame loss of the device e Bold is used in procedures to indicate the following selections or choices made during a procedure such as menu options you choose or tabs or buttons you click the parameter or option you are specifying a value for in a procedure and the values for parameters or options You also use it to indicate directory paths For example e To connect to your SmartBits chassis click the Connect button or choose Tools gt Connect To transmit traffic for 10 seconds for each iteration of the test enter 10 in the Test Duration field e The configuration files are automatically saved to the Config folder that was cre ated when you installed WebSuite Firewall C Program Files Config e Courier is used to indicate text you enter or input or for code samples e The terms DUT and device under test as well as SUT and system under test are used interchangeably in this guide DUT SUT is also used to indicate either e The terms packet and frame are used interchangeably The term SmartCard refers to a printed circuit board use
37. Lost The number of test frames destined for the congested port that were not received This is the difference between the Congested Test Frames Expected and Congested Test Frames Received Counters Tab y Note The Counters tab displays the same test results data for all AST II tests For a list and descriptions of the various counters see Appendix D Test Results Counters AST II User Guide 147 pe SPIRENT Communications 148 ASTII User Guide Chapter 8 Address Learning Test This chapter describes the AST II Address Learning test In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics About the Address Learning Test 150 Test Overview 151 Test Methodology 153 Selecting the Ports for the Test 154 Configuring Test Parameters 155 Running the Test 158 Viewing Test Results 159 AST II User Guide 149 Chapter 8 Address Learning Test About the Address Learning Test About the Address Learning Test Vv The Address Learning test allows you to determine the optimal address learning rate of the DUT SUT The address learning rate is the maximum rate at which the DUT SUT can learn new MAC addresses without flooding or dropping frames The test is run using a binary search algorithm to determine the optimal address learning rate This test uses port pairs that consist of learn ports and test ports Note For this test you must set up a monitor port This allows you to determi
38. Parameters Parameter Number of Addresses Definition Allows you to specify the number of MAC addresses per port for the test e Initial Default is 65536 The number of addresses at the start of the test e Minimum Default is 1 The lowest allowable number of addresses for the test If this rate is reached the test stops e Maximum Default is 16777215 The highest allowable number of addresses for the test If this rate is reached the test stops Frame Size Default is 64 bytes Allows you to set the frame size for the duration of the test Burst Size The burst size is forced to 1 you cannot change the value in the Burst Size field AST II User Guide 173 Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Running the Test Running the Test 174 This section shows you how to start stop and pause temporarily stop the test Pausing the test allows you to view the real time data for the current iteration of the test using the Counters tab Starting The Test Once you have completed the general test setup and configured the Address Caching test parameters you can start the test by doing one of the following e Click on the Address Caching test button in the Shortcut bar Address Caching e Click on the Run Current Test button in the toolbar b e Choose Test gt Run Current or Test gt Run gt Address Caching Once you start the test the display of the main window changes to the Resul
39. Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Max 100 Units Percentage 8 000 Units Frames Sec Profile The options are e Start The Load at the beginning of the test Step The amount the Load increments from iteration to iteration e Stop The largest Load for the test Search The options are e Initial The Load at the beginning of the test e Min The minimum allowable Load value for the test If this value is reached the test stops e Max The maximum allowable Load value for the test If this value is reached the test stops e Resolution Default is 1 Units Percentage 100 Units Frames Sec The finest adjustment possible for the Load from iteration to iteration If the required adjustment to the current Load for the next iteration is less than the Resolution the trial stops See Resolution on page 18 for details and an example e Backoff Rate Default is 0 5 The rate the Load decreases after the DUT fails frame loss exceeds the specified Acceptable Frame Loss value at the current Load Enter an integer or decimal value The minimum value you can enter is 0 01 See Backoff Rate on page 14 for the formula used to calculate the actual amount of the decrease in Load e Acceptable Frame Loss Default is 1000 The number of frames that can be lost without frame loss being declared 124 ASTII User Guide Availability Profile and Search Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Configuring Test P
40. Setup Using Test Configuration Files Saving Your Test Configuration to a File Once you have defined the test setup frame setup test options and card setup parameters you can save your test configuration to an ast file The procedure below explains this process 2 To save your test configuration to a file follow these steps 1 Inthe main window choose File gt Save As The Save As window appears Figure 5 8 In the File name field enter the name you want for the configuration ast file Click the Save button The file is saved to the folder where AST II has been installed Save in ast z ics ci File name Untitled ast Save as type Asti Files ast Cancel Figure 5 8 Save As Window AST II User Guide 107 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Using Test Configuration Files Loading a Previously Saved Configuration File Instead of resetting all of the card setup parameters test options frame setup parameters and test parameters each time you run a test you can load a previously saved configuration ast file You can load the file by opening it directly using the Open window see below gt To load a previously saved configuration file follow these steps 1 Inthe main window choose File gt Open The Open window appears Figure 5 9 showing the previously saved configuration ast files 2 Do one of the following e Double click on the file you want to load e Select the configuration fi
41. Size is greater than one 1 the traffic is considered bursty If it is set to one 1 the traffic is considered continuous When Burst Size is greater than one 1 AST II automatically sets the interframe gap IFG to the minimum permissible delay for the technology DUT Device under test Errored Frames Frames that are over sized under sized misaligned or contain an errored Frame Check Sequence FCS Use the Error Filtering test to determine the ability of the DUT SUT to recognize specific errors and filter drop the frames that contain the errors see Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Forward Pressure Forward pressure occurs when the DUT SUT inhibits or aborts its back off algorithms in an attempt to increase its forwarding performance under congested conditions Forward pressure is indicated if no frame loss occurs under congestion when forward pressure occurs the Interframe Gap is smaller than the legal limit Use the Forward Pressure test to test for this condition see Frame Size The size of the frames in terms of bytes You can specify this using the Frame Size test parameter You can also specify custom frame sizes see Using Custom Frame Sizes for the Test on page 104 for more information Fully Meshed One of the traffic distribution patterns All ports in the test transmit to every other port in the test and receive traffic from all other ports in the test simultaneously See Table 2 1 on page
42. a system configuration Supports multi chassis operation Supports multiple users Note The SmartBits System Reference manual that was provided with your SmartBits chassis includes details on multi chassis and multiple user operation e Provides configurable test parameters such as the following the availability of the specific parameters depends on the test being used e Test mode Profile or Search e Number of trials e Duration e Frame size e Burst size e Load e Number of ports in the test e Traffic distribution and direction e Number of addresses per port Note See General Test Terminology on page 14 and the Glossary for definitions of these terms and other key AST II terms and concepts Scalable to 1023 ports Depending on the type of test a port can transmit transmit and receive or just receive Allows you to set up a SmartCard module port as a monitor port to record the test frames and non test frames transmitted by the DUT SUT during tests not available for all tests Allows you to save test configurations and test results to a single ast file Allows you to load a test configuration file to configure tests easily Test results can be viewed in chart or tabular format the charts can be exported as HTML files Tabular test results can be exported in csv format and opened later in applications such as MS Excel Real time counters can be viewed as events occur during a test AST Il User Guide
43. adjust the variable test parameter up or down from iteration to iteration Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding Tests For the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests the algorithms are used to adjust the Load up or down from iteration to iteration Specifically the search algorithms are used to calculate the Load for the next iteration of the test after the DUT passes or fails at the current Load In general the Load is increased if the DUT passes at the current Load and decreased if the DUT fails at the current Load For information on the pass fail criteria see Table 2 5 on page 29 The search algorithms for the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests are described in the following sections e Forwarding test see page 247 e Broadcast Forwarding test see page 248 Address Learning and Address Caching Tests For the Address Learning test the algorithms are used to adjust the Learning Rate up or down from iteration to iteration Specifically the search algorithms are used to calculate the Learning Rate for the next iteration of the test after the DUT passes or fails at the current Learning Rate The Learning Rate is increased if the DUT passes at the current Learning Rate and decreased if the DUT fails at the current Learning Rate The criteria for pass or failure is the same for both of these tests and is based on whether or not flooding occurred on the monitor port e Pass Flooding did not occur e Fail Flooding did oc
44. allowable for the test the accuracy of the test and the rate the Load is decreased after the DUT SUT fails at the current Load See page 29 for more information Note Although the Address Learning and Address Caching tests also use Search mode the algorithms pass fail criteria and binary search parameters are not the same as the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests For a description of the Address Learning and Address Caching tests see Search Mode Address Learning and Address Caching tests on page 34 AST II User Guide Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology Pass Fail Criteria In Search mode the Load increases or decreases from iteration to iteration automatically depending on whether the DUT SUT passes or fails at the current Load when running the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests Table 2 5 lists the criteria used to determine whether or not the DUT SUT passes or fails For information on the algorithms used to calculate the Load for the next iteration after the DUT passes or fails see Appendix A Search Algorithms Table 2 5 Pass Fail Criteria Test Test Pass Fail Criteria Measurement Throughput Broadcast Forwarding Based on frame loss and Pass Frame loss is less than your Forwarding Acceptable Frame Loss setting Fail Frame loss is greater than your Acceptable Frame Loss setting Binary Search Parameters Three parameters are required in Search mode that
45. already completed the general test setup including selecting the ports see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 170 Since the Address Caching test determines the size of a DUT s address table per VLAN or group of ports there are two parameters that are especially important in the test setup Aging Time and Number of Addresses Be sure to follow the configuration instructions for these fields very carefully See Table 9 1 on page 172 for descriptions of the test parameters Note If you already have a configuration file for this test you can open it to quickly configure the test includes card setup test options frame setup and test parameters To configure the Address Caching test parameters follow these steps 1 Inthe main window make sure that the Test Setup tab is selected and the Test Type selected is Address Caching as shown in Figure 9 3 Test Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Test Type Test Number of Addresses Number of Trials f Initial 65536 paa 64 Aging Time f 5 Minimum seconds El Burst Size Learning Rate f 488 E eee TEET Frames per sec Maximum ol Figure 9 3 Test Setup Tab Address Caching Test ae 2 Inthe Test pane do the following Inthe Number of Trials field enter the number of trials for the test e Inthe Aging Time field enter the aging time in seconds for the test e In the Learning Rate field enter the lea
46. and have defined the frame setup and any optional settings see Chapter 5 General Test Setup 2 To select the ports for the Broadcast Forwarding test follow these steps 1 Inthe main window click on the Test Setup tab 2 Using the Test Type pull down menu select Broadcast Forwarding Figure 11 2 Choose Broadcast Forwarding here Broadcast Forwarding v 4 Throughput M Frame lass Figure 11 2 Test Setup Tab Broadcast Forwarding Test 3 Inthe Traffic Distribution pane of the window Figure 11 3 select the transmitting ports in the Broadcast Sources section and select the receiving ports in the Broadcast Receivers section In this example there is one transmitting port and there are three receiving ports You can select a number of transmitting ports and receiving ports 202 ASTII User Guide Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Selecting the Ports for the Test v Note See Supported Traffic Distributions on page 199 for details on the supported traffic distribution options Select the transmitting ports here Select the receiving ports here m Traffic Distribution Broadcast Sources Broadcast Receivers Monitor Ports Chassis 113 O Chassis 114 O Chassis 115 CO Chassis 116 O Chassis 117 O Chassis 118 CO Chassis 113 Chassis 114 Chassis 115 Chassis 1 16 C Chassis 117 C Chassis 118 CO Chassis 1 13 O Chassis 114 O Chassis 115 O Chassis 116 O
47. b203 eee Shoes beh bhse bee ha tise aha ee GaGa as 239 Viewing Test Results cc cct ogee Mabe eae thie eed sa eee a EOE ESS 240 Appendix A Search Algorithms 0 0 00 cece cece nee 245 About the Search Algorithms 1 0 0 0 eee cece eee ee 246 Forwarding Test a cs ceded sha ot ierni i heh bse eel ea ba ead Abe dee aes Bua 247 Broadcast Forwarding Test 0 0 ee cence eens 248 Address Learning Test lt is 5 s 003 onde pe tne ete eee rae ede s eet e ERAEN 4 249 Addr ss Caching Test 4200356204 51685 ecbbhechaserd bobbed ebb sade E E 250 Appendix B Formulas 0 00 0 cece cece ete net e ee eee 251 Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG 0 0 eee eee 252 Calculating the Transmit Time 0 0 cee 253 Calculating the Number of Bursts 0 20 00 0 0 eee cee eens 254 Using the IBG Calculators sonnis ce cece 255 Appendix C Valid Test Parameter Values 0205 257 Appendix D Test Results Counters 0 002 0 c eee ee eee 261 Counters Tab Fields 26 03 o 444 e254 petiee Sie yee Lea eae SEES REED RA EOE SS 262 Appendix E ESD Requirements 0 00 0 c cece eee ee eee 263 General Equipment Handling 0 0 0 cee eee eee 263 Workstation Preparation 0 0 0 pp hepe RESPO DE E ERE NN EE ESEE 264 Appendix F Fiber Optic Cleaning Guidelines 265 Cleaning Guidelines heera eiea e E a E E ETE E EES a 265 v
48. displays the same test results data for all AST II tests For a list and descriptions of the various counters see Appendix D Test Results Counters AST II User Guide Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test This chapter describes the AST II Broadcast Forwarding test In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics About the Broadcast Forwarding Test 198 Test Overview 199 Test Methodology 201 Selecting the Ports for the Test 202 Configuring Test Parameters 204 Running the Test 208 Viewing Test Results 209 AST II User Guide 197 Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test About the Broadcast Forwarding Test About the Broadcast Forwarding Test The Broadcast Forwarding test allows you to test the broadcast forwarding performance of the DUT SUT This test allows you to measure the throughput and frame loss of the DUT SUT for broadcast traffic patterns one to many and many to many The following sections provide information about this test including What this test allows you to measure see below What this test allows you to determine see below A diagram of the available traffic distribution patterns see page 199 The methodology of the Broadcast Forwarding test see page 201 How to configure test parameters see page 204 How to run the test see page 208 How to view test results see page 209 What this Test Allows You to Measure Table 11 1 below lists
49. do not select the traffic distribution by using a pull down menu When you select the ports specify the transmitting port and receiving port of each port pair see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 170 for details AST II User Guide 167 Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Test Methodology Traffic Flow During the test traffic is sent between the learn and test ports in accordance with the three phases of the test as follows 1 First Phase The test port transmits learning frames to the DUT SUT and the DUT SUT learns the MAC addresses The learning frames are then forwarded by the DUT SUT to the learn port The frames transmitted during this phase do not include VFDs 2 Second Phase The learn port transmits learning frames to the DUT SUT which for wards them to the test port The frames transmitted during this phase have varying source addresses and a fixed destination address corresponding to the test destina tion port 3 Third Phase During this last phase the test port transmits learning frames to the DUTY SUT which then forwards them to the learn port The frames transmitted during this phase have the following triggers e Trigger is set to match the correct destination port ID e Trigger 2 is set to match the unique signature field this trigger identifies the frame as a test frame Test Methodology gt 168 The steps below describe what occurs during each iteration of the Address Caching
50. during the test for a particular parameter value for tests with a single parameter or parameter values for tests with more than one variable parameter The number of the iteration is displayed in the test results See Figure 2 2 on page 26 for a diagram showing iterations in a sample test Monitor Port A SmartCard module port that is part of the test but functions differently that the other enabled ports in the test The following tests support the use of a monitor port e Forwarding e Address Learning e Address Caching e Broadcast Forwarding Setting a port as a monitor port allows you to use that port to listen passively and record the traffic transmitted by specific ports on the DUT SUT during the test including test frames and non test frames The frames that the monitor port receives are recorded in the test results You select the port you want to use as a monitor port in the main window when you select the ports for the test Note In order to use this feature you must make sure that you 1 Select the ports on the DUT SUT that you want to send traffic to the monitor port 2 Configure the DUT SUT so that all traffic including test frames and non test frames from the selected ports are copied to the SmartCard module monitor port AST II User Guide 15 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Terminology Table 2 1 General Test Terminology continued Term Non Meshed 16 ASTII User Guide
51. expressed in the test results as the maximum rate in frames per second at which the DUT SUT is able to cache MAC addresses and forward frames successfully What this Test Allows You to Determine 166 By allowing you to specify the Learning Rate and Frame Size the Address Caching test can help you determine the following e How increases in the Learning Rate affect the DUT SUT s address caching capacity e How increases in the Frame Size affect the DUT SUT s address caching capacity AST II User Guide Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Test Overview Test Overview This section provides information on the basic configuration of the Address Caching test including e The supported traffic distribution patterns see Supported Traffic Distributions e Basic traffic flow see Traffic Flow on page 168 For information on the test methodology see Test Methodology on page 168 Supported Traffic Distributions The traffic distribution pattern for this test consists of port pairs with a learn port and a test port in each pair plus a single monitor port Figure 9 1 Learn Port 1 Cereeennneestrennnaniiettennniaiiisttinninaiiits Test Port 1 DUT SUT Learn Port 2 C SS ee eer a Peer Eee POET TEE OLE Test Port 2 The monitor port is used to detect flooded frames Monitor Port Figure 9 1 Supported Traffic Distributions y Note Unlike some tests like the Forwarding test you
52. file Exit Closes the AST II program NOTE A list of recently used ast configuration files appears below the Save As option Select the file in the list you want to use Edit Menu The Edit menu provides a Copy option Option Description Copy Copies the content from the selected tab to the clipboard applies to the Chart Summary or Details tab You can paste the content into other applications such as Excel or Word If you copied the content from the Summary or Details tab the content is pasted in tab delimited format 62 ASTI User Guide View Menu Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display The View menu allows you to hide or display various parts of the main window such as the toolbar and status bar Option Toolbar Description When selected the toolbar is displayed see Toolbar on page 68 Status Bar When selected the status bar displays status information on the test once you start the test see Status Bar on page 79 Shortcut Bar When selected the shortcut bar is displayed see Shortcut Bar on page 70 You can also use the View menu to display the shortcut bar see View Menu on page 63 Enable Logging Enables status messages to be logged If you select this option all status messages are logged in a text file that you can view using the Status Messages option Status Messages Opens a window in Notepad that lists
53. for each test When you specify more than one trial the test repeats using the same parameter values based on the number of trials you specify for example if you specify 4 trials the test repeats 4 times Using more than one trial per test allows you to determine how consistently the DUT SUT performs under the same conditions See Trial on page 19 for a definition of trial Test Parameters Depending on the test from one or three parameters can vary Since only one parameter can vary from iteration to iteration tests with multiple variables may contain many more iterations than tests with a single parameter Table 2 3 below lists the parameters for each test and the order in which the parameters vary Table 2 3 Test Parameters Test Parameter s Sequence of Variation Address Caching Number of Addresses Address Learning Address Learning Rate Broadcast Forwarding 1 Load 2 Burst Size 3 Frame Size Broadcast Latency Frame Size Congestion Control 1 Load 2 Burst Size 3 Frame Size Error Filtering Load AST II User Guide 23 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology Table 2 3 Test Parameters continued Test Parameter s Sequence of Variation Forward Pressure Frame Size Forwarding 1 Load 2 Burst Size 3 Frame Size Test Modes The various AST II tests use different test modes to test the DUT SUT Some of the tests support more than one test mode and allow you
54. for the next itera tion using this formula The next iteration begins at the new increased Number of Addresses value Current Max 2 e If flooding occurred the Number of Addresses is decreased for the next iteration using this formula The next iteration begins at the new decreased Number of Addresses value Last Passed Rate Min 2 2 This process continues for the duration of the test The final address caching capacity measurement is reached when the required adjustment increase or decrease in the Number of Addresses is less than two 2 Note Unlike the other tests you do not need to specify a resolution value to determine the accuracy of the test For this test the resolution is always two 2 250 ASTII User Guide Appendix B Formulas This appendix contains the formulas that are used to calculate certain values during the tests such as the interburst gap IBG In this appendix This appendix contains the following formulas Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG 252 Calculating the Transmit Time 253 Calculating the Number of Bursts 254 AST II User Guide 251 Appendix B Formulas Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG The IBG is defined in RFC 2285 as the interval between two bursts The IBG is calculated automatically by AST II for the test based on your Frame Size Load Burst Size and Speed settings using the formula shown in
55. from iteration to iteration e Stop The largest Frame size for the test e Custom Allows you to specify custom frame sizes for the test See Using Custom Frame Sizes for the Test on page 104 for details Burst Size Default is 1 Allows you to set the Burst sizes throughout the test for both Profile and Search mode The options are e Start The Burst size at the beginning of the test e Step The amount the Burst size increments from iteration to iteration e Stop The largest Burst size for the test e Custom Allows you to specify custom burst sizes for the test See Using Custom Burst Sizes for the Test on page 105 for details Load Allows you to set the Load levels for the duration of the test Load is the amount of utilization of the medium The default values depend on your Units setting for Load in the Options tab The Load default values are Start 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Step 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Stop 100 Units Percentage 8 000 Units Frames Sec The options are e Start The Load at the beginning of the test Step The amount the Load increments from iteration to iteration e Stop The largest Load for the test AST II User Guide 141 Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Running the Test Running the Test Vv 142 This section shows you how to start stop and pause temporarily stop the test Normally you stop t
56. information on running the test Table 8 1 Address Learning Test Parameters Parameter Definition Number of Trials Default is 1 Allows you to specify the number of trials for the test For a definition of trial see Table 2 1 on page 14 AST II User Guide 156 Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Configuring Test Parameters Table 8 1 Address Learning Test Parameters Parameter Definition Aging Time Default is 15 seconds Allows you to specify the amount of the Aging Time for the DUT SUT for the test AST II automatically verifies that the values for the aging timers for the Address Learning and Address Caching tests are large enough for the tests to be completed Based in part on the initial addresses and minimum learning rate values the application will provide a warning message if the aging timer is too small to finish the test Number of Default is 65536 per port adresses Allows you to specify the number of MAC addresses per port for the test Learning Rate Allows you to set the learning rate for the duration of the test the number of learning frames per second that are transmitted e Initial Default is 10000 The learning rate at the start of the test e Minimum Default is 1488 The lowest allowable learning rate for the test If this rate is reached the test stops e Maximum Default is 14880 The highest allowable learning rate for the test If this rate is reached the test stops Fram
57. monitor port that contain Trigger 1 are considered flooded frames Based on whether or not flooding occurred on the monitor port one of the following occurs If flooding occurred the Number of Addresses is decreased from its Initial value for the next iteration and the test continues e If flooding did not occur the Number of Addresses is increased from its Initial value for the next iteration and the test continues This test continues until one of the following occurs The threshold Number of Addresses is reached The specified Minimum Number of Addresses is reached the test automatically stops The specified Maximum Number of Addresses is reached the test automatically stops AST II User Guide 169 Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Selecting the Ports for the Test This section explains how to select the ports for the Address Caching test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already set up the SmartCards modules and have defined the frame setup and any optional settings see Chapter 5 General Test Setup DD To select the ports for the Address Caching test follow these steps 1 Inthe main window click on the Test Setup tab Using the Test Type pull down menu select Address Caching In the Traffic Distribution pane see Figure 9 2 set up a port pair by selecting one learn and one test port AST II automatically highlights the ports in gray to make i
58. one of the following e Ifyou select this option prior to running a test the current configuration is saved to an ast file e Ifyou select this option after running a test both the current configuration and test results are saved to a single ast file Connects your PC to one or more SmartBits chassis as selected in the Setup SmartBits Connections window see the Connections button below Disconnects your PC from all of the SmartBits chassis to which you are connected you can also choose SmartBits gt Disconnect to do this Opens the Setup SmartBits Connections window Use this window to set up a SmartBits connection between your PC and your SmartBits chassis and then select the chassis to which you want to connect Use the Connect button or choose SmartBits gt Connect to actually connect to the selected chassis See Chapter 3 Install and Connect for details on how to set up a SmartBits connection and connect to a chassis Runs starts the test selected in the Test Setup tab You can also start tests by choosing Test gt Run or use the buttons in the Shortcut bar see Shortcut Bar on page 70 AST II User Guide Temporarily pauses stops the test You can also choose Test gt Pause to pause the test Use the Resume button or choose Test gt Resume to resume restart the test Table 4 1 Button Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display Toolbar
59. set up an Ethernet or Serial connection between AST II and a SmartBits chassis follow these steps 1 Make sure that the SmartBits chassis is physically connected to your PC and is powered on 2 Inthe main AST II window select SmartBits gt Connections The Setup SmartBits Connections window appears see Figure 3 1 e To add an Ethernet SmartBits connection see Setting up an Ethernet Connec tion on page 48 e To add a Serial SmartBits connection see Setting up a Serial Connection on page 49 COM Port IP Baud Rate IP Pot Name Add Serial Add IP Since no SmartBits connections have been created yet no connections appear Modi Mave Up Move Down _ Add Serial Ad e Eea Eam OK cos Figure 3 1 Setup SmartBits Connections Window AST II User Guide 47 Chapter 3 Install and Connect Connection Procedures Setting up an Ethernet Connection 1 Inthe Setup SmartBits Connections window click the Add IP button The ZP Con nection window appears IP Connection x IP Address 10 100 14 111 TCP Port fi 6385 Name Chassis 1l Cancel Enter the IP Address of the chassis here Verify the default TCP Port value 16385 here Enter a Name to identify the connection here This is the name that appears in the Ports pane of the main window and applies to all of the ports in the chassis Click OK 2 Inthe JP Connection window do the following e Enter the
60. temporarily stop the test Normally you stop the test if you set Duration to Continuous the test runs until you manually stop it Pausing the test allows you to view the real time data for the current iteration of the test using the Counters tab Starting The Test Once you have completed the general test setup and configured the Forward Pressure test parameters you can start the test by doing one of the following e Click on the Forward Pressure test button in the Shortcut bar Forward Pressure e Click on the Run Current Test button in the toolbar b e Choose Test gt Run Current or Test gt Run gt Forward Pressure Once you start the test the display of the main window changes to the Results display Stopping The Test If you want to stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Stop Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Stop Pausing The Test If you want to pause temporarily stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Pause Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Pause y Note To resume restart the test choose Test gt Resume or click on the Resume button AST II User Guide 239 Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Viewing Test Results Viewing Test Results This section provides information on the test results data that is available for this test As soon as you start the test the main window changes from the Setup amp Run display to the Results disp
61. test This test is automatically run in Search mode you do not need to select the mode For information on the algorithms used to determine the number of addresses from iteration to iteration see Appendix A Search Algorithms During the Address Caching test the following steps are executed 1 The Number of Addresses is set to the specified Initial value 2 The Burst Size is set to 1 3 Pause for the specified Aging Time Phase 1 4 Broadcast learning frames are transmitted from the test port to the learn port using the default value of 10 learning frames per retry these frames do not contain VFDs Phase 2 5 Frames are transmitted from the learn port to the test port these frames have varying source addresses and a fixed destination address that corresponds to the test port AST II User Guide Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Test Methodology Phase 3 6 Frames are transmitted from the test port to the learn port In these frames Trigger 1 and Trigger 2 are set to help identify them and to determine exactly which frames were correctly forwarded by the DUT SUT as follows e Frames received by the learn port that match both triggers are considered as cor rectly forwarded by the DUT SUT e The number of frames received by the learn port that exceeds the number of frames transmitted by the test port is the number of flooded frames The monitor port is examined to see if flooding occurred frames received by the
62. test results 82 D Details tab Address Caching test results 178 Address Learning test results 162 Broadcast Forwarding test results 212 Broadcast Latency test results 227 Congestion Control test results 146 Error Filtering test results 195 Forward Pressure test results 243 Forwarding test results 130 general information 77 DUT connecting to 54 preparing 53 E Edit menu 62 Error Filtering test available errors 182 description 182 selecting ports 186 starting and stopping 191 supported error types by interface 183 supported traffic distribution types 184 test methodology 185 test setup parameters 188 test setup steps 187 traffic flow 184 used to determine 182 viewing test results 192 AST II User Guide Ethernet connection 48 exporting test results 80 F feature overview AST II 9 fiber optic cleaning guidelines 265 File menu 62 formulas InterBurst Gap IBG 252 number of bursts 254 transmit time Txtime 253 Forward Pressure test description 230 selecting ports 234 starting and stopping 239 supported traffic distribution types 232 test methodology 233 test setup parameters 237 test setup steps 236 traffic flow 232 used to determine 230 viewing test results 240 Forwarding test binary search parameters 29 description 112 pass fail criteria 29 recommended testing method 127 search algorithms 247 Search mode 28 selecting ports 119 starting and stopping 126 test methodology 118 test setup parameters 122 test set
63. tests These tabs are e Test Setup see Test Setup Tab below e Frame Setup see Frame Setup Tab on page 59 e Options see Options Tab on page 60 Card Setup see Card Setup Tab on page 61 Test Setup Tab The Test Setup tab is used to select the type of test you want to run select the ports you want to include in the test and configure various test parameters such as Frame Size Burst Size Load and Duration The fields that are available in the Test Setup tab depend on the type of test selected Instructions on how to use the tab are provided in the chapter for each specific tests Untitled AstII File Edit View Smartbits Test Results Help lolxi D S H o s Use this section of l the window to set F test paramete rs Forwarding Congestion Control E5 Address Leaming Address Caching a Error Filtering Use this section of the window to select ports for the test including a monitor port and to specify the Traffic Broadcast Forwarding Broadcast Latency Distribution and Traffic Direction B options Resuts For Help press F1 bnp c orngj a Test Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Addresses J Random Addresses 7 Per Port Number of Trials f Leal m Measurements Profile C Search gt Throughput Mv Frame Loss fi r1 Frame Size Start es E 1518 a Step Stop T Custom E
64. the Test This section explains how to select the ports for the Address Learning test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already set up the SmartCards modules and have defined the frame setup and any optional settings see Chapter 5 General Test Setup D gt To select the ports for the Address Learning test follow these steps 1 Inthe main window click on the Test Setup tab Using the Test Type pull down menu select Address Learning In the Traffic Distribution pane see Figure 8 2 set up a port pair by selecting one learn and one test port AST II automatically highlights the ports in gray to make it easier for you to identify the ports that are available You do not have to select the highlighted ports 4 Click the right arrow to move the port pair to the Port Groups pane y Note If this arrow is not available it means the selection of ports is not valid Check 154 your selections and reselect the ports 5 Optional Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 to set up additional port pairs Using the Monitor pull down menu select the monitor port for the test This test requires a monitor port If you do not select one the test will not run properly Select the monitor port you want for the test here m Traffic Distribution Learn Port Test Port Chassis 1 13 Chassis 1 13 Chassis 1 14 Chassis 1 14 Chassis 115 Chassis 115 Chassis 1 16 Chassis 1 16 Chassis 1 17 Chassis 1 17 Chassis 1 18 Chassis 1 18 Chas
65. the status messages for the test see Figure 4 7 For this option to work the Enable Logging option must be selected FA astiists txt Notepad x File Edit Search Help 16 51 Connecting 11 16 51 Connecting to 10 100 11 44 11 18 23 Creating test 11 18 24 Adding 11 18 25 Adding 11 18 26 Adding 11 18 27 Adding 11 18 28 Adding 11 18 29 Adding port Chassis 2 1 port Chassis 2 3 port Chassis 2 14 port Chassis 2 15 port Chassis 2 17 port Chassis 2 18 11 18 29 Configuring test 11 18 29 Validating test parameters 11 18 29 Setting up autonegotiation 30 Validating autonegotiation Figure 4 7 Example of Status Messages in Notepad AST II User Guide 63 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display SmartBits Menu The SmartBits menu provides options that allow SmartBits chassis connection setup and chassis connect disconnect Option Connect Description Connects your PC to one or more SmartBits chassis as defined in the Set up SmartBits Connections window see the Connections option below Disconnect Disconnects your PC from all of the SmartBits chassis to which you are connected You can also use the Disconnect button to do this see Toolbar on page 68 Connections Opens the Set up SmartBits Connections window Use this window to set up a SmartBits connection between your PC and a SmartBit
66. this chapter This chapter covers the following topics About the Broadcast Latency Test 216 Test Overview 217 Test Methodology 218 Selecting the Ports for the Test 219 Configuring Test Parameters 221 Running the Test 223 Viewing Test Results 224 AST II User Guide 215 Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test About the Broadcast Latency Test About the Broadcast Latency Test The Broadcast Latency test allows you to determine the latency of the DUT SUT when forwarding broadcast traffic This test uses a one to many traffic pattern and the latency is measured for each receiving port of the DUT SUT in the test The Broadcast Latency test is run in Profile mode you do not have to select the mode This chapter provides the following information about the BroadCast Latency test e What this test allows you to measure see below e What this test allows you to determine see below e A diagram of the available traffic distribution patterns see page 217 e The methodology of the Broadcast Latency test see page 2 8 e How to configure test parameters see page 221 e How to run the test see page 223 e How to view test results see page 224 What this Test Allows You to Measure The Broadcast Latency test allows you to measure the latency in milliseconds of each receiving port of DUT SUT in the test The latency measurement is the delay that occurs from when the DUT SUT receives the fram
67. unchecking the Enable VLAN checkbox If you choose Enable VLAN specify the VLAN Priority and VLAN ID In the MAC Address pane specify Port Offset Node Offset and Port Increment To assign an IP header check the Configure IP Header checkbox This will allow you to enter values in the various IP header fields If the Configure IP Header check box is not checked then the AST II default values will apply Source IP Address Destination IP Address Time to Live and Type of Service values will all default to 0 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Setting the Frame Setup Parameters 6 Assign a Source IP Address and Destination IP Address 7 Specify the Time to Live In the Type of Service pane assign Precedence Delay Throughput and Reliability values See Table 5 3 on page 100 for explanations of the available options for these fields Internet IP IPv4 0800 Ra 192 168 15 5 VLAN Priority m 200 100 50 25 VLAN ID E Ej o Noma z 0 Nomwat z o Nowa See Table 5 3 on page 100 for descriptions of the Protocol MAC Address and IP Header parameters Figure 5 5 Frame Setup Tab AST II User Guide 99 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Setting the Frame Setup Parameters Table 5 3 Frame Setup Parameters Parameter Protocol Pane Description This pane allows you to select the protocol format and type and allows you to enable or disable VLAN Protocol Fo
68. view by using the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus The detailed results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 13 7 shows an example of the Details tab In this example the selected test parameter values are 64 for Frame Size and one 1 for Burst Size See Table 13 2 or descriptions of the Details tab fields Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you you want to view here want to view here Test Frames Transmitted Test Frames Frames Received 2976864 1523620 14488432 762367 4488432 i 3012052 Tee 505026 Min 1506026 1488432 743659 744773 Results for the transmitting ports appear here Figure 13 7 Details Tab Results for the receiving ports appear here Table 13 2 Details Tab Field Descriptions Field Transmitting Ports From Description Transmitting Ports The transmitting port Test Frames Transmitted The number of test frames transmitted by this port Each test frame contains a flag or trigger that enables the receiving port to identify it as a test frame AST II User Guide 243 Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Viewing Test Results 244 Table 13 2 Details Tab Field Descriptions continued Field Receiving Ports To Description Receiving Ports The receiving port Test Frames Expected The number of test f
69. 1 6 displays the exact same information as the Chart tab but in tabular format Like the Chart tab the Summary tab allows you to select the Frame Size and Burst Size values that you want to view by using the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus The results are organized as follows The different Load values of the test are displayed with each Load value in its own column e Each port is displayed in its own row The summary results can also be exported as csv or HTML files by using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 11 6 shows an example of the Summary tab In this example the selected test parameter values are 128 for Frame Size and 50 for Burst Size Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you you want to view here want to view here Chart Summary Details Counters Frame Size ps m ps m Burst Size 50 v Figure 11 6 Summary Tab AST II User Guide 211 Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results Details Tab The Details tab Figure 11 7 displays detailed test for all ports for a single iteration in tabular format You can select the Frame Size Burst Size and Load values for the iteration you want to view by using the Frame Size Burst Size and Load pull down menus If you set up a monitor port for the test this tab displays test results for that port The detailed results can also be exported as csv or HTML files by using the Results menu see Res
70. 11 7711s e SX 7210 e SX 7410B e 6SX 7411 e LAN 3100A e LAN 3101A B e LAN 3102A e LAN 3111A As e LAN 3200A As AST II User Guide 231 Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Test Overview Test Overview 232 This section provides information on the basic configuration of the Forward Pressure test including e The supported traffic distribution patterns see Supported Traffic Distributions e Basic traffic flow see Traffic Flow For information on the test methodology see Jest Methodology on page 233 Supported Traffic Distributions Figure 13 1 shows the supported traffic distribution patterns for this test either a single port pair or multiple port pairs The traffic direction for this test is always unidirectional Select the desired traffic distribution when you select the transmitting A and receiving B ports for the test in the Test Setup tab Single port pair Multiple port pairs Port 1 A 8 Port 2 Port 1 4 8 Port 2 Port 3 a 8 Port 4 Figure 13 1 Supported Traffic Distributions Traffic Flow Each transmitting port in each port pair that you set up transmits traffic to its paired receiving ports simultaneously The following table shows how the transmitting ports transmit frames to the receiving ports using the configuration shown in Figure 13 1 Configuration Source Port Destination Ports Single Port Pair Port 1 2 only Multiple P
71. 14 for an example of the fully meshed traffic distribution pattern Bookname User Guide Glossary Head of line Blocking Head of line blocking occurs when the DUT SUT restricts the flow of traffic from an external source in an attempt to reduce or minimize frame loss under congested conditions Head of line blocking is indicated by frame loss on an uncongested port of the DUT SUT when another port is congested Use the Congestion Control test to test for this condition see Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Although the test used to test for the head of line blocking condition is sometimes called the Head of line Blocking test in AST II it is referred to as the Congestion Control test Interburst Gap IBG The IBG is the interval delay between bursts in a transmission in terms of microseconds The IBG is based on several variables See Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG on page 252 for the formula used to calculate the IBG Interframe Gap IFG The IFG is the interval delay between the transmission of each frame in a burst The IFG only applies if the Burst Size test parameter is greater than one 1 The IFG value must not be less than the minimum permissible value specified by the standard for the medium being tested For 10 Mbps Ethernet the minimum is 9 6 us for 100 Mbps Ethernet it is 960 ns and for 1 Gbps Ethernet it is 96 ns Latency The length of time from when the DUT receives a frame to when i
72. 4 e Details tab see Details Tab on page 195 e Counters tab see Appendix D Test Results Counters for information and field descriptions This tab is the same for all tests 192 ASTII User Guide Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Viewing Test Results Chart Tab The Chart tab displays results for Undersize or Oversize error types and for selected ports Select the error type and ports you want to view by using the Chart Wizard see Using the Chart Wizard on page 75 Results for all iterations of the test are displayed Note To view test results for error types other than Undersize or Oversize use the Details tab see Details Tab on page 195 The charts can also be exported as jpg files or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Results for all iterations of the test are displayed Figure 10 4 shows an example of the Chart tab In this example the selected error type is Oversize and the selected Burst Size is one 1 The Burst Size for the test appears Chart Summary Details Counters Burst Size fi m The error type you selected in the Chart Wizard appears here Oversize Pass Fail D Fail 1 Pass 0 8 10 00 0 6 0 4 0 2 08 30 00 The Load values for the test appear here Ho a ovr l Ports The ports you selected in the Chart Wizard appear here Figure 10 4 C
73. Address Learning test 155 Broadcast Forwarding test 204 Broadcast Latency test 221 Congestion Control test 139 Error Filtering test 187 Forward Pressure test 236 Forwarding test 121 tests AST II Forwarding test 112 general steps to setup and run 39 general structure of 23 modes 24 number of trials 23 parameters 23 phases of 20 preparing the DUT 53 summary of 11 toolbar main window 68 traffic distribution types Address Caching test 167 Address Learning test 151 Broadcast Forwarding test 199 Broadcast Latency test 217 Congestion Control test 135 Error Filtering test 184 Forward Pressure test 232 Forwarding test 113 traffic flow Address Caching test 168 Address Learning test 152 Broadcast Forwarding test 200 Broadcast Latency test 217 Congestion Control test 135 Error Filtering test 184 Forward Pressure test 232 Forwarding test 117 transmit time Txtime formula 253 trials number of 23 U unreserving modules 87 User Guide content overview 2 related manuals 5 revision history 267 V View menu 63 276 ASTII User Guide
74. Bits hardware accessories and software applications SmartBits 200 2000 Installation Guide Explains the general hardware installation procedure for the SmartBits 200 2000 chassis Also contains troubleshooting and cable information SmartBits 600 6000B 6000C Installation Guide Explains the general hardware installation procedure for the SmartBits 600 6000B 6000C chassis Also contains troubleshooting and cable information AST II provides online Help for all windows and tabs You can access online Help using one of the following methods From the window you want Help about press the F1 key Choose Help gt Contents to view the entire contents of the Help file Choose Help gt Search to search by a specific topic or word AST Il User Guide 5 About this Guide How to Contact Us How to Contact Us 6 AST II User Guide Technical support is available Monday through Friday between 07 00 and 18 00 Pacific Standard Time To obtain technical support for any product please contact our Technical Support Department using any of the following methods Toll Free 1 800 SPIRENT 1 800 774 7368 available in the U S and Canada Phone 1 818 676 2300 Fax 1 818 880 9154 E mail support spirentcom com In addition the latest versions of user manuals application notes and software and firmware updates are available on our website at http support spirentcom com Company Address Spirent Communications Inc
75. Burst Size 50 view here Select the Burst Size you want to view here Frame Loss Rate 100 10 00 80 30 00 60 50 00 The specified Load appears here 40 20 om Ca Ove ZL EWE ZL PE ZL WE ZL Parts The ports you selected in the Chart Wizard appear here Note You can change the display format by right clicking in the middle of the chart A pop up menu appears giving you two options Manhattan as shown here and Ribbon Select the desired option Figure 4 12 Chart Tab 74 ASTII User Guide Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Results Display Using the Chart Wizard After selecting the ports to be used in a test you can use the Chart Wizard to select the ports to be included in the Chart tab You must select the ports you want plotted in the chart before you run the test To select the ports follow these steps 1 Open the Chart Wizard window by choosing Results gt Chart Wizard The Chart Wizard window appears Figure 4 13 Chart Wizard Using the arrows move all the ports you want plotted in the chart to the Selected pane Once you select the ports click OK Figure 4 13 Chart Wizard Window 2 Inthe Ports pane select the ports you want to view by moving them to the Selected pane using the arrows 3 Click OK AST II User Guide 75 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Wind
76. C Continuous Duration Seconds f 0 Number i of Trials 1 Measurements Oj Profile M Tihraughput C Search Z Frame Loss m1 Frame Size Start Stop Step 2 Burst Size Start fi Step fi Stop i J Custom Edit 3 Load Percentage Start fio Besoluton Step fio Backott Rat Stop fico secre Fi 1000 m Figure 11 4 Test Setup Tab Broadcast Forwarding Test 2 Inthe Test pane click on one of the following radio buttons to select the desired Duration option e Seconds enter the number of seconds you want each iteration to run e Continuous the test runs continuously until you stop it by clicking on the Stop button or choosing Test gt Stop 3 Inthe Number of Trials text entry field enter the number of trials you want for the test 4 Inthe Measurement pane do one of the following e Select Profile to run the test in Profile mode e Select Search to run the test in Search mode 5 Inthe Frame Size pane select the desired Frame Size values for the test 204 ASTII User Guide Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Configuring Test Parameters 6 Inthe Burst Size pane select the desired Burst Size values for the test 7 Inthe Load pane select the desired Load values for the test the names of the options are different depending on test mode you selected You are now ready to run the test If you did not use an existing configurati
77. Chassis 117 O Chassis 118 Figure 11 3 Traffic Distribution Pane Broadcast Forwarding Test 4 Optional Set up a monitor port if you want to monitor the traffic from the DUT SUT See Table 2 1 on page 14 for a description of monitor ports Also make sure you have configured the DUT SUT so that it copies all of the frames it transmits to the monitor port Note See Traffic Flow on page 200 for details on how the traffic is transmitted AST II User Guide 203 Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Configuring Test Parameters Configuring Test Parameters This section explains how to configure the test parameters for the Broadcast Forwarding test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already completed the general test setup including selecting the ports see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 202 See Table 11 2 on page 205 for descriptions of the test parameters yv gt Note If you already have a configuration file for this test you can open it and quickly configure the test includes card setup test options frame setup and test parameters To configure the Broadcast Forwarding test parameters follow these steps 1 Inthe main window make sure that the Test Setup tab is selected The selected Test Type should be Broadcast Forwarding as shown in Figure 11 4 Test Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Test Type Broadcast Forwarding bs Test 7
78. Enable VLAN is selected see above Assigns a priority to the VLAN tagged frames The priority selected is included in every tagged frame transmitted The value must be from 0 to 7 e VLANID Only available if Enable VLAN is selected see above Allows you to associate VLAN tagged frames with a selected id number The value must be from 0 to 4095 MAC Address Pane 100 ASTII User Guide This pane allows you to specify the Port Offset Node Offset and Port Increment values for the MAC addresses portion of the test frames Chapter 5 General Test Setup Setting the Frame Setup Parameters Table 5 3 Frame Setup Parameters continued Parameter Port Offset Description Default is 2 The bytes of the port address portion of the MAC address you want incremented for the receiving ports in the test The part of the port address that does not increment is determined by the values you enter The amount the port address increments is determined by your Port Increment setting The port address portion of the MAC address is always two 2 bytes The value must be from 0 to 4 See The Port and Node Offset on page 102 for an example Node Offset The byte of the node address portion of the MAC address you want incremented The amount of the increment is determined by the number of addresses you specify per port in the Addresses Per Port field in the Test Setup tab The node address portion of the MAC address is always on
79. Expected The number of test frames this Broadcast Receiver port expects to receive This number is calculated by totaling all of the test frames that are destined for this port Total Frames Received The total number of frames received by this Broadcast Receiver port including test frames and non test frames This total is the sum of Test Frames Received and Other Frames Received Test Frames Received The number of test frames received by this Broadcast Receiver port If any test frames were dropped this total will be less than the Test Frames Expected for this port Test Frames Lost The number of test frames destined for this Broadcast Receiver port that were not received frame loss This is the difference between the Test Frames Expected and Test Frames Received Other Frames Received The number of frames that were incorrectly received by this Broadcast Receiver port or frames that were not part of the test non test frames This is the difference between the Total Frames Received and Test Frames Received AST II User Guide 213 Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results Counters Tab The Counters tab displays the same test results data for all AST II tests For a list and descriptions of the various counters see Appendix D Test Results Counters 214 ASTII User Guide Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test This chapter describes the AST II Broadcast Latency test In
80. Figure B 1 The IBG is expressed in terms of nanoseconds ns Vv 252 100 Intended Load 1 Burst Size IFG 64 8 Frame Size IFG Speed Where Frame Size The specified frame size in bytes including the CRC Intended Load The specified Load value in percent the range is from 1 to 100 Burst Size The specified number of frames in the burst integer value Speed The speed of the DUT SUT to which this port is connected in bits per second Ethernet is 10 000 000 bits per second Fast Ethernet is 100 000 000 bits per second Gigabit Ethernet is 1 000 000 000 bits per second IFG The interval delay between the transmission of each frame in a burst The IFG only applies if the Burst Size is greater than one 1 Figure B 1 IBG Formula AST II User Guide Note You can also use the IBG Calculator window to calculate the IBG see Using the IBG Calculator on page 255 Appendix B Formulas Calculating the Transmit Time Calculating the Transmit Time The transmit time 7Txtime is the duration of each burst in microseconds based on your Burst Size Frame Size and Speed settings The Txtime is calculated using the formula shown in Figure B 2 96 Burst Size 1 Burst Size 64 8 Frame Size Speed Txtime Where e Burst Size Burst Size as specified e Frame Size Frame Size as specified e Speed 10 100 or 1000 for 1OMbps 100Mbps or 1GB and 10GB res
81. JP Address of the chassis e Verify the TCP Port default value 16385 This value does not normally need to be modified e Enter a Name for the SmartBits connection If you do not enter a name the default name SMB is used 3 Click OK The new SmartBits connection now appears in the Setup SmartBits Con y nections window as shown below Setup SmartBits Connections x Add Serial COM Port IP BaudRate IP Pot Name m 10 100 14 111 Add IP i Delete E name is the name you entered in Step 2 above Modify Move Up Move Down ERP ERE Cancel You are now ready to connect to the chassis using AST II see page 50 48 ASTII User Guide Chapter 3 Install and Connect Connection Procedures Setting up a Serial Connection 1 Inthe Setup SmartBits Connections window click the Add Serial button The Serial Connection window appears Serial Connection X Select the COM Port that you are using to COM Port E connect your PC to the chassis Select the Baud Rate here Baud Rate 38400 mi default is 38400 Enter a Name to identify the connection here Name hosi 4 This is the name that appears in the Ports pane of the main window and applies to all of OK Cancel the ports in the chassis Click OK 2 Inthe Serial Connection window do the following e Select the COM Port you are using to connect your PC to the chassis e Select the Baud Rate default is 38400 e Ent
82. Latency test description 216 selecting ports 219 starting and stopping 223 supported traffic distribution types 217 test methodology 218 test setup steps 221 traffic flow 217 used to determine 216 viewing test results 224 bursts calculating number of 254 custom sizes 105 Cc Card Setup tab description 61 parameter values 91 setting parameters 88 Chart tab Address Caching test results 176 Address Learning test results 160 Broadcast Forwarding test results 210 Broadcast Latency test results 225 Congestion Control test results 144 Error Filtering test results 193 Forward Pressure test results 241 Forwarding test results 128 general information 73 selecting the display format 74 Chart Wizard using 75 configuration files editing a previously saved file 109 AST II User Guide 273 Index 274 loading a previously saved file 108 using 106 Congestion Control test description 134 selecting ports 137 starting and stopping 142 supported traffic distribution types 135 test methodology 136 test setup parameters 140 test setup steps 139 traffic flow 135 used to determine 134 viewing test results 143 connection indicator light 71 connections AST II to SmartBits 50 Ethernet 48 PC to SmartBits 47 serial 49 SmartBits connection names 52 SmartBits to DUT 54 synchronizing chassis 46 Conventions used in this guide 4 Counters tab field descriptions 262 general information 78 csv files exporting
83. Option 6 Many to many unidirectional m to n For this option the number of m ports and n ports does not have to be equal Port 2 C O Port 4 Non Meshed Option 1 Bidirectional A to B and B to A Single port pair Multiple port pairs Port 1 Ja e Port2 Port1 Je e Port 2 Port 3 aJe e Port 4 Figure 6 2 Supported Traffic Distributions continued AST II User Guide 115 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Test Overview 116 Non Meshed continued Option 2 Unidirectional A to B Single port pair Port 1 a 8 Port 2 Option 3 Unidirectional B to A Single port pair Port 1 4 lt __ 8 Port 2 Multiple port pairs pons s 5 Multiple port pairs pot A B Port 3 4 lt _ 8 Port 2 Port 4 Port 2 Port 4 Figure 6 3 Supported Traffic Distributions continued AST II User Guide Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Test Overview Traffic Flow Depending on the traffic distribution option you select the way that traffic is transmitted varies slightly This section describes how traffic is transmitted based on your traffic distribution selection e Fully meshed The traffic is transmitted in a round robin fashion starting with the first transmitting port There is an equal distribution of destination addresses one for each port to keep the test balanced All ports are equally and fully loaded during the test and no one port is overloaded This table sh
84. SPIRENT Analyze Assure Accelerate ommunica tions User Guide Advanced Switch Tests II AST II Version 3 10 December 2003 Spirent Communications Inc 26750 Agoura Road Calabasas CA 91302 USA Support Contacts E mail support spirentcom com Web http support spirentcom com Toll Free 1 800 SPIRENT 1 800 774 7368 Phone 1 818 676 2300 Fax 1 818 881 9154 Copyright 2003 Spirent Communications Inc All Rights Reserved All of the company names and or brand names and or product names referred to in this document in particular the name Spirent and its logo device are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Spirent plc and its subsidiaries pending registration in accordance with relevant national laws All other registered trademarks or trademarks are the property of their respective owners The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Spirent Communications The information in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable however Spirent Communications assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in the document Warranty Spirent Communications Inc Spirent warrants that its Products will conform to the description on the face of order that it will convey good title thereto and that the Product will be delivered free from any lawful security int
85. SS OSPR hee eek etna dare abe eos 143 Chapter 8 Address Learning Test 0 0 00 0 0 ccc cece eee ees 149 About the Address Learning Test 2 0 0 ccc eens 150 What this Test Allows You to Measure 0 0 0 eee ees 150 What this Test Allows You to Determine 0 0 0 0 eee eee eee 150 Test OVEIVIEW segoro drar rade eaog aero ba Vk eke he eRe eee ee 151 Test Methodology ccs 2c30 22h See hobisives siete Se chsebie sabes ae tiene eek 153 Selecting the Ports for the Test e 2 20 2 eee eee ee ee eee erences 154 Configuring Test Parameters 0 2 eect cece ene 155 Running the Test ssc 2 cst sirpi eee se Ee Meas eee OS bye ee BEES oO 158 Viewing Test Results errei mersi eeaeee seus Sebe seks EE eee 159 Chapter 9 Address Caching Test 00 0 ccc cece cece eens 165 About the Address Caching Test 2 0 0 coe cece eee 166 What this Test Allows You to Measure 2 0 0 0c cece eee eee 166 What this Test Allows You to Determine 0 00 0 e eee eee eee 166 MESCOVERVICW 222 25a tesa edd ee Bieta ieee tt begin Shee Bid ad i Shee bk 167 Test Methodology 423 4 0 2053 sbedacae hese dense ct ee eet esa eee ade ves 168 Selecting the Ports for the Test 0 0 ee cece 170 Configuring Test Parameters ocus ec s seca cee bed nenret ea neea E eee Gee ee bees 171 Running the Test ecca e onie etched dati dra ab We oo A eee a ea eae 174 Viewing Test Resuliss lt ccsacsssasassedei
86. SmartCards module port advertises to the DUT that it has flow control capability The port is also able to respond to a pause frame received from the DUT by reducing its transmission rate until the DUT SUT can handle more traffic Disable The SmartCards module port does not advertise to the DUT that it has flow control capability The port is also unable to respond to any pause frames received from the DUT 92 ASTI User Guide Chapter 5 General Test Setup Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports Table 5 1 Card Setup Parameters continued Parameter Description Payload Default is All Zeros Allows you to specify a background pattern so that frames originating from that port will contain the background pattern The allowable options are All Zeros All Ones 5555 AAAA Random FOFO OFOF FF00 OOFF FFFF0000 OOOOF FFF 8 Fs 8 0s 8 0s 8 Fs Status Default is Enable Allows you to enable make active or disable make inactive ports Enable The port is active and can be used in the test Disable The port is inactive and cannot be used in the test can not send or receive traffic This option allows you to remove ports from a test without having to disconnect the port or unreserve it You can easily make it part of the test again by changing its status to Enable Interface Default is Copper Selects the interface for the LAN 3320A 3321A 3324A 3325A 3327A dual media modules Copper The port uses an RJ 45 connector
87. UT handles traffic when the Frame Size is constant Number of Trials Default is 1 Allows you to specify the number of trials for the test For a definition of trial see Table 2 1 on page 14 Addresses Default is Addresses per port with a value of 1 Allows you to specify the number of addresses you want to assign to each transmitting port in the test The options are e Random Addresses are assigned to the ports in the test randomly e Addresses per port Each port is assigned the same number of addresses Enter the number of addresses you want AST II User Guide 237 Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Configuring Test Parameters Table 13 1 Forward Pressure Rate Test Parameters continued Parameter Frame Size Definition Default is 64 bytes for Start and Step and 1518 for Stop Allows you to set the Frames sizes throughout the test The options are e Start The Frame size at the beginning of the test e Step The amount the Frame size increments from iteration to iteration Stop The largest Frame size for the test e Custom Allows you to specify custom frame sizes for the test See Using Custom Frame Sizes for the Test on page 104 for details Burst Size 238 ASTII User Guide The Burst Size is forced to 1 you cannot set the Burst Size Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Running the Test Running the Test This section shows you how to start stop and pause
88. ack 3 e Windows NT 4 0 Professional Edition Service Pack 6a e Windows XP Professional Edition Service Pack 1 64 MB of RAM for Windows 98 128 MB of RAM for Windows NT 15 MB free hard disk space for installation SVGA monitor with 800 x 600 or better resolution Optional For chassis synchronization either a synchronization cable or two GPS receivers and antennas plus an additional SmartBits 200 or 2000 chassis Refer to the Using GPS CDMA with SmartBits document that accompanies the GPS unit for more information Installing AST Il AST II can be used with Windows 98 2000 NT XP systems see PC Requirements on page 44 for the specific operating systems that are supported AST II ships on a CD ROM and is also available from the Spirent Communications Customer Service Center website at http support spirentcom com Vv Chapter 3 Install and Connect Installing AST II To install AST II follow the steps below 1 To install AST II from a CD insert the CD into your PC s CD ROM drive The AST II installer program will launch automatically To install AST II from the Spirent Communications Customer Service Center website a b Login to the website and select Downloads gt All Software from the menu bar Under the SmartBits heading click Applications and then click on the Advanced Switched Tests I AST I listing Click the Download button on the Software Downloads AST II web page to copy the exe f
89. aight through not crossover cable to connect the chassis together The cable should be one meter 1m or less in length an appropriate synchronous CAT 5 straight through cable is shipped with your SmartBits chassis The use of the synchronous cable is required in order for overall test results to be accurate not just latency test results but all test results Also all of the chassis in the arrangement must be booted in the proper order You must first boot the chassis that contains the master clock Next wait ten seconds and then boot the next chassis in the chain Wait another ten seconds and then boot the next chassis and so on It is important that you wait ten seconds before booting the next chassis in line For detailed information on multiple chassis operation refer to the SmartBits 200 2000 Installation Guide or the SmartBits 600 6000B 6000C Installation Guide AST II User Guide Chapter 3 Install and Connect Connection Procedures Setting up SmartBits Connections Once you have physically connected your PC to the chassis you need to set up a SmartBits connection in AST II that corresponds to the physical connection Ethernet or Serial The following procedures explain how to set up both Ethernet or Serial SmartBits connections Prior to performing these procedures your PC must be physically connected to the SmartBits chassis and AST II must be installed on your PC Setting up an Ethernet or Serial Connection D gt To
90. al test setup including selecting the ports see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 137 See Table 7 1 on page 140 for descriptions of the test parameters Note If you already have a configuration file for this test you can open it to quickly configure the test includes card setup test options frame setup and test parameters To configure the Congestion Control test parameters follow these steps 1 Inthe main window make sure that the Test Setup tab is selected The selected Test Type should be Congestion Control as shown in Figure 7 3 Test Setup l Frame Setup Options Card Setup Test Type Congestion Control i Test Duration Seconds fi 0 C Continuous Number Of Trials f Addresses l Random Addresses Per Port i z 2 Burst Size m1 Frame Size _ 3 Load Percentage Start eo a Start Start fio Step 64 Step m Step fio Stop 1518 Stop i Stop fico T Custom Edit T Custom Edit Figure 7 3 Test Setup Tab Congestion Control Test 2 Inthe Test pane click on one of the following radio buttons to select the desired Duration option see Table 7 1 on page 140 for explanations of these and other options on the Test Setup tab for the Congestion Control test e Seconds enter the number of seconds you want each iteration to run e Continuous the test runs continuously until you stop it by clicking on the Stop bu
91. and test results Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Describes the Forward Pressure test including test methodology parameter setup and test results Appendix A Search Algorithms Lists the search algorithms that are used by various tests in Search mode Appendix B Formulas Lists the formulas that are used by AST II to calculate various values such as the Interburst Gap IBG Appendix C Valid Test Parameter Values Lists the valid parameter ranges for many of the test parameters common to the various AST IT tests Appendix D Test Results Counters Lists and describes the test results counters for all of the AST II tests Appendix E ESD Requirements Explains the proper process for handling and storing electrostatic discharge sensitive ESDS devices assemblies and equipment Appendix F Fiber Optic Cleaning Guidelines Presents guidelines for maintaining clean fiber optic components Appendix G Revision History Describes the changes to this document since the last revision Index A comprehensive index of terms used in the manual AST II User Guide 3 About this Guide Conventions Conventions This guide uses the following typographical conventions These conventions cover the usage of bold and italic font styles font types and how important information is indicated in SmartBits documentation e
92. ansmitting traffic at the same time and transmits traffic to the same set of destination ports Broadcast Receiver ports based on the destination port addresses Each transmitting port also transmits traffic to all of its receiving ports simultaneously The following tables show the traffic flow using the configurations shown in Figure 11 1 on page 199 One to Many Broadcast Source Port Broadcast Receiver Ports simultaneous transmission Port 1 2 3 4 Many to Many Broadcast Source Port Broadcast Receiver Ports simultaneous transmission Port 1 3 4 5 Port 2 3 4 5 AST II User Guide Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Test Methodology Test Methodology The steps below describe what occurs during each iteration of the Broadcast Forwarding test in both Profile and Search mode For information on How the test progresses from iteration to iteration in Profile mode see Profile Mode Duration set to Seconds on page 25 and Profile Mode Duration set to Continuous on page 27 How the test progresses from iteration to iteration in Search mode see Search on page 18 The algorithms used to determine the selected test measurement such as throughput in Search mode see Appendix A Search Algorithms D gt During each iteration of the Broadcast Forwarding test the following steps occur 1 VFDs are set for all ports based on port addresses Trigger is set to match frames with corre
93. ar seyor veka ee nir Dike ERO EE ER eG Shs ke E ET ESED 79 Test RESUMS eera eia e Shel EREE a AS a ESTASE T ER EEE R S E E E 80 Savine Test RESUS isco cas serr pees AE p A EE ERE RENA E RAAS 80 Exporting Test Results ers 5 2 gous cc obe bo En E a EE EEE eae 80 Chapter 5 General Test Setup 0 0 00 0 e cece cece eens 83 The General Test Setup Process 2 0 2 2 eee eee ee eee eee eens 84 Reserving SmartCards Modules for the Test 0 0 00 eee eee eee eee 85 Viewing the Available SmartCards Modules 0 0 0 0 cece eee eee eee 86 Reserving and Unreserving SmartCards Modules 0000002 eee eee 87 Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports 0 0 0 e eee cece eee 88 Changing Parameter Values 0 0 eee cece eee 88 How to Configure Ports 0 0 0 ec nett e ees 89 Setting the Test Options 25 0 05 paveihecas dues shoes pote vebbese reese Chime Pees 94 Setting the Frame Setup Parameters 00 0 c eee eee eee 98 Specifying Custom Frame and Burst Sizes fora Test 0 0 00 00 00 0 eee eee 104 Using Test Configuration Files 0 2 ee cee eens 106 Saving Your Test Configuration to a File 20 0 0 0 2 ee eee 107 Loading a Previously Saved Configuration File 0 0 0 0 00000 eee eee 108 Editing a Previously Saved Configuration File 00 00 0008 109 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test 0 0 0 00 cece cece eee eee ees 111 About
94. arameters Table 6 2 Forwarding Test Parameters continued Parameter Traffic Distribution Definition Default is Fully Meshed Allows you to select the traffic distribution you want for the test The options are e Fully Meshed All ports in the test transmit to every other port in the test and receive traffic from all other ports in the test simultaneously e Partially Meshed Allows either one to many many to one or many to many traffic patterns Each of these options supports bidirectional and unidirectional traffic direction see Direction below e Non Meshed All of these traffic distribution pattern options are port pairs You can set up the test to have a single port pair or multiple port pairs Each of these options supports bidirectional and unidirectional traffic direction see Direction below See Supported Traffic Distributions on page 113 for details on these options Once you select the desired traffic distribution you must select the desired traffic direction see Direction below Availability Profile and Search Direction Default is Bidirectional Allows you to select the traffic direction based on your traffic distribution selection see Traffic Distribution above This option does not apply if you selected Fully Meshed for the Traffic Distribution The options are Partially Meshed e Bidirectional M lt gt N e Unidirectional M gt N e Unidir
95. are not required in Profile mode for the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests These parameters allow you to define various aspects of the binary search You specify the these parameters using the Test Setup tab when you configure the test parameters Table 2 6 lists the additional parameters As shown in Figure 2 3 the parameters remain constant during the test Table 2 6 Binary Search Parameters Parameter Description Resolution Allows you to specify the accuracy of the search The Resolution defines the finest adjustment possible in the Load from iteration to iteration The smaller the Resolution value the more accurate the test results See Resolution on page 18 for more information Backoff Rate Allows you to specify the rate that the Load decreases after the DUT SUT fails at the current Load This parameter is one of the variables used in the algorithms used to calculate the Load for the next iteration of the test after the DUT SUT fails See Appendix A Search Algorithms for more information on the algorithms AST II User Guide 29 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology Table 2 6 Binary Search Parameters continued Parameter Description Acceptable Frame Loss Allows you to specify you acceptable frame loss threshold for the throughput measurement If the frame loss exceeds the specified value frame loss is declared Figure 2 4 on page 31 below shows the basic test structure for
96. are set e Frame data length e Background pattern including unique signature e Trigger 2 based on signature location The Burst Size is set to the specified value 5 The IBG interburst gap is calculated for the intended load the specified Load value See Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG on page 252 for details on how the IBG is calculated Load is set to specified Load 7 Timed transmission is started on all transmitting ports at the specified Start values for Load Burst Size and Frame Size See Calculating the Transmit Time on page 253 for the formula used to calculate the transmission time 8 Wait for the specified Duration the Duration defines the length of each iteration The port counters are updated continually during each iteration y Note If you set the Duration option to Continuous the test continues until you manually stop it 9 When the receive trigger rate on receiving port s becomes 0 the elapsed time is determined from the chassis 10 Port counters are gathered 11 Frame loss and or final throughput is determined 12 Results are displayed 118 ASTII User Guide Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Selecting the Ports for the Test gt v This section explains how to select the ports for the Forwarding test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already set up the SmartCards modules and have defined the frame setup and any optional settin
97. argest Burst size for the test e Custom Allows you to specify custom burst sizes for the test See Using Custom Burst Sizes for the Test on page 105 for details 206 ASTII User Guide Step The amount the Burst size increments from iteration to iteration Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Configuring Test Parameters Table 11 2 Broadcast Forwarding Test Parameters continued Parameter Load Definition Allows you to set the load levels for the duration of the test Load is the amount of utilization of the medium The options vary depending on the test mode that you select Profile or Search The default values depend on your Units setting for Load in the Options tab The Load default values are Profile Start 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Step 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Stop 100 Units Percentage 8 000 Units Frames Sec Search Initial 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Min 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Max 100 Units Percentage 8 000 Units Frames Sec Profile The options are e Start The Load at the beginning of the test Step The amount the Load increments from iteration to iteration e Stop The largest Load for the test Search The options are e Initial The Load at the beginning of the test e Min The minimum allowable Load value for the test If this value is reached the test st
98. art Card modules you have not yet reserved check the Reserve checkbox 2 Click on the Status column heading right mouse click and select Enable in the pull down menu to enable all of the cards 3 Click in the column heading of the parameter you want to set and right mouse click In the pop up menu select the desired value The value is changed for that parameter for all of the cards see Table 5 1 on page 91 for definitions of the parameters 5 Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 for all the parameters you want to change Full Disable Full Disable V Enable All Zeros _ Reserve Enable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable 1G Full Disable V Enable All Zeros _ Reserve Enable 1G Full Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable 1G Full Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable 1G Full Disable V Enable All Zeros _ Reserve Enable 1G Full Disable V Enable All Zeros _ Reserve Enable HSER LAN 33254 1G Full Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable BM AMRA ANA Fuill Nieahle J Fnahle All Ferns M Reserve Fnahle Figure 5 2 Card Setup Tab Port Configuration AST II User Guide 89 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports Configuring Ports Individually This procedure shows you how to configure the available SmartCard module ports individually This procedure shows you how to enable and disable ports gt To configure
99. ates a new iteration See Table 2 5 on page 29 a list all of the iterations of a test in which these Load Burst Size and Frame Size values are used See When is the test complete on page 26 for information on when the test stops AST II User Guide 25 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology ANN Burst Size Frame Size Load Iterations peuvyuevrevrevres S v ee o q Ko a eH o 4 Y Y Y Y Y Y p Y p p Start of Test Figure 2 2 Profile Mode Duration set to Seconds When is the test complete In Profile mode when the Duration option is set to Seconds the test stops when all the trials you specified in your test setup have been completed If you specified more than one trial the test repeats using the same parameter values for each iteration based on the number of trials you specify For example if you specify 4 trials the test repeats a total of 4 times The number of iterations per trial and the values of the specific parameters does not change from trial to trial 26 ASTII User Guide Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology Profile Mode Duration set to Continuous Figure 2 3 shows the basic test structure for the tests that use Profile mode when Duration
100. aximum of 1024 different sizes The defaults custom sizes are 1 24 and 144 To specify custom burst sizes follow these steps 1 2 In the main window click on the Test Setup tab In the Burst Size pane select the Custom box and click on the Edit button the button is disabled until you select the Custom box The Custom Burst Sizes window appears Figure 5 7 Custom Burst Sizes x Burst Sizes Close 24 Ascending 144 Use these buttons to arrange Descending theframe sizes in the window Move Up Move Down m Use this button to remove a Remove ___ size from the list eai Use this button to restore the ba Zas default values Add Burst Size Edd Figure 5 7 Custom Burst Sizes window AST II User Guide 105 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Using Test Configuration Files Vv 3 Using the Move Up Move Down Ascending and Descending buttons arrange the burst sizes in the order you want for the test Since AST II reads the burst sizes from the top down the order of the burst sizes in the window dictates the order of the burst sizes for the test For example if burst sizes listed from the top down are 1 144 24 the frame sizes for the test are 1 then 144 and then 24 Note If you do not see a burst size you want to use enter it in the Add Burst Size text entry field and click the Add button The new burst size appears in the list 4 Click Close Using Test Configuration Fi
101. ble You do not have to select the highlighted ports 4 Click the right arrow to move the port pair to the Pairs pane 234 ASTII User Guide v v Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Note If this arrow is not available it means the selection of ports is not valid Check your selections and reselect the ports 5 Optional Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 to set up additional port pairs Select the transmitting Select the receiving port here port here m Traffic Distribution Chassis 1 13 Chassis 113 Chassis 114 Chassis 1 14 Chassis 115 Chassis 115 Chassis 1 16 Chassis 1 16 Chassis 1 17 Chassis 117 Chassis 118 Chassis 118 Chassis 119 Chassis 119 Chassis 1 20 Chassis 1 20 Chassis 1 13 Chassis 1 14 Once you select the transmitter and receiver port click on this arrow The selected ports appear in the Pairs pane If this arrow is not available it means the selection of ports is not valid Check you selections and reselect the ports Figure 13 3 Traffic Distribution Pane Forward Pressure Test Note See Traffic Flow on page 232 for details on how the traffic is transmitted AST II User Guide 235 Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Configuring Test Parameters Configuring Test Parameters This section explains how to configure the test parameters for the Forward Pressure test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already completed the general test s
102. calculate the Load for the next iteration Since the Load does not increment stepwise as it does in Profile mode the Load parameter options in Search mode are different than the options provided in Profile mode The Load parameter options in Search mode allow you to specify an initial minimum and maximum Load rate not a Step rate This allows you to define minimum and maximum threshold Load for the test During the test the Load is adjusted up or down within the range defined by the minimum and maximum values If ether the specified minimum Min or maximum Max Load threshold is reached the current trial stops For details on when the test is complete see When is the test complete on page 33 In addition to the differences in the way the Load varies during the test there are aspects to Search mode not found in Profile mode when running the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests These additional aspects are e Search algorithms These algorithms are used calculate the Load for the next iteration based on whether the DUT SUT passes or fails at the current Load See Appendix A Search Algo rithms for information on the search algorithms e Pass fail criteria The criteria used to determine if the DUT SUT fails at the current Load The criteria vary depending on the type of test you are running See page 29 for more information e Binary search parameters These parameters allow you to specify the amount of frame loss
103. cation will calculate the amount of frames expected to be transmitted in those 10 seconds e g 100 000 frames When the ports start to transmit the application will check to see if 100 000 frames have been transmitted and if 10 seconds are up By the end of the 10 seconds if all 100 000 frames have not been transmitted the application will wait for up to an additional 5 seconds to allow all 100 000 frames to be transmitted If all 100 000 frames are still not finished being transmitted after the additional 5 seconds an error will be reported The Delay After Transmit value can be set from 0 to 600 seconds Error Handling Pane The Error Handling pane allows you to select how you want errors handled when they occur during the address learning phase On Error Default is Abort This option allows you to select how you want errors handled when they occur during the address learning phase e Prompt You are prompted alerted when an error occurs e Abort The test is aborted stopped when an error occurs e Retry The test is started again after an error occurs e Continue Errors are ignored AST Il User Guide 97 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Setting the Frame Setup Parameters Table 5 2 Test Options continued Parameter Email Pane Description This pane allows you to specify whether or not an email is sent to advise you that a test has been completed successfully or was aborted due to error Send ema
104. ck on the Resume button AST II User Guide Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results Recommended Testing Method This testing method shows you how to quickly determine roughly where the DUT SUT begins to drop frames using the Profile test mode and progressively refine the test for more accurate measurements 1 In Profile mode set the Initial Load to 10 and use a relatively large Step Load value to get a rough idea where frame loss begins to occur for example 30 2 Keep the range of frame sizes to a minimum as well as the Number of Trials and set the Duration to a minimum This will shorten the test 3 View the results using the Chart tab or Summary tab first to quickly spot the point at which frame loss begins 4 Adjust the test parameters and rerun the test at a finer level focusing in on the area where frame loss started occurring Using the Load parameters narrow the Load to range from just below and just above that point 5 View the results using the Details tab to see exactly where frame loss started to occur Compare Test Frames Transmitted to the Test Frames Expected fields Look for where the number of frames in each field first become unequal If needed reset the test parameters to a more focused range and rerun the test WV Note For more information on test results see Viewing Test Results Viewing Test Results This section provides information on the test results data that is available for this test
105. ct destination address For the specified Frame Size the following are set e Frame data length e Background pattern including unique signature e Trigger 2 based on signature location The Burst Size is set to the specified value The IBG interburst gap is calculated for the intended load the specified Load value See Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG on page 252 for details on how the IBG is calculated Load is set to the specified Load value Timed transmission is started on all transmitting ports at the specified Start values for Load Burst Size and Frame Size See Calculating the Transmit Time on page 253 for the formula used to calculate the transmission time Wait for the specified Duration the Duration defines the length of each iteration The port counters are updated continually during each iteration Note If you set the Duration option to Continuous the test continues until you manually stop it When the receive trigger rate on receiving port s becomes 0 the elapsed time is determined from the chassis 10 Port counters are gathered 11 Frame loss is determined 12 Results are displayed AST II User Guide 201 Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Selecting the Ports for the Test This section explains how to select the ports for the Broadcast Forwarding test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already set up the SmartCards modules
106. cur For the Address Learning test the test measurement is the Address Learning Rate the maximum rate at which the DUT SUT can learn new MAC addresses without flooding or dropping frames For the Address Caching test the test measurement is the Address Caching Capacity the maximum number of MAC addresses that a DUT SUT can cache store and successfully forward frames to without flooding or dropping frames The search algorithms for the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests are described in the following sections e Address Learning see page 249 e Address Caching see page 250 AST II User Guide Appendix A Search Algorithms Forwarding Test Forwarding Test The algorithm used to determine the throughput includes the following steps this algorithm is the same for the Broadcast Forwarding test 1 Based on the measured frame loss for the current iteration the Load is adjusted for the next iteration as follows e If the frame loss is less than or equal to the Acceptable Frame Loss the Load for the next iteration is calculated using this formula The next iteration begins at the new increased Load value Current Load Max 2 e Ifthe frame loss is greater than the Acceptable Frame Loss the Load for the next iteration is calculated using this formula The next iteration begins at the new decreased Load value Current Rate Backoff Rate Current Rate Min Rate 2 This process continues for the duration
107. d in a SmartBits 200 2000 chassis The term module generally refers to a printed circuit board used in a SmartBits 600 6000B 6000C chassis The term card is often used in SmartBits software applications and in this manual to refer to either type of circuit board Notes cautions and other important user information are shown as follows Note Calls attention to additional information or explanation age to hardware or corruption and possible loss of software files and or data Warning Calls attention to operating procedures or practices that should be followed to avoid bodily injury or damage to equipment rn Caution Calls attention to procedures or practices that should be followed to avoid dam 4 ASTII User Guide About this Guide Related Manuals oO Important Calls attention to important information or characteristics that might be over looked 9 Tip Calls attention to helpful information about a product s operation or setup that eases its use gt Indicates the beginning of a procedure Related Manuals Additional manuals related to this AST II User Guide are listed below All of these manuals are available in the Product Literature area of the Spirent Communications website at www spirentcom com Online Help AST II API User Guide Describes how to implement AST II tests by using customized command lines The API may be used in either a PC or UNIX environment SmartBits System Reference Manual Describes all Smart
108. d set the AST II Aging Time to 32 seconds The reason this is so important is that the DUT s address table must be cleared before another iteration of the Address Learning test is started otherwise results will be invalid 3 Inthe Number of Addresses field enter the number of addresses for each port in the test This field must be set to a lower number than the actual size of the address table for the tested DUT port or else test results will be invalid Be very careful as a DUT specification may be defined to have 64K of address table space but the address space defined per VLAN or group of ports may be much less 8 or 16K If this is the case you will always have flooded frames and your tests will always fail 4 Inthe Learning Rate pane do the following e In the Initial field enter the learning rate for the start of the test e In the Minimum field enter the minimum learning rate for the test e In the Maximum field enter the maximum learning rate for the test 5 Inthe Frame Size field select the frame size for the test Note The Burst Size is forced to 1 you cannot change the value in the Burst Size field You are now ready to run the test If you did not use an existing configuration file to configure the test parameters you can save the current configuration to a file by choosing File gt Save As option This allows you to use the file to quickly configure the test at a later time See Running the Test on page 158 for
109. d the general test setup and configured the Error Filtering test parameters you can start the test by doing one of the following e Click on the Error Filtering test button in the Shortcut bar e Error Filtering e Click on the Run Current Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Run Current or Test gt Run gt Error Filtering Once you start the test the display of the main window changes to the Results display Stopping The Test If you want to stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Stop Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Stop Pausing The Test If you want to pause temporarily stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Pause Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Pause y Note To resume restart the test choose Test gt Resume or click on the Resume button AST II User Guide 191 Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Viewing Test Results Viewing Test Results This section provides information on the test results data that is available for this test As soon as you Start the test the main window changes from the Setup amp Run display to the Results display This display includes four tabs that you can use to select the test results information that you want to view For information on the test results data for a specific tab see the following sections e Chart tab see Chart Tab on page 193 e Summary tab see Summary Tab on page 19
110. ding occurred in every iteration of the test Figure 8 6 Details Tab Address Learning Test 162 ASTII User Guide Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Viewing Test Results Table 8 2 Details Tab Field Descriptions Field Correct Frames on Learning Port Description Test frames generated by SmartBits chassis received on this learning port Other Frames on Learning Port Non test frames not generated by SmartBits chassis received on this learning port Flood Count on Test Port Number of flooded frames received by the test port Other Frames on Test Port Non test frames not generated by SmartBits chassis received on this test port Flood Count on Monitor Port Flooded frames received by the monitor port Other Total Frames Received on Monitor Port Non test frames not generated by SmartBits chassis received on this test port Test Status Counters Tab Indicates whether the port passed or failed The Counters tab displays the same test results data for all AST II tests For a description of the various counters see Appendix D Test Results Counters AST II User Guide 163 pe SPIRENT Communications 164 ASTII User Guide Chapter 9 Address Caching Test This chapter describes the AST I Address Caching test In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics About the Address Caching Test 166 Test Overview 167 Test Methodo
111. directions between the M and N ports simultaneously If you choose this option make sure that the SmartCard modules for the ports you selected are set to full duplex see Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports on page 88 e Unidirectional M gt N Traffic flows from the M ports to the N ports e Unidirectional N gt M Traffic flows from the N ports to the M ports Note See Traffic Flow on page 117 for details on how the traffic is transmitted AST II User Guide Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Configuring Test Parameters Configuring Test Parameters This section explains how to configure the test parameters for the Forwarding test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already completed the general test setup including port selection see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 119 See Table 6 2 on page 122 for descriptions of the test parameters y Note If you already have a configuration file for this test you can open it to quickly configure the test includes card setup test options frame setup and test parameters To configure the Forwarding test parameters follow these steps 1 Inthe main window make sure the Test Setup tab is selected The selected Test Type should be Forwarding as shown in Figure 6 6 Untitled AstII File Edit View Smartbits Test Results Help Daea oog p une cClenke ae Setup amp Run Test Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Test Typ
112. dit Start jo Step fio Stop fi o0 Traffic Distribution Fuly Meshed z Select All Clear All Chase 281 Chase 281 Chas 341 E Chas2 342 E Chas2 381 1 Chas2 382 Figure 4 3 Test Setup Tab 58 ASTI User Guide 3 Load Percentage Resolution fi ps fi 000 Backoff Rate Acceptable Frame Loss Monitor Ports Connections 1 je 7 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display Frame Setup Tab The Frame Setup tab is used to configure how the frame should be structured and how the addresses should be mapped within the frame These settings apply to all tests See Setting the Frame Setup Parameters on page 98 for instructions on how to use this tab Ethernet ll a Internet IP IPv4 0800 ha source IF Address Destination IP Address E VLAN ID VLAN Priority E Time lo Live Type UF Service Precedunce Delay hrouahput 0 Nomel Reliability o Nomal Figure 4 4 Frame Setup Tab AST II User Guide 59 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display Options Tab The Options tab is used to specify options that include Load and Learning Rate units address learning characteristics test execution timing and error handling behavior You can also specify whether or not you want test results to be emailed to a certain address upon test completion The Load unit
113. dles traffic when the Frame Size Burst Size and Load are constant Number of Default is 1 Profile and i Allows you to specify the number of trials for the test For a definition of trial Search see Table 2 1 on page 14 122 ASTII User Guide Table 6 2 Parameter Addresses Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Configuring Test Parameters Forwarding Test Parameters continued Definition Default is Addresses per port with a value of 1 Allows you to specify the number of addresses you want to assign to each transmitting port in the test The options are e Random Addresses are assigned to the ports in the test randomly e Addresses per port addresses Enter the number of addresses you want Each port is assigned the same number of Availability Profile and Search Measurements Default is Profile Allows you to specify the test mode you want to use The options are e Profile Provides an overall view of the DUT SUT s forwarding performance Frame loss is measured e Search Provides a more detailed analysis of the DUT SUT s forwarding performance than Profile mode A binary algorithm is used to determine throughput and frame loss N A Frame Size Default is 64 bytes for Start and Step and 1518 for Stop Allows you to set the Frames sizes throughout the test for both Profile and Search mode The options are e Start The Frame size at the beginning of the test Step The amount the Frame si
114. document explains the proper process for handling and storing electrostatic discharge sensitive ESDS devices assemblies and equipment The requirements presented in this document comply with the EJA Standard ANSI ESD S20 20 1999 Development of an Electrostatic Discharge Control Program and apply to anyone who handles equipment that is sensitive to electrostatic discharge Such equipment includes but it not limited to e All electronic assemblies manufactured by Spirent Communications e Discrete and integrated circuit semiconductors e Hybrid microcircuits e Thin film passive devices e Memory modules f Caution Failure to comply with the requirements explained in this document poses risks to the performance of ESDS devices as well as to your investment in the equipment General Equipment Handling Whenever you handle a piece of ESDS equipment you must be properly grounded to avoid harming the equipment Also when transporting the equipment it must be packaged properly Follow the requirements below to help ensure equipment protection e Wrist straps must be worn by any person handling the equipment to provide normal grounding e The use of foot straps is encouraged to supplement normal grounding If foot straps are used exclusively two straps one on each foot should be used Note that foot straps are only applicable in environments that use ESD flooring and or floor mats e Hold ESDS equipment by the edges only do not to
115. ds e Continuous The test runs continuously until you manually stop it to stop the test click the Stop button or choose Test gt Stop This option is not available when the test mode is set to Search The Frame Size Burst Size and Load parameter values do not vary during the test the values used are the specified Start values which remain constant throughout the test This option is useful if you want to test how the DUT SUT handles traffic when the Frame Size Burst Size and Load are constant Number of Trials Default is 1 Allows you to specify the number of trials for the test For a definition of trial see Table 2 1 on page 14 Addresses 140 ASTII User Guide Default is Addresses per port with a value of 1 Allows you to specify the number of addresses you want to assign to each transmitting port in the test The options are e Random Addresses are assigned to the ports in the test randomly e Addresses per port Each port is assigned the same number of addresses Enter the number of addresses you want Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Configuring Test Parameters Table 7 1 Congestion Control Rate Test Parameters continued Parameter Frame Size Definition Default is 64 bytes for Start and Step and 1518 for Stop Allows you to set the Frames sizes throughout the test The options are e Start The Frame size at the beginning of the test Step The amount the Frame size increments
116. e is Addresses Measurements Forwarding geen fio Random 2 ae Addresses d earch 3 Continuous Ber Port I Congestion Control ee fi F5 1 Frame Size 2 Burst Size 3 Load Perce e4 m 1 10 Address Learning Sot Start H Start Ma Tea 2 oo E l Cham ln Figure 6 6 Test Setup Tab Forwarding Test 2 Inthe Test pane click on one of the following radio buttons to select the desired Duration option see Table 6 2 on page 122 for explanations of these and other options on the Test Setup tab for the Forwarding test e Seconds enter the number of seconds you want each iteration to run e Continuous the fest runs continuously until you manually stop it to stop the test click the Stop button or choose Test gt Stop 3 Inthe Number of Trials field enter the number of trials you want for the test AST II User Guide 121 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Configuring Test Parameters 4 Inthe Addresses pane do one of the following e Check the Random checkbox to randomly assign addresses to each port e Use the Addresses Per Port arrows to specify the number of address you want assigned to each port 5 In the Measurement pane do one of the following e Select Profile to run the test in Profile mode e Select Search to run the test in Search mode In the Frame Size pane select the desired Frame Size values for the test In the Burst Size pane select the desired Burst Size values for the tes
117. e 1 byte For the Address Learning and Address Caching tests the values must be from 0 to 3 For all other tests the values must be from 0 to 5 The values stored in the field can range from 0 to 255 in hex a decimal See The Port and Node Offset on page 102 for an example Port Increment The amount by which the port information in the MAC address is incremented For example e Ifyou enter a value of 1 the resulting port numbering is 1 2 3 4 e Ifyou enter a value of 3 the resulting port numbering is 1 4 7 10 13 IP Header Pane This pane contains fields for defining the IP header in frames Configure IP Header Default is unchecked If the Configure IP Header checkbox is not checked then the AST II default values will apply Source IP Address Destination IP Address Time to Live and Type of Service values will all default to 0 Check this checkbox to allow you to enter values in the IP Header fields Source IP Address The IP address of the module port This address should be different from the IP addresses of the other ports and from the destination IP address of the same port When no IP Header is set the application will transmit frames with all zeros beyond the Ethernet header Destination IP Address The IP address used as a target for generated ARP Ping requests Time to Live Default is 64 Time to Live TTL refers to how long the frame should exist or the number of hops that s
118. e When you save test results you save the test results data for the test to a single ast file the results data contained in all of the tabs is recorded See Saving Test Results below for details When you export test results you can output the test results data for the selected results tab Chart Summary or Details in a variety of formats The available formats vary depending on the tab you have selected See Exporting Test Results below for details Saving Test Results Once a test is complete you can save test results When you do this both the test configuration and test results are saved in a single ast file You can open the file later and review the test results by clicking on the various results tabs You can also use this ast file to configure tests at a later time Once the test is complete you can save the test results by choosing File gt Save or by clicking the Save button The ast file is saved to the specified default directory Exporting Test Results 80 Vv Exporting test results allows you to output test results in a variety of formats that can be used by other applications The formats that are available vary depending on the results tab you have selected The following table lists the formats that are available for each results tab Note You must have the tab selected before you can export the test results data for that tab Tab Format Chart jpg and HTML Summary csv and HTML De
119. e gt Save As option This allows you to use the file to quickly configure the test at a later time See Running the Test on page 223 for information on running the test and Viewing Test Results on page 224 for a recommended testing procedure AST II User Guide 221 Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Configuring Test Parameters Table 12 1 Broadcast Latency Test Parameters Parameter Definition Number of Trials Default is 1 Allows you to specify the number of trials for the test For a definition of trial see Table 2 1 on page 14 Frame Size Default is 64 bytes for Start and Step and 1518 for Stop Allows you to set the Frames sizes throughout the test for both Profile and Search mode The options are e Start The Frame size at the beginning of the test e Step The amount the Frame size increments from iteration to iteration e Stop The largest Frame size for the test e Custom Allows you to specify custom frame sizes for the test See Using Custom Frame Sizes for the Test on page 104 for details 222 ASTII User Guide Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Running the Test Running the Test This section shows you how to start stop and pause temporarily stop the test Pausing the test allows you to view the real time data for the current iteration of the test using the Counters tab Starting The Test Once you have completed the general test setup and configured the Broadcast Late
120. e As window do one of the following e To create a new configuration file enter the name you want for the new file in the File name field Click the Save button The new file is saved to the folder where AST II has been installed leaving the original file intact e Click the Save button The configuration file is saved to the folder where AST II has been installed with the changes the original file is overwritten AST II User Guide 109 pe SPIRENT Communications 110 ASTII User Guide Chapter 6 Forwarding Test This chapter describes the AST II Forwarding test In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics About the Forwarding Test 112 Test Overview 113 Test Methodology 118 Selecting the Ports for the Test 119 Configuring Test Parameters 121 Running the Test 126 Viewing Test Results 127 AST II User Guide 111 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test About the Forwarding Test About the Forwarding Test In traditional LAN switch testing a number of forwarding tests are used to measure the throughput and frame loss of the DUT SUT using various traffic distributions including fully meshed partially meshed and non meshed In AST II these traditional individual forwarding tests have been combined into a single test The following sections provide information about this test including e What this test allows you to measure see below e What this test allows you to deter
121. e Size Default is 64 bytes Allows you to set the frame size for the duration of the test Burst Size The burst size is forced to 1 you cannot change the value in the Burst Size field AST II User Guide 157 Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Running the Test Running the Test 158 This section shows you how to start stop and pause temporarily stop the test Pausing the test allows you to view the real time data for the current iteration of the test using the Counters tab Starting The Test Once you have completed the general test setup and configured the Address Learning test parameters you can start the test by doing one of the following e Click on the Address Learning test button in the Shortcut bar A Address Learning e Click on the Run Current Test button in the toolbar b e Choose Test gt Run Current or Test gt Run gt Address Learning Once you start the test the display of the main window changes to the Results display Stopping The Test If you want to stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Stop Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Stop Pausing The Test If you want to pause temporarily stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Pause Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Pause Note To resume restart the test choose Test gt Resume or click on the Resume button AST II User Guide Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Vi
122. e combination affect the DUT SUT s ability to filter certain error type s Note Although you can vary the Frame Size and Burst Size from test to test these parameters remain constant during the test only the Load varies during the test To vary the Frame Size and Burst Size from test to test you must reset them and rerun the test The Load at which the DUT SUT s ability to filter the error type s you selected begins to decline How increases in Frame Size affect the DUT SUT s ability to filter the error type s you selected How increases in Burst Size affect the DUT SUT s ability to filter the error type s you selected If the occurrence of certain errors affect the DUT SUT s ability to filter other errors You can test this by selecting different combinations of error types for the test Table 10 2 lists the error types that can tested based on the interface type Table 10 2 Supported Error Types by Interface Interface Oversize Undersize CRC Dribble Bit Alignment 10MB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 100MB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 1000MB Yes Yes Yes No No 10 GB Yes Yes Yes No No 1 The TeraMetrics modules do not support the Dribble Bit error type 2 The TeraMetrics modules do not support the Alignment error type AST II User Guide 183 Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Test Overview Test Overview 184 This section provides information on the basic configuration of the Error Filtering
123. e exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 9 5 shows an example of the Summary tab In this example the test parameter values are 64 for Frame Size and one 1 for Burst Size The Frame Size for the The Burst Size for the test test appears here appears here Frame Size fess b Burst Size fi CEHE 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 99 9791 a 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 100 0000 99 9791 Figure 9 5 Summary Tab Address Caching Test AST II User Guide 177 Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Viewing Test Results Details Tab The Details tab Figure 9 6 displays detailed test results for a selected port pair and the monitor port for all iterations of the test in tabular format You can select the port pair that you want to view by using the Port Pairs pull down menu The Frame Size for the test appears near the top of the tab The detailed results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 9 6 shows an example of the Details tab In this example the Frame Size is 64 See Table 9 2 on page 179 for descriptions of the Details tab fields The Frame Size for the Select the port pair you test appears here want to view here Rasnsenssnsonse Frame Size fea 7 Port Pairs Mine 2 1 gt Mine 2 2 7 ER f Correc
124. e field select the frame size for the test Note The Burst Size is forced to 1 you cannot change the value in the Burst Size field You are now ready to run the test If you did not use an existing configuration file to configure the test parameters you can save the current configuration to a file by choosing the File gt Save As option This allows you to use the file to quickly configure the test at a later time See Running the Test on page 174 for information on running the test Table 9 1 Address Caching Test Parameters Parameter Definition Number of Trials Default is 1 Allows you to specify the number of trials for the test For a definition of trial see Table 2 1 on page 14 Aging Time Default is 15 seconds Allows you to specify the amount of the aging time for the DUT SUT for the test AST II automatically verifies that the values for the aging timers for the Address Learning and Address Caching tests are large enough for the tests to be completed Based in part on the initial addresses and minimum learning rate values the application will provide a warning message if the aging timer is too small to finish the test Learning Rate Default is 1488 per second Allows you to set the learning rate for the duration of the test the number of learning frames per second that are transmitted AST II User Guide Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Configuring Test Parameters Table 9 1 Address Caching Test
125. e following e The values you enter for the modifiable bytes in that part of the MAC address e The Port Increment value you specify The Node address portion of the MAC address is determined by what you set in the modifiable byte s in the that part off the MAC address and how many software addresses you set in the Test Setup tab For an example of Port and Node Offset settings and the resulting MAC addresses both source and destination see Example Example The example below shows one possible set of values for a test with two receiving ports In the example the first byte of the port address portion of the MAC address is 11 and the second byte is 22 The two bytes of the port address portion of the MAC address that is set to increment is the second byte determined by the Port Offset value Since there were two ports configured to receive frames in the test and the Port Increment value is 5 the resulting port addresses are 1122 00 06 and 11 22 00 Ob 102 ASTII User Guide Chapter 5 General Test Setup Setting the Frame Setup Parameters The first byte of the node address portion of the MAC address is 33 The byte of the node address portion of the MAC address that is set to increment is the fifth byte determined by the Node Offset value Since there were 5 software address per port specified determined by the Addresses Per Port value in the Test Setup tab the resulting node addresses range from 33 00 to 33 04 for each
126. e initial minimum and maximum values Load Units Percent From 1 to 200 Units Frames per second From 1 to the maximum number of frames per second for the technology Load variation From 0 00001 to 200 percent Load FPS variation From 1 to 2000000 frames per second MAC address port offset 0 1 2 3 or 4 Default is 2 For address handling tests Address Caching and Address Learning the port information can be stored in 1 or 2 bytes MAC address node offset 0 1 2 3 4 or 5 Default is 5 AST II User Guide For address handling tests the address information can be stored in 1 to 3 bytes Appendix C Valid Test Parameter Values Table C 1 Valid Test Parameter Values and Ranges continued Test Parameter MAC address port increment Value Range From 1 to 64 Default is 1 Number of Addresses Non addressing tests From 1 to 16777215 Default is 1 Addressing tests From 1 to 256 Default is 1 Number of Trials From 1 to 10 Default is 1 Forwarding Test Protocol Format Ethernet IT with a choice of 45 different protocol types IEEE 802 3 Resolution Forwarding Test From 0 to 1000000000 Default is 1 AST II User Guide 259 pe SPIRENT Communications 260 ASTII User Guide Appendix D Test Results Counters This appendix provides information on the test results counters that are displayed in the Counters tab for all of the AST II tests I
127. e main window click on the Test Setup tab 2 Inthe Frame Size pane select the Custom box and click on the Edit button the but ton is disabled until you select the Custom box The Custom Frame Sizes window appears see Figure 5 6 on page 104 Custom Frame Sizes x Frame Sizes Close Ascending Descending Move Up Move Down Add Frame Size es Figure 5 6 Custom Frame Sizes window AST II User Guide Use these buttons to arrange the frame sizes in the window Use this button to remove a size from the list Use this button to restore the default values 3 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Specifying Custom Frame and Burst Sizes for a Test Using the Move Up Move Down Ascending and Descending buttons arrange the frame sizes in the order you want for the test Since AST II reads the frame sizes from the top down the order of the frame sizes in the window dictates the order of the frame sizes for the test For example if frame sizes listed from the top down are 128 64 255 the frame sizes for the test are 128 then 64 and then 255 Note If you do not see a frame size you want to use enter it in the Add Frame Size text entry field and click the Add button The new frame size appears in the list 4 Click Close Using Custom Burst Sizes for the Test Some tests allow you to specify custom burst sizes for the test When using custom burst sizes AST II allows a m
128. e test repeats twice 6 Inthe Frame Size pane select the desired Frame Size values for the test This only applies when you are testing CRC Dribble Bit or Alignment error types See Table 10 3 on page 188 for more details on the frame sizes used for other tests 7 Inthe Burst Size pane select the desired Burst Size values for the test 8 Inthe Load pane select the desired Load values for the test You are now ready to run the test If you did not use an existing configuration file to configure the test parameters you can save the current configuration to a file by choosing the File gt Save As option This allows you to use the file to quickly configure the test at a later time See Running the Test on page 191 for information on running the test Table 10 3 Error Filtering Test Parameters Parameter Definition Duration Default is 10 Seconds Allows you to specify the length of each iteration of the test in seconds Enter the desired amount of time in seconds Number of Trials Default is 1 Allows you to specify the number of trials for the test For a definition of trial see Table 2 1 on page 14 Addresses Default is Addresses per port with a value of 1 AST II User Guide Allows you to specify the number of addresses you want to assign to each transmitting port in the test The options are e Random Addresses are assigned to the ports in the test randomly e Addresses per port Each port is assig
129. e to when it forwards the frame What this Test Allows You to Determine 216 By allowing you to vary the Frame Size the Broadcast Latency test can help you determine the following for one to many traffic distributions e The latency in milliseconds for each receiving port of the DUT SUT at a given Frame Size e The combined latency in milliseconds for all receiving ports of the DUT SUT at a given Frame Size e How increases in Frame Size affect the DUT SUT s combined latency all receiving ports on a port by port basis Note If you want to test the overall broadcast forwarding performance of the DUT SUT you can do so using the Broadcast Forwarding test see Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test AST II User Guide Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Test Overview Test Overview This section provides information on the basic configuration of the Broadcast Latency test including e The supported traffic distribution patterns see Supported Traffic Distributions e Basic traffic flow see Traffic Flow For information on the test methodology see Jest Methodology on page 218 Supported Traffic Distributions Figure 12 1 shows the supported traffic distribution pattern for this test the traffic direction for this test is always unidirectional You select the desired traffic when you select the Broadcast Source transmitting port and the Broadcast Receiver receiving ports for the test
130. e wahoo ome 4oedes etatecata asa as peat 209 ASTI User Guide v Contents Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test 0 00 00 eee 215 About the Broadcast Latency Test 0 0 0 cc eects 216 What this Test Allows You to Measure 0 0 ccc eee eee 216 What this Test Allows You to Determine 0 0 0 0 eee eee eee eee 216 Test OVERVIEW oroesi eka add e 0 sees S ace she ted eatin de wee eae eae e s 217 Test Methodology shat di hae itheas ten e E shocks werd Swe be bawbes gat Vee ee ok 218 selecting the Ports for the Tester eile beds pede e PERT EEN k HORT E LES EE DER VENERE 219 Configuring Test Parameters eoni conma tonun EEEE teen eens 221 Running the Test 1 5 sai kee Sasha Nae E Eee EINE ON GOMER Bea OY as eb SE 223 Viewing Test Results 0 0 cece aney EES i oea tenet eens 224 Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test 0 0c e cece eee ees 229 About the Forward Pressure Test 00 0 ccc eee eens 230 What this Test Allows You to Measure 2 0 0 0 cece eee ees 230 What this Test Allows You to Determine 0 0 00 e eee eee 230 MESCOVERVICW 4 236 56550 52466 Stee Sheth baete evel E eter EE 232 Test Methodology a s c ckecse eraen o itp Seas KESE TE A DESA TETE ER OE gt daw 233 Selecting the Ports for the Test 0 2 Lecce eee eee 234 Configuring Test Parameters sceri cc cce odes ede td eke cde besa e heeded ee ee hbase 236 Running the Test s 2 j4
131. each iteration of the test If no link has been established an error is returned Address Learning Address learning is performed See Setting the Test Options on page 94 for details Test Setup Frame transmission parameters are calculated and set for each port The frame transmission parameter values can vary based on the Frame Size Load Burst Size Duration Speed Duplex and Interface settings 20 ASTII User Guide Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology Table 2 2 Phases of an AST II Test continued Phase Test Iteration Description The test ports transmit and receive frames for the specified duration duration may not apply depending on the test type If a port fails to transmit the required number of frames an error message appears If the test phase is long periodic status reports are performed to update you with intermediate results For details on what takes place during this phase of the test see the Test Methodology section of the chapters that cover the tests Results All port counters are read and results are calculated and recorded for the current iteration and AST II prepares for the next iteration by returning to the Link Check phase If this is the last iteration final summary results for the entire test are calculated and recorded AST Il User Guide 21 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology Test Start Error repor
132. ectional N gt M Non Meshed e Bidirectional A lt gt B e Unidirectional A gt B e Unidirectional B gt A Profile and Search AST II User Guide 125 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Running the Test Running the Test Vv 126 This section shows you how to start stop and pause temporarily stop the test including a recommended testing method see page 127 Normally you stop the test if you set Duration to Continuous the test runs until you manually stop it Pausing the test allows you to view the real time data for the current iteration of the test using the Counters tab Starting The Test Once you have completed the general test setup and configured the Forwarding test parameters you can start the test by doing one of the following e Click on the Forwarding test button in the Shortcut bar Forwarding e Click on the Run Current Test button in the toolbar b e Choose Test gt Run Current or Test gt Run gt Forwarding Once you start the test the display of the main window changes to the Results display Stopping The Test If you want to stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Stop Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Stop Pausing The Test If you want to pause temporarily stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Pause Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Pause Note To resume restart the test choose Test gt Resume or cli
133. ecution Load ercentage Stagger Start ms fo Learning Rate Frames sec K7 Delay After Transmit sec fi 5 m Learning Frequency Once before test Retries 3 See Table 5 2 on page 96 for fio descriptions of the Units Dodas talat Learning Error Handling Email 100 a and Test Execution options Rate ET m Error Handling On Error Prompt Email I Send email when test is completed Email address Figure 5 4 Options Tab 3 In the Learning pane specify the following address learning options using the pull down menu and arrows does not apply to the Address Learning or Address Caching tests e Frequency e Retries e Frame per Retry e Rate If you want the transmitting ports to transmit the test traffic in sequence rather than at once specify the amount of time in microseconds in the Stagger Start field The amount of time you enter determines the delay between the transmissions If you leave the value at zero 0 the transmitting ports transmit traffic at once To specify a time delay after transmitting traffic enter the time delay in seconds in the Delay After Transmit field AST II User Guide 95 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Setting the Test Options Table 5 2 Test Options In the Error Handling pane select one of the following error handling options using the pull down menu applies to all tests e Prompt Abort e Retry Contin
134. ed continually during each iteration y Note If you set the Duration option to Continuous the test continues until you manually stop it 8 When the receive trigger rate on receiving port s becomes 0 the elapsed time is determined from the chassis 9 Port counters are gathered 10 Frame loss is determined 11 Results are displayed AST II User Guide 233 Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Selecting the Ports for the Test This section explains how to select the ports for the Forward Pressure test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already set up the SmartCards modules and have defined the frame setup and any optional settings see Chapter 5 General Test Setup 2 To select the ports for the Forward Pressure test follow these steps 1 Inthe main window click on the Test Setup tab 2 Using the Test Type pull down menu select Forward Pressure Figure 13 2 Choose Forward Pressure here Forward Pressure 7 Chassis 1 13 Chassis 115 Chassis 116 Chassis 117 Chassis 118 Chassis 119 Chassis 119 Chassis 1 20 Chassis 1 20 Figure 13 2 Traffic Distribution Pane Forward Pressure Test 3 In the Traffic Distribution pane Figure 13 3 set up a port pair by selecting one trans mitter port A list and one receiver port B list AST II automatically highlights the ports in gray to make it easier for you to identify the ports that are availa
135. ee Using the Chart Wizard on page 75 The Frame Size and Burst Size for the test appear at the top of the chart The charts can also be exported as jpg files or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 9 4 shows an example of the Chart tab In this example the test parameter values are 64 for Frame Size and one 1 for Burst Size The Frame Size for the The Burst Size for the test test appears here appears here Pass Fail status and the percentage of learned frames appear here Chait Summary Details mohe Frame Size Burst Size Test Status FAIL Learned 100 20480 80 149360 60 165470 40 167484 167736 Pe 20 se 167767 as le 0 L The Number of Addresses values for the test appear here Iwo 894S Ports The ports you selected in the Chart Wizard appear here Figure 9 4 Chart Tab Address Caching Test 176 ASTII User Guide Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Viewing Test Results Summary Tab The Summary tab Figure 9 5 displays the exact same information as the Chart tab but in tabular format The Frame Size and Burst Size values for the test appear near the top of the tab The results are organized as follows e Each iteration is displayed in a separate column showing the Number of Addresses for that iteration e Each port is displayed in its own row The summary results can also b
136. ee Table 2 1 on page 14 Measurement Default is Profile N A Allows you to specify the test mode you want to use The options are e Profile Provides an overall view of the DUT SUT s broadcast forwarding performance e Search Provides a more detailed analysis of the DUT SUT s broadcast forwarding performance than Profile mode A binary algorithm is used to determine throughput and frame loss See Profile Mode Duration set to Seconds on page 25 and Search on page 18 for more information AST II User Guide 205 Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Configuring Test Parameters Table 11 2 Broadcast Forwarding Test Parameters continued Parameter Definition Availability Frame Size Default is 64 bytes for Start and Step and 1518 for Stop Profile and Allows you to set the Frames sizes throughout the test for both Profile and Search Search mode The options are e Start The Frame size at the beginning of the test e Step The amount the Frame size increments from iteration to iteration e Stop The largest Frame size for the test e Custom Allows you to specify custom frame sizes for the test See Using Custom Frame Sizes for the Test on page 104 for details Burst Size Default is 1 for all options Profile and Search Allows you to set the Burst sizes throughout the test for both Profile and Search mode The options are e Start The Burst size at the beginning of the test e Stop The l
137. er a Name for the SmartBits connection If you do not enter a name the default name SMB is used 3 Click OK The new SmartBits connection now appears in the Setup SmartBits Con nections window as shown below Setup SmartBits Connections Ed COM Part IP Baud Rate IP Pot Name lt COM 2 38400 Chassis 2 The Nameis the name you entered in Step 2 above Modify Move Up Move Down OK ELL Cancel You are now ready to connect to the chassis using AST II see page 50 AST II User Guide 49 Chapter 3 Install and Connect Connection Procedures Establishing a SmartBits AST II Connection After you have set up the Ethernet and or serial SmartBits connections that you will need for testing see Setting up SmartBits Connections on page 47 you can actually connect AST II to one of the chassis 2 To connect AST II to your SmartBits chassis follow the steps below 1 Launch AST II by double clicking the AST II icon on your PC The main AST II win dow appears 2 Choose SmartBits gt Connections The Setup SmartBits Connections window appears Figure 3 2 Setup SmartBits Connections Ed COM Port IP BaudRate IPPot Name Add Serial O com 2 38400 Chassis 2 10 100 14 111 16385 Chassis 1 Add IP Make sure the checkbox next to the SmartBits connection you want to fModity use is selected Move UG Move Down Once you select the connection cl
138. ere it passed in other trials the number of iterations may decrease AST II User Guide 33 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology 34 Vv Search Mode Address Learning and Address Caching tests The basic test structure for the Address Learning and Address Caching tests in Search mode is different from the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests in Search mode Unlike the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests the Address Learning and Address Caching tests are run only in Search mode you do not need to select the mode Note In this section address tests refers to both the Addresses Learning and Address Caching test For the address tests the Learning Rate Address Learning test or Number of Addresses Address Caching test are automatically adjusted up or down from iteration to iteration based on whether the DUT SUT passes or fails at the current Learning Rate Number of Addresses The amount of adjustment is determined by the search algorithm the test uses to calculate the Learning Rate Number of Addresses for the next iteration The Learning Rate Number of Addresses parameter options allow you to specify initial minimum and maximum rates for each parameter This allows you to define the starting rate as well as the minimum and maximum threshold Learning Rate Number of Addresses rates for the test During the test the Learning Rate Number of Addresses are adjusted up or down within the range defined by
139. erest or other lien or encumbrance Spirent further warrants to Customer that hardware which it supplies and the tangible media on which it supplies software will be free from significant defects in materials and workmanship for a period of twelve 12 months except as otherwise noted from the date of delivery the Warranty Period under normal use and conditions To the extent the Product is or contains software Software Spirent also warrants that during the Warranty Period the Software which it supplies will operate substantially in accordance with the specifications supplied by Spirent for such Software Spirent does not warrant that the functions contained in the Software will meet a specific requirement or that the operation will be uninterrupted or error free Spirent shall have no warranty obligations whatsoever with respect to any Software which has been modified in any manner by Customer or any third party The Warranty Period for Wireless software products shall be defined as ninety 90 days from the date of delivery Defective Products and Software under warranty shall be at Spirent s discretion repaired or replaced or a credit issued to Customer s account for an amount equal to the price paid for such Product provided that a such Product is returned to Spirent after first obtaining a return authorization number and shipping instructions freight prepaid to Spirent s location in the United States b Customer pro
140. ers Frame Size 512 bd Burst Size 50 7 Frame Loss Rate 60 40 oe 20 The Load values for the test appear here Ho o WE ZL Ove ZL EWE ZL RYE ZL Ports The ports you selected in the Chart Wizard appear here Figure 6 7 Chart Tab Forwarding Test 128 ASTII User Guide Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results Summary Tab The Summary tab Figure 6 8 displays the exact same information as the Chart tab but in tabular format Like the Chart tab the Summary tab allows you to select the Frame Size and Burst Size values that you want to view by using the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus The results are organized as follows The different Load values of the test are displayed with each Load value in its own column e Each port is displayed in its own row The summary results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 6 8 shows an example of the Summary tab In this example the selected test parameter values are 512 for Frame Size and one hundred 50 for Burst Size Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you you want to view here want to view here 58 2719 58 2708 i i 58 2729 aaa an aa a ee iO eae Figure 6 8 Summary Tab Forwarding Test AST II User Guide 129 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results Details Tab The Details tab Figure 6 9
141. ers The main window provides the following tabs that you use for the general test setup Tab Card Setup Used for Reserving SmartCards modules see Reserving SmartCards Modules for the Test on page 85 Card Setup Configuring the SmartCard module ports see Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports on page 88 Options Setting the test options see Setting the Test Options on page 94 Frame Setup Setting the frame parameters see Setting the Frame Setup Parameters on page 98 Note The main window also provides a Test Setup tab that allows you to select the type of test you want to run and set the parameters for that test The procedures for setting these test parameters are provided in the chapters on the specific tests AST II User Guide Chapter 5 General Test Setup Reserving SmartCards Modules for the Test Reserving SmartCards Modules for the Test Vv Note This section does not apply if you are using a SmartBits 200 chassis If you are using a chassis that supports multiple users you may need to reserve SmartCards modules for the test The chassis that support multiple users are e SmartBits 2000 e SmartBits 600 e SmartBits 6000B e SmartBits 6000C These chassis allow multiple users to be connected simultaneously and use the SmartCards modules installed in that chassis The different users can use a SmartCard module for testing by reserving it for their use
142. es Dae E 2 AUGIENCE 9 54 orc he kai SEAS AEA GG DAG ede TRS RETR AE RE AER wee 2 Manual Content ss cs e sch oitestiained fivele ionic AEE NA EE ober ha pees hotest aes 2 CONVENHONS 4 s 2s eed cee ay esse oN ORG Mouse eke eLak Ede Ede teehee wes 4 Related Manuals 0 23 5020050 2Go 346855005450 bea ee deel Peed o etek Mb E AEA 5 Online Help s o 204 otri tha SRG Le babe eae ER ATA A Pete Oke U ease Soe 5 How to Contact Usio seresa meriate e eea pioek soak sy orkaw beste ee ee ake 6 Chapter 1 AST II Overview 0 0 0 00 ccc es 7 WhatIs ASTD streer 62865 a E biveeia tee hae babes eee eee Pes es 8 Features and Capabilities 0 2 eee eee nee 9 Supported RECS recrei teor EEEE SP PES OARS Oe ns ORANG ERS AE Oe Natu y eee 10 Why Test with AST H 225 3258 4 405 e2b454 boned bw bia cae dba led pA EE AR 10 Summary of AST II Tests 0 0 eee ee ee eee erent Ewe 11 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory 00 00 e cece cence eens 13 General Test Terminology 0 0 c eect a EEEE 14 General Test Methodology 0 0 cece cette ees 20 Basic Phases of an AST II Test 0 0 eee 20 Basic AST UM Test Stricture oct oseseas pads s eee ne ertain tecdee ease Epi 23 General Steps to Set Up and Run Tests 2 0 0 eee eee 39 Chapter 3 Installand Connect 0 00 cece eee eeaes 41 SmartBits Hardware Requirements nunen urn eee ereere 42 PC Requirements cerea aneo aeina n E e e o E E aE aS 44
143. etup including selecting the ports see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 234 See Table 13 1 on page 237 for descriptions of the test parameters y Note If you already have a configuration file for this test you can open it to quickly configure the test includes card setup test options frame setup and test parameters D gt To configure the Forward Pressure test parameters follow these steps 1 Inthe main window make sure that the Test Setup tab is selected The Test Type should be set as Forward Pressure as shown in Figure 13 4 Test Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Test Type Forward Pressure Test Addresses Frame Size Duration c fo I Random Start e4 Seconds Z n Addresses E fT C Continuous Per Pott fi Step e4 i Stop 1518 E Number E of Trials l Burst Size i l Custom Edit Figure 13 4 Test Setup Tab Forward Pressure Test 2 Inthe Test pane click on one of the following radio buttons to select the desired Duration option e Seconds enter the number of seconds you want each iteration to run e Continuous the fest runs continuously until you stop it by clicking on the Stop button or choosing Test gt Stop 3 Inthe Number of Trials field enter the number of trials you want for the test In the Addresses pane do one of the following e Check the Random checkbox to randomly assign addresses to each port e Use the Add
144. ewing Test Results Viewing Test Results This section provides information on the test results data that is available for this test As soon as you start the test the main window changes from the Setup amp Run display to the Results display This display includes four tabs that you can use to select the test results information you want to view For information on the test results data for a specific tab see the following sections e Chart tab see Chart Tab on page 160 e Summary tab see Summary Tab on page 161 e Details tab see Details Tab on page 162 e Counters tab see Appendix D Test Results Counters for information and field descriptions This tab is the same for all tests AST II User Guide 159 Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Viewing Test Results Chart Tab The Chart tab Figure 8 4 displays the Learning Rate results for selected ports Select the ports that you want to view by using the Chart Wizard see Using the Chart Wizard on page 75 The Frame Size and Burst Size for the test appear at the top of the chart The charts can also be exported as jpg files or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 8 4 shows an example of the Chart tab In this example the test parameter values are 64 for Frame Size and one 1 for Burst Size The Frame Size for the The Burst Size for the test test appears here appears here Pass Fail stat
145. f lost dropped frames at a given Load Frame Size and Burst Size combination What this Test Allows You to Determine In addition to allowing you to vary the Load Frame Size and Burst Size you can also select the particular error type you want to simulate Table 10 1 lists the various errors you can simulate as well as the pass criteria for each error Table 10 1 Available Errors Error Pass Criteria Oversize Frames greater than the specified Oversize value are not forwarded by the DUT SUT Specify this value in the Test Setup tab Undersize Frames less than the specified Undersize value are not forwarded by the DUT SUT Specify this value in the Test Setup tab CRC errors CRC errored frames are not forwarded by the DUT SUT Dribble Bit Dribble bit errored frames are corrected and forwarded by the DUT SUT Alignment Alignment errored frames are not forwarded by the DUT SUT 182 ASTII User Guide Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test About the Error Filtering Test Note The type of errors that you can simulate during testing vary according to the type of interface you are testing See Table 10 2 on page 183 for a list of the error types that can tested based on the interface type By allowing you to vary the Load at a specified Frame Size and Burst Size as well as specify the error type s the Error Filtering test can help you determine the following How increases in the Load at a given Frame Size and Burst Siz
146. f the available test modes This mode allows you to use a binary search algorithm to measure the throughput See Search on page 18 for details See Appendix A Search Algorithms for information on the search algorithms used to determine the test measurements Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Terminology Table 2 1 General Test Terminology continued Term Test Parameters Definition Refers to parameters that are specific to a particular AST II test Once you have completed the steps for your general test setup see General Test Setup on page 15 you must set the parameters for the test you want to run The procedures for setting test parameters are given in the chapters for each particular test Trial AST II enables you to repeat a test a number of times without having to reconfigure and restart the test by allowing you to specify the number of trials for the test You can choose to run one trial or multiple trials AST II repeats the test based on the number of trials you specify Running multiple trials also allows you to test the consistency of the performance of the DUT SUT over a number of trials If you specify more than one trial AST II reruns the test with the same exact parameter settings for each trial Within a trial test parameters can vary depending on the test and your test setup The phase of the test that distinguishes different values for the test parameter s is called an iteration
147. for Tee A descriptions of these Setup amp Run esl P Frame Setup Options Card Setup tabs Test Type Forwarding 7 3 m Test Addresses m Measurements Forwarding PET fo I Random Profile To Throughput c Addresses Fj fe C Search Frame Loss Continuous Per Port Congestion Control lel 1 F5 m1 Frame Size p 2 Burst Size r3 Load Percentage p12 fio Resolution fi P EEE Start i Start Start i Step 64 Step Step fio Backoth Hate fas Accentable Stop 640 EI Stop Stop fico Frame loss ae Arrest Caching I Custom Edit I Custom Edt 3 Traffic Distribution aeee omenirii Error Filtering O Chassis 113 O Chassis 114 O Chassis 115 O Chassis 116 O Chassis 1 17 O Chassis 118 O Chassis 119 gt M Select All Clear All Ports O Chassis 113 O Chassis 118 O Chassis114 C Chassis 119 Broadcast Forwarding O Chassis115 Chassis 1 20 O Chassis 116 O Chassis 117 Broadcast Latency gt For Help press F1 Connections 0 ry j You use these buttons to This section displays the available ee start a test see page 70 SmartCard module ports for the test pag Figure 4 2 The Main Window Setup and Run Display AST II User Guide 57 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display Tabs The main window contains four tabs that you use to set up the various AST II
148. gs see Chapter 5 General Test Setup To select the ports for the Forwarding test follow these steps 1 Inthe main window click on the Test Setup tab 2 Using the Test Type pull down menu select Forwarding Figure 6 4 Choose Forwarding here Untitled AstII File Edit View Smartbits Test Results Help Deals H ne S ne e Test Setul i Setup amp Run est Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Test Type HAEN igre ge Test Addresses Measurements Forwarding Duration I Random Profile Seconds fio Pee Addresses f d earch Continuous Per Port a F Number Congestion Control EE 1 Figure 6 4 Test Setup Tab Forwarding Test 3 Inthe lower section of the window Figure 6 5 use the Traffic Distribution pull down menu to select one of the following traffic distribution pattern options e Fully Meshed All ports in the test transmit to every other port in the test and receive traffic from all other ports in the test simultaneously If you select this option Select All and Clear All buttons appear at the bottom of the window you can use to select all of the ports or clear deselect them e Partially Meshed There are three basic options one to many many to one and many to many e Non Meshed All of the non meshed traffic distribution patterns are port pairs You can choose to have a single port pair or multiple port pairs Note See Supported Traffic Distrib
149. hart Tab Error Filtering Test AST II User Guide 193 Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Viewing Test Results Summary Tab The Summary tab Figure 10 5 displays the exact same information as the Chart tab but in tabular format The results are organized as follows The different Load values of the test are displayed with each Load value in its own column e Each port is displayed in its own row The summary results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 10 5 shows an example of the Summary tab In this example the selected error type is Oversize and the selected Burst Size is one 1 The Burst Size for the test appears here Chart Summary Details Counters Burst Size i Oversize Pass Fail Figure 10 5 Summary Tab Error Filtering Test 194 ASTII User Guide Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Viewing Test Results Details Tab The Details tab Figure 10 6 displays detailed test results for each port pair for a single iteration and a selected error type in tabular format The results for each port pair appears in its own row You select the Load value and the error type you want to view using the Load and Error pull down menus near the top of the tab The detailed results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 10 6 shows an example of the Details tab In
150. he specified minimum Min or maximum Max Load is reached the trial stops Appendix A Search Algorithms Address Learning Test Address Learning Test The algorithm used to determine the address learning rate includes the following steps 1 Based on whether or not flooding occurred on the monitor port one of the following occurs e If flooding did not occur the Learning Rate is increased for the next iteration using this formula The next iteration begins at the new increased Learning Rate value Current Max 2 e If flooding occurred the Learning Rate is decreased for the next iteration using this formula The next iteration begins at the new decreased Learning Rate value Last Passed Rate Min 2 2 This process continues for the duration of the test The final address learning rate measurement is reached when the required adjustment increase or decrease in the Learning Rate is less than two 2 y Note Unlike the other tests you do not need to specify a resolution value to determine the accuracy of the test For this test the resolution is always two 2 AST II User Guide 249 Appendix A Search Algorithms Address Caching Test Address Caching Test The algorithm used to determine the address caching capacity includes the following steps 1 Based on whether or not flooding occurred on the monitor port one of the following occurs e If flooding did not occur the Number of Addresses is increased
151. he test if you set Duration to Continuous the test runs until you manually stop it Pausing the test allows you to view the real time data for the current iteration of the test using the Counters tab Starting The Test Once you have completed the general test setup and configured the Congestion Control test parameters you can start the test by doing one of the following e Click on the Congestion Control test button in the Shortcut bar Congestion Control e Click on the Run Current Test button in the toolbar b e Choose Test gt Run Current or Test gt Run gt Congestion Control Once you start the test the display of the main window changes to the Results display Stopping The Test If you want to stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Stop Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Stop Pausing The Test If you want to pause temporarily stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Pause Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Pause Note To resume restart the test choose Test gt Resume or click on the Resume button AST II User Guide Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Viewing Test Results Viewing Test Results This section provides information on the test results data that is available for this test As soon as you start the test the main window changes from the Setup amp Run display to the Results display This display includes four tabs that you can u
152. hnology such as LOBASE T LOOBASE TX 1OOBASE T4 or a corresponding full duplex mode Once the highest common performance mode has been determined AN gives control of the interface media to the appropriate transmission technology and becomes transparent until the connection is broken For example if one side of the link only supports 10 Mbps at half duplex and the other 10 100 Mbps at half duplex AN establishes the link at 10 Mbps speeds at half duplex If the AN option is selected speed and duplex selection for individual cards is disabled Bookname User Guide 269 Glossary 270 Broadcast Latency The time it takes for the DUT SUT to forward a broadcast frame to each destination port in a broadcast domain Burst A sequence of a specified number of frames transmitted with the minimum legal interframe gap see nterframe Gap IFG on page 271 for a definition of the interframe gap The number of frames in a burst is called the burst size Burst Count The number of bursts transmitted back to back during a transmission For information on how this is calculated see Calculating the Number of Bursts on page 254 Burst Size The number of frames transmitted back to back in a burst You specify number of frames using the Burst Size test parameter this parameter applies to all tests You can also specify custom burst sizes see Using Custom Burst Sizes for the Test on page 105 for more information If Burst
153. hould remain until the router discards the frame Enter a value of 0 to 255 AST Il User Guide 101 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Setting the Frame Setup Parameters Table 5 3 Frame Setup Parameters continued Parameter Description Type of Service Pane Type of service TOS consists of a three bit Precedence field and three TOS bits Delay Throughput and Reliability The three TOS bits are used to specify the relative weight of factors that affect data delivery Precedence Default is 0 Routine The three bit Precedence field sets a value of 0 to 7 that provides network control to prioritize routing the higher the value the more important the datagram Delay Default is 0 Normal Set as either 0 Normal or 1 Low Setting this value as 1 Low minimizes delay places higher importance on minimal delay Throughput Default is 0 Normal Set as either 0 Normal or 1 High Setting this value as 1 High maximizes throughput places higher importance on maximum throughput Reliability Default is 0 Normal Set as either 0 Normal or 1 High Setting this value as 1 High maximizes reliability places higher importance on maximum reliability The Port and Node Offset The MAC Address consists of two parts the port address and the node address The port address is used to identify frames for the hardware ports configured in the test The port address portion of the MAC address is determined by th
154. i ASTII User Guide Contents AST II User Guide vii pe SPIRENT Communications viii ASTII User Guide About this Guide In About this Guide This portion of the user guide covers the following topics Purpose 2 e Audience 2 Manual Content 2 Conventions 4 Related Manuals 5 Online Help 5 e How to Contact Us 6 AST Il User Guide 1 About this Guide Purpose Purpose This user guide provides information on all procedures required to perform tests using AST II 3 10 application software This includes details on software installation connection procedures test setup and operation and test results interpretation Audience This user guide is for users of AST II 3 10 software It is assumed that users of this guide are familiar with Microsoft Windows and SmartBits equipment and have an intermediate knowledge of data communications theory Manual Content This guide contains the following sections Section Description Chapter 1 AST IT Overview Provides an overview of AST II including information on its features supported hardware and a summary of the AST II tests Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory Provides information on the basic theory of AST II including general test terminology test methodology and the basic steps to set up and run tests Chapter 3 Install and Connect Provides information on installing AST IT a
155. ibes the AST II Congestion Control test In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics About the Congestion Control Test 134 Test Overview 135 Test Methodology 136 Selecting the Ports for the Test 137 Configuring Test Parameters 139 Running the Test 142 Viewing Test Results 143 AST II User Guide 133 Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test About the Congestion Control Test About the Congestion Control Test The Congestion Control test allows you to determine how the DUT SUT handles congestion Specifically this test allows you to determine if head of line blocking exists when the receive ports of the DUT SUT become congested Head of line blocking occurs when the DUT SUT restricts the flow of traffic from an external source in an attempt to reduce or minimize frame loss when under congested conditions The Congestion Control test enables you to simulate congestion on specific receiving ports of the DUT SUT to determine if head of line blocking occurs Head of line blocking is indicated when uncongested ports exhibit frame loss Note This test utilizes a four port test configuration with two transmitting ports and two receiving ports One of the two receiving ports receives a normal amount of traffic the other is intentionally overloaded to simulate congestion See Test Overview on page 135 for more information on the test configuration The following sections provide informatio
156. ick OK Cancel i Figure 3 2 Setup SmartBits Connections Window 3 Select the SmartBits connection that you want to use by checking the checkbox next to the connection 4 Click OK 5 Click the Connect button on the toolbar Once connected the main window reappears showing the available ports see Figure 3 3 on page 51 At the bottom of the main window the connection indicator light appears green indicating that you are connected to the chassis 50 ASTI User Guide Chapter 3 Install and Connect Connection Procedures Untitled AstII BEE File Edit View Smartbits Test Results Help Daea oo clone cleke ee Test Setup Frame Setup Options Card Setup Test Type imaia ES Aaa as r uration Forwarding Seconds fi 0 Number Of Trials fi Continuous asa Congestion Control r1 Frame Size 2 Burst Size 3 Load Percentage Start 10 bl Start 1 Step es Step fi Step fi 0 Address Learning Stop 1518 Stop 0 Stop 100 E I Custom Edit J Custom Edit Address Caching Traffic Distribution Transmitter 1 Uncongested Receiver ets i Chas2 141 Chas2 1B3 Chas2 141 Chas2 1B3 Chas2 142 Chas2 1B4 Chas2 142 Chas2 1B4 Chas2 181 Chas2 1B5 Chas2 181 Chas2 1B5 Chas2 1B2 Chas2 1B6 Chas2 1B2 Chas2 1B6 Error Filtering imi mi Big Broadcast Forwarding Transmitter 2 Congested Receiver 7 Chas2 141 Chas2 1B3 Chas2 141 Cha
157. iet cues We Dede hehe Sees SESS SEES 175 Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test 0 00 0 c cece cee eee 181 About the Error Filtering Test 02 2 ccc eens 182 What this Test Allows You to Measure 0 0 182 What this Test Allows You to Determine 0 0 0 0 e eee eee eee 182 PESUOVERVIEW is lt sa 595 ante pane Be aa at eases 84 Oe ee eas Pea REY 184 Test Methodology 23 3 vc0 4 c0t4 teen sbdheaidebtbbhew a a Obaeievaneenaedes 185 Selecting the Ports for the Test 0 0 eee eeeeeeee 186 Configuring Test Parameters 0 0 ee ete enna 187 Running the Test 23 55 gr eckeeeecs ge ee eile pete de tae aor das Rea EAEE ESNA 191 Viewing Test Results i02054 0204 224584644 020 5502820 cbb 000i Saedbaneheeenes 192 Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test 0055 197 About the Broadcast Forwarding Test 0 0 00 ccc eee eee eee 198 What this Test Allows You to Measure 00 eee eee eee ee 198 What this Test Allows You to Determine 0 00 eee eee eee 198 Test OVERVIEW i254 oh ete epa bee ic hgiweshow idk eee eee ee heheh Gee dee Ebene 199 Test MethodOlopy srr cieic sates gear aed ae meted owe EAGAN eee Seeds peas 201 Selecting the Ports for the Test 0 2 ee cee eens 202 Configuring Test Parameters 0 2 cece eens 204 Running the Vest ics oes tae o eek Ar esdees stars seme Sede sees tan Pawnee 208 Viewing Test Resuliss 4 acc serosa oataa seta
158. il when test is completed Default is disabled To enable this option select the Send email when test is completed checkbox and enter your email address in the Email address field The email message contains the date and time the test was completed or aborted Setting the Frame Setup Parameters Once you have completed configuring the SmartCard module ports and test options you can set the frame setup parameters If you have not yet configured the card ports and test options do so now see Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports on page 88 and Setting the Test Options on page 94 Setting the AST II frame setup parameters allows you to specify the characteristics of the test frames to match the configuration of the DUT SUT The frame setup parameters allow you to Select the protocol format for the test frames Select the protocol type for the test frames Enable VLAN and set the VLAN priority and VLAN ID Specify the MAC Address Port Offset and Node Offset Specify the MAC Address Port Increment To set the frame setup parameters follow these steps 1 2 98 ASTII User Guide In the main window click on the Frame Setup tab Figure 5 5 on page 99 In the Protocol pane select the Protocol Format and Protocol Type from the pull down menus See Table 5 3 on page 100 for explanations of the available options for all of the Frame Setup parameters In the Protocol pane enable or disable VLAN by checking or
159. ile to your PC then click on the exe file to launch the AST II installer program 2 Follow the instructions on the installer screens to install AST II properly 3 After installing AST II you need to install the key file that enables you to use AST II with your particular SmartBits chassis This key file is contained on the 3 5 inch disk that is shipped with the AST II CD Insert the disk into your PC and locate the key file which appears in the format Flowkey txt Copy this file into the AST II program directory Notes If you are using a purchased version of AST II If the key file is not present in the program directory or if the key file does not match the chassis to which you are trying to connect the application will start up in a 15 minute demo mode After fifteen minutes the application will disconnect from the chassis You can restart the application for another fifteen minutes as many times as you want If you are using a demo 10 or 30 day trial version of AST IT Demo versions allow you to connect to any chassis and use the software for the extent of the trial period Once the trial period is over you are permanently locked out of the software To update the firmware for the chassis or modules you plan to use for AST II testing follow the instructions in the Release Notes for the firmware You can also use the Download Manager online help To run AST II with multiple chassis please contact Spirent s Technical Sup
160. ime same l I 57600 as txtime appears here Frame Size 64 The Burst Count same ree 1 as number of bursts Burst Size Burst Count 14880 Appeare here Duration 10 Frame Count 14880 The total number of frames per burst appears here Figure B 4 IBG Calculator Window AST II User Guide 255 pe SPIRENT Communications 256 ASTII User Guide Appendix C Valid Test Parameter Values Table C 1 summarizes the variations in the allowable Test Setup parameter values for the various AST II tests Consult this table for the valid entries for each parameter Table C 1 Valid Test Parameter Values and Ranges Test Parameter Acceptable Frame Loss Forwarding Test Value Range From 0 to 1000000000 Default is 1000 Addresses per port From 1 to 256 Default is 1 For address handling tests the Address Learning and Address Caching tests the range of allowable values is from 1 to 16777215 Aging Time Address Learning and Address Caching Tests From 1 3600 seconds Default is 15 seconds Backoff Rate Forwarding Test From 0 to 1000000000 Default is 0 5 Burst Size From 1 to 1024 Default is 1 Some tests such as the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests allow you to specify custom Burst Sizes for the test Other tests such as the Address Learning and Address Caching tests force the Burst Size to 1 you cannot set the Burst Size Duration
161. in the Test Setup tab Broadcast Source Broadcast Receiver O Port 2 Port 1 j O Port 3 C Pon a Figure 12 1 Supported Traffic Distributions Traffic Flow The Broadcast Source transmitting port transmits a single test frame to each of the Broadcast Receiving ports in sequence Broadcast Source Port Broadcast Receiver Ports order of transmission Port 1 2 3 4 AST II User Guide 217 Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Test Methodology Test Methodology This section describes what occurs during each iteration of the Broadcast Latency test This test is run automatically in Profile mode you do not need to select the mode y gt 218 1 AST II User Guide Note Since single frames are transmitted during each iteration of the test you do not need to specify the length of the iterations During each iteration of the Broadcast Latency test the following steps are executed VFDs are set for all ports based on port addresses Trigger is set to match frames with correct destination address For the specified Frame Size the following are set e Frame data length e Background pattern including unique signature e Trigger 2 based on signature location The latency measurement is set up A single test frame is transmitted from the Broadcast Source transmitting port to the specified Broadcast Receiving ports The latency is measured for each receiving port of the DUT SUT in the test The late
162. ing source addresses and a fixed destination address corresponding to the test port Phase 3 7 Frames are transmitted from the test port to the learn port In these frames Trigger 1 and Trigger 2 are set to help identify them and to determine exactly which frames were correctly forwarded by the DUT SUT e Frames received by the learn port that match both triggers are considered as cor rectly forwarded by the DUT SUT e The number of frames received by the learn port that exceeds the number of frames transmitted by the test port is the number of flooded frames 8 The monitor port is examined to see if flooding occurred frames received by the mon itor port that contain Trigger are considered flooded frames 9 Based on whether or not flooding occurred on the monitor port one of the following occurs If flooding occurred the Learning Rate is decreased from its Initial value for the next iteration and the test continues e If flooding did not occur the Learning Rate is increased from its Initial value for the next iteration and the test continues This test continues until one of the following occurs e The threshold Learning Rate is reached e The specified Minimum Learning Rate is reached the test automatically stops e The specified Maximum Learning Rate is reached the test automatically stops AST II User Guide 153 Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Selecting the Ports for
163. ir Port 1 2 only Multiple Port Pairs Port 1 2 only Port 3 4 only Test Methodology The steps below describe what occurs during each iteration of the Error Filtering test This test is run automatically in Profile mode you do not need to select the mode For information on how the test progresses from iteration to iteration in Profile mode see Profile Mode Duration set to Seconds on page 25 and Profile Mode Duration set to Continuous on page 27 gt During each iteration of the Error Filtering test the following steps are executed 1 VFDs are set for all ports based on port addresses Trigger is set to match frames with correct destination address For the specified Frame Size the following are set e Frame data length e Background pattern including unique signature e Trigger 2 based on signature location The Burst Size is set to the specified value The IBG interburst gap is calculated for the intended load the specified Load value See Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG on page 252 for details on how the IBG is calculated Load is set to the specified Load value Timed transmission is started on all transmitting ports at the specified Start values for Load Burst Size and Frame Size See Calculating the Transmit Time on page 253 for the formula used to calculate the transmission time Wait for the specified Duration the Duration defines the length of each iteration The por
164. lay This display includes four tabs that you can use to select the test results information you want to view For information on the test results data for a specific tab see the following sections e Chart tab see Chart Tab on page 241 e Summary tab see Summary Tab on page 242 e Details tab see Details Tab on page 243 e Counters tab see Appendix D Test Results Counters for information and field descriptions This tab is the same for all tests 240 ASTII User Guide Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Viewing Test Results Chart Tab The Chart tab Figure 13 5 displays Frame Loss Rate results for selected ports and selected Frame Size and Burst Size values Select the ports that you want to view by using the Chart Wizard see Using the Chart Wizard on page 75 Select the Frame Size and Burst Size values that you want to view by using the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus Results for all iterations of the test are displayed The charts can also be exported as jpg files or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 13 5 shows an example of the Chart tab In this example the selected test parameter values are 128 for Frame Size and one 1 for Burst Size Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you you want to view here want to view here Chart Summary Details Counters Frame Size JUE Burst Size 1 v Frame Loss Ra
165. le 5 3 on page 100 Also modified the Protocol Type field and Configure IP Header checkbox descriptions Clarified Aging Time and Number of Addresses field descriptions in the Address Learning test configuration procedure see Configuring Test Parameters on page 155 Also replaced the Address Learning test results Chart tab image the new image shows the Pass Fail test indication see Figure 5 4 on page 160 Clarified Aging Time Learning Rate and Number of Addresses field descriptions in the Cache Learning test configuration procedure see Configuring Test Parameters on page 171 Also replaced the Address Caching test results Chart tab image the new image shows the Pass Fail test indication see Figure 9 4 on page 176 Removed information on Counters tab debug buttons from Appendix D Test Results Counters The debug buttons were removed from the Counters tab in the AST II 3 00 application Also removed the reference to these debug buttons in the section Counters Tab on page 78 Revision E December 2003 Updated the manual to indicate the AST II software version update from 3 00 to 3 10 No other content in the manual was affected by this software update AST II User Guide Glossary This glossary describes the terminology abbreviations and acronyms introduced in this guide as well as terms based on telecommunications technology and standards Note Key terms and concepts for the various AST II tests a
166. le you want to load and click the Open button The card setup test options frame setup and test parameter settings are loaded for the test Look in amp asT I z ct Untitled ast File name Files of type Asu Files ast x Cancel Figure 5 9 Open Window 108 ASTII User Guide Chapter 5 General Test Setup Using Test Configuration Files Editing a Previously Saved Configuration File You can edit a previously saved configuration file and save it under another name This allows you to revise an existing configuration file or create a new configuration file by editing an existing one The procedure below explains how to do this To edit a previously saved configuration file follow these steps 1 In the main window choose File gt Open The Open window appears Figure 5 10 showing the previously saved configuration ast files Select the configuration file you want to edit Click the Open button Look in aas si c Untitled ast Fie nome Files of type stl Files ast 7 Cancel Figure 5 10 Open Window In the main window click on the Options tab Reset the test options as needed see Setting the Test Options on page 94 for details Click on the Frame Setup tab Reset the frame setup parameters as needed see Set ting the Frame Setup Parameters on page 98 for details In the main window choose File gt Save As The Save As window appears In the Sav
167. lect the desired value The value is changed for the selected cell Changing parameter settings for all available SmartCard modules To change the parameter settings follow these steps 1 Click on the column heading of the parameter you want to change The entire column for that parameter is highlighted Right click A pop up menu appears showing the possible values for that parameter Select the desired value The value is changed for that parameter for all the installed cards ASTII User Guide Chapter 5 General Test Setup Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports How to Configure Ports You have two options when configuring ports you can configure all the ports at once or individually It is recommended that you perform the configuration for all the ports simultaneously to save time if possible Refer to the following sections for the procedures on port configuration e Configuring All Ports Simultaneously below e Configuring Ports Individually on page 90 Configuring All Ports Simultaneously This procedure shows you how to configure all of the available SmartCard module ports simultaneously Since all of the ports will receive the same parameter settings all ports are enabled The procedure on configuring the ports individually shows you how to enable disable ports To configure all ports simultaneously follow these steps 1 Inthe main window click on the Card Setup tab Figure 5 2 Reserve any Sm
168. les v 106 This section provides information on using configuration files AST II allows you to save your test configurations to ast files When you want to use these settings again for a test you can load the ast file rather than resetting all of the test parameters and preferences You can also edit these files and save the edited version under a new name Note If you save the file before you run the test only the configuration information is saved in the ast file If you save the ast file after you run a test both the configuration information and test results are saved to the same ast file See Test Results on page SO for information on test results When you save your test configuration to a file the following settings are saved e Card setup see Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports on page 88 e Test options see Setting the Test Options on page 94 e Frame Setup see Setting the Frame Setup Parameters on page 98 e Test parameters see each test specific chapter for instructions on how to set test specific parameters For procedures on saving your test configuration to a file loading a previously saved file and editing a file see the following sections e Saving Your Test Configuration to a File on page 107 e Loading a Previously Saved Configuration File on page 108 e Editing a Previously Saved Configuration File on page 109 AST II User Guide Chapter 5 General Test
169. logy al Frame Size Burst Size Ay Vad Learning Rate Number of Addresses Iterations Final measurement is reached the required change in the Learning Rate Number of Addresses for the next iteration is less than the Resolution setting 10 eeuuyyruegeys WW End of Test Start of Test Address Learning and Address Caching Tests Test Structure Search Mode Figure 2 5 AST II User Guide 36 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology Note For a detailed description of each iteration of this example test see page 37 Iterations 1 through 4 The first iteration begins with the Learning Rate Number of Addresses at the specified Initial value and the Burst Size and Frame Size at their respective specified values The Learning Rate Number of Addresses increases from its Initial value in iterations 1 to 4 this means that the DUT SUT passed at each Learning Rate Number of Addresses level for iterations through 4 With each increase the Learning Rate Number of Addresses value for the next iteration is calculated using the appropriate algorithm Iterations 5 through 6 In iteration 5 the DUT SUT fails This means flooding occurred at the current Learning Rate Number of Addresses The Learning Rate Number of Addresses is reduced for i
170. logy 168 Selecting the Ports for the Test 170 Configuring Test Parameters 171 Running the Test 174 Viewing Test Results 175 AST II User Guide 165 Chapter 9 Address Caching Test About the Address Caching Test About the Address Caching Test Vv The Address Caching test allows you to determine the address caching capacity of the DUTY SUT The address caching capacity is the maximum number of MAC addresses that a DUT SUT can cache store and successfully forward frames to without flooding or dropping frames The test is run using a binary search algorithm to determine the address caching capacity This test uses port pairs consisting of learn ports and test ports Note For this test you must set up a monitor port This allows you to determine if the DUT SUT flooded frames during the test The following sections provide information about this test including e What this test allows you to measure see below e What this test allows you to determine see below e A diagram of the available traffic distribution patterns see page 167 e The methodology of the Address Caching test see page 168 e How to configure test parameters see page 171 e How to run the test see page 174 e How to view test results see page 175 What this Test Allows You to Measure The key measurement for this test is the address caching capacity of the DUT SUT ports on a port by port basis The address caching capacity is
171. lowing e To reserve a SmartCard module In the Multiuser column check the Reserve checkbox for each card that you want to reserve In the example in Figure 5 1 only the cards in the chassis named Chassis 1 have been reserved e To unreserve a SmartCard module In the Multiuser column uncheck the Reserve checkbox for each card you want to unreserve WV Note Since SmartCards modules are unavailable to other users if you have reserved them it is important that you unreserve them when you do not need them This section of the tab shows the available SmartCard modules Check the Reserve checkbox including the port number and the for each SmartCard module card type you want to reserve here Multiuser Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Disable IV Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Fiber Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Fiber Disable Vv Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Fiber Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Fiber Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Fiber Disable JV Enable All Zeros _ Reserve Enable Fiber EES LAN 33254 Disable JV Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Fiber PP LAN 33254 Disable Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Fiber Status Figure 5 1 Card Setup Tab Reserving and Unreserving SmartCard Module Ports You are now ready to configure the SmartCard module ports for the te
172. lowing you to save test results in HTML format AST II allows you to save export the Summary and Details tab results in csv format These csv files can be opened using Microsoft Excel and saved as spreadsheet for your use Exporting Summary and Details Test Results to a csv file To export the results of a test to a csv file 1 Select the tab you want 2 Do one of the following e Choose Results gt Export Summary e Choose Results gt Export Detailed 3 The Save As window appears 4 Inthe Save As window enter a name for the file select the folder where you want to csv file saved and click the Save button 82 ASTI User Guide Chapter 5 General Test Setup In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics The General Test Setup Process 84 Reserving SmartCards Modules for the Test 85 Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports 88 Setting the Test Options 94 Setting the Frame Setup Parameters 98 Specifying Custom Frame and Burst Sizes for a Test 104 Using Test Configuration Files 106 AST Il User Guide 83 Chapter 5 General Test Setup The General Test Setup Process The General Test Setup Process Before you can run any of the tests you must complete the general test setup This setup 84 Vv process involves e Reserving SmartCards modules e Configuring the SmartCard module ports e Setting the test options preferences e Setting the frame paramet
173. lts Menu was stopped using the Pause option see above You can also use the Resume button in the toolbar to resume restart the test see Toolbar on page 68 The Results menu allows you to export save test results from the Results display in the main window to other types of files Option Browse List Description Opens the Browse Results window This window contains identifiers for test results for tests run using the same test configuration If you run a test more than once without changing the configuration each test result is assigned a unique identifier which appears in the browse list window This allows you to select the particular test result you want to view using the identifiers If you change one or more test parameters and run the test you are prompted to overwrite save the existing test results to an ast file Export Graph Exports saves the Chart tab as a jpg file You must have the Chart tab selected to select this option Export Summary Exports saves the test results displayed in the Summary tab as csv files You must have the Summary tab selected to select this option Export Detailed Exports saves the test results displayed in the Details tab as csv files You must have the Details tab selected to select this option Export to HTML Exports saves the results displayed in the selected results tab Chart Summary Details or Counters as HTML files You can
174. mber is calculated by totaling all of the test frames that are destined for this port Uncongested Test Frames The number of test frames received by the uncongested Received port If any test frames were dropped this total will be less than the Uncongested Test Frames Expected 146 ASTII User Guide Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Viewing Test Results Table 7 2 Details Tab Field Descriptions continued Field Uncongested Port Uncongested Test Frames Lost Description Uncongested Port The number of test frames destined for the uncongested port that were not received This is the difference between the Uncongested Test Frames Expected and Uncongested Test Frames Received HOLB Exists Field Congested Port Congested Port Indicates of head of line blocking exists indicated of the uncongested port drops frames FALSE Head of line blocking does not exist TRUE Head of line blocking exists Description Congested Port The congested port this port receives 150 of the load Congested Test Frames Expected The number of test frames the congested port expects to receive This number is calculated by totaling all of the test frames that are destined for this port Congested Test Frames Received The number of test frames received by the congested port If any test frames were dropped this total will be less than the Congested Test Frames Expected Congested Test Frames
175. me Size e The DUT SUT s throughput see Table 6 1 on page 112 Test Overview This section provides information on the basic configuration of the Forwarding test including e The supported traffic distribution patterns see Supported Traffic Distributions e Basic traffic flow see Traffic Flow on page 117 For information on the test methodology see Jest Methodology on page 118 Supported Traffic Distributions Figure 6 1 through Figure 6 3 show the supported traffic distribution patterns for this test Select the desired traffic distribution using traffic distribution and traffic direction options in the Test Setup tab AST II User Guide 113 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Test Overview Fully Meshed Port 1 Port 4 Port 2 z Port 3 Partially Meshed Port 1 Ow Option 1 Many to one bidirectional Port 2 Port 4 Port 3 A Port 1 O 7 Option 2 Many to one unidirectional Port 2 Cm O Port 4 Port 3 O A Figure 6 1 Supported Traffic Distributions 114 ASTII User Guide Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Test Overview Partially Meshed continued Option 3 One to many bidirectional Port 1 Port 3 Option 4 One to many unidirectional Port 1 gt O Port 3 O Port 4 M N A Port 1 Port 3 Option 5 Many to many bidirectional m to n For this option the number of m ports and n ports does not have to be equal Port 2 Port 4 N Port 1 O Port 3
176. me size for the duration of the test for the Oversize error type The default is 1523 bytes Undersize This value determines the frame size for the duration of the test for the Undersize error type The default is 63 bytes Burst Size Default is 1 Allows you to set the burst size for the duration of the test Enter the desired burst size AST II User Guide 189 Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Configuring Test Parameters Table 10 3 Error Filtering Test Parameters continued Parameter Load 190 ASTII User Guide Definition Allows you to set the load levels for the duration of the test Load refers to the amount of utilization of the medium The default values depend on your Units setting for Load in the Options tab The Load default values are Start 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Step 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Stop 100 Units Percentage 8 000 Units Frames Sec The options are e Start The load at the beginning of the test e Step The amount the load increments from iteration to iteration e Stop The largest load for the test Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Running the Test Running the Test This section shows you how to start stop and pause temporarily stop the test Pausing the test allows you to view the real time data for the current iteration of the test using the Counters tab Starting The Test Once you have complete
177. mine see page 113 e A diagram of the available traffic distribution patterns see page 114 e The methodology of the Forwarding test see page 118 e How to configure test parameters see page 121 e How to run the test see page 126 e How to view test results see page 127 What this Test Allows You to Measure Table 6 1 below lists the key measurements for the Forwarding test based on the test mode you select Profile or Search Table 6 1 Forwarding Test Measurements Test Mode Measurements Profile Frame Loss The amount of lost dropped frames at a given Load Search Throughput The maximum rate at which the DUT SUT can forward traffic with no frame loss or at the specified Acceptable Frame Loss Frame Loss The amount of lost dropped frames at a given Load WV Note For information on test results see Viewing Test Results on page 127 112 ASTII User Guide Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Test Overview What this Test Allows You to Determine By allowing you to vary the Load Frame Size and Burst Size independently as well as select the desired test mode Profile or Search the Forwarding test can help you determine the following for all three traffic distributions fully meshed partially meshed and non meshed e How increases in Load affects the DUT SUT s frame loss at a given Frame Size and Burst Size combination e How increases in Burst Size affects the DUT SUT s frame loss at a given Fra
178. mit time for a burst in microseconds See Calculating the Transmit Time on page 253 for the formula used to calculate the transmit time 272 Bookname User Guide Index A Address Caching test description 166 pass fail criteria 35 search algorithms 250 selecting ports 170 starting and stopping 174 supported traffic distribution types 167 test methodology 168 test setup parameters 172 test setup steps 171 test structure 34 traffic flow 168 viewing test results 175 Address Learning test description 150 pass fail criteria 35 search algorithms 249 selecting ports 154 starting and stopping 158 supported traffic distribution types 151 test methodology 153 test setup parameters 156 test setup steps 155 test structure 34 traffic flow 152 viewing test results 159 AST I benefits of 10 description 8 features and capabilites 9 general test structure 23 hardware requirements 42 installing 45 online help 5 PC requirements 44 related manuals 5 summary of tests 11 supported hardware 42 supported RFCs 10 test methodology 20 B benefits of AST II 10 Broadcast Forwarding test binary search parameters 29 description 198 pass fail criteria 29 search algorithms 248 Search mode 28 selecting ports 202 starting and stopping 208 supported traffic distribution types 199 test methodology 201 test setup parameters 205 test setup steps 204 traffic flow 200 used to determine 198 viewing test results 209 Broadcast
179. n Default is Disable When enabled this option enables DUT SUT interfaces ports to achieve their highest possible mode of operation over a link segment by providing a means for them to exchange information about their capabilities such as speed and duplex over the link Depending on the speed of the port different autonegotiation options are available as follows e For 10Mbps ports autonegotiation is ignored Disable e For 10 100Mbps ports the options are Disable Registers Untouched and Force e For 1GB ports autonegotiation is automatically set to Force for the LAN 3300 or LAN 3301 SmartCards modules autonegotiation is automatically set to Disable e For 10GB ports autonegotiation is automatically set to Force Disable Allows you to disable autonegotiation and select the desired line configuration settings speed and duplex for your testing purposes Registers Untouched No changes are made to the speed and duplex settings of the port If you select this option you must ensure that the Speed and Duplex settings of port are correct for your testing needs Force Forces the SmartCards module to restart autonegotiation of line speeds and duplex prior to running the test AST II configures the line speed and duplex according to what you select in the Speed and Duplex fields Flow Control Default is Enable Allows you to enable or disable flow control capability for the SmartCards module ports Enable The
180. n about this test including e What this test allows you to measure see below e What this test allows you to determine see below e A diagram of the available traffic distribution patterns see page 135 e The methodology of the Congestion Control test see page 136 e How to configure test parameters see page 139 e How to run the test see page 142 e How to view test results see page 143 What this Test Allows You to Measure The Congestion Control test measures the amount of lost dropped frames at a given Load and Frame Size and Burst Size combination for the receiving ports This test runs in Profile mode you do not need to select the mode What this Test Allows You to Determine 134 By allowing you to vary the Frame Size Burst Size and Load from the transmitting ports independently the Congestion Control test can help you determine the following e If head of line blocking occurs indicated if frame loss occurs on the uncongested receiving port e The Load at which head of line blocking starts to occur on the uncongested port for a given Frame Size and Burst Size combination e How increases in Load affect the frame loss of the uncongested receiving port AST II User Guide Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Test Overview e How increases in Burst Size affect the frame loss of the uncongested receiving port e How increases in Frame Size affect the frame loss of the uncongested receiving port Test Ove
181. n this Appendix This appendix covers the following topic Counters Tab Fields 262 AST II User Guide 261 Appendix D Test Results Counters Counters Tab Fields Counters Tab Fields 262 Table D 1 lists and describes the test results counters that are displayed in the Counters tab for all of the AST II tests Table D 1 Counters Tab Fields Field Received Frames Description The total number of frames received by this port including test frames and non test frames Transmitted Frames The total number of test frames transmitted by this port Each test frame contains a flag or trigger that enables the receiving port to identify it as a test frame Received Triggers The number of triggers received by this port Received Bytes The total number of bytes received by this port includes test frames and non test frames CRC errors The total number of frames containing CRC errors received by this port Align Errors The total number of alignment errors misaligned frames received by this port Oversize Errors The total number of oversized frames received by this port Undersize Errors AST II User Guide The total number of undersized frames received by this port Appendix E ESD Requirements Spirent Communications manufactures and sells products that require industry standard precautions to protect against damage from electrostatic discharge ESD This
182. ncy measurement is the difference in time delay between when the DUT SUT receives the frame and when it forwards the frame Results are displayed Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Selecting the Ports for the Test gt This section explains how to select the ports for the Broadcast Latency test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already set up the SmartCards modules and have defined the frame setup and any optional settings see Chapter 5 General Test Setup To select the ports for the Broadcast Latency test follow these steps 1 Inthe main window click on the Test Setup tab 2 Using the Test Type pull down menu select Broadcast Latency Figure 12 2 Choose Broadcast Latency here Chassis 113 Figure 12 2 Test Setup Tab Broadcast Latency Test 3 Inthe Traffic Distribution pane of the window select the transmitting port using the Broadcast Sources pull down menu and select the receiving ports in the Broadcast Receivers area In the example shown in Figure 12 3 on page 220 three receiving ports have been selected AST II User Guide 219 Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Select the transmitting Select the receiving port here ports here Figure 12 3 Traffic Distribution Pane Broadcast Latency Test y Note See Traffic Flow on page 217 for details on how the traffic is transmitted 220
183. ncy test parameters you can start the test by doing one of the following e Click on the Broadcast Latency test button in the Shortcut bar Broadcast Latency e Click on the Run Current Test button in the toolbar b e Choose Test gt Run Current or Test gt Run gt Broadcast Latency Once you start the test the display of the main window changes to the Results display Stopping The Test If you want to stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Stop Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Stop Pausing The Test If you want to pause temporarily stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Pause Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Pause y Note To resume restart the test choose Test gt Resume or click on the Resume button AST II User Guide 223 Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Viewing Test Results Viewing Test Results This section provides information on the test results data that is available for this test As soon as you start the test the main window changes from the Setup amp Run display to the Results display This display includes four tabs that you can use to select the test results information you want to view For information on the test results data for a specific tab see the following sections e Chart tab see Chart Tab on page 225 e Summary tab see Summary Tab on page 226 e Details tab see Details Tab on page 227
184. nd connecting your PC SmartBits chassis and DUT Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Provides information on how to use the various Tools windows of AST II Chapter 5 General Test Setup Provides information on general test setup including reserving and configuring ports and setting the test options and frame setup parameters common to all AST II tests Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Describes the Forwarding test including test methodology parameter setup and test results Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Describes the Congestion Control test including test methodology parameter setup and test results 2 ASTII User Guide Section Chapter 8 Address Learning Test About this Guide Manual Content Description Describes the Address Learning test including test methodology parameter setup and test results Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Describes the Address Caching test including test methodology parameter setup and test results Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Describes the Error Filtering test including test methodology parameter setup and test results Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Describes the Broadcast Forwarding test including test methodology parameter setup and test results Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Describes the Broadcast Latency test including test methodology parameter setup
185. nd Summary tabs the Details tab allows you to select the test results for particular test parameter values that you want to view Figure 4 15 shows an example of the Details tab from the Forwarding test In this example the selected test parameter values are 512 bytes for Frame Size 50 for Burst Size and 10 for Load Select the Frame Size you Select the Burst Size you Select the Load you want want to view here want to view here to view here Chart Summary Details Counters Total Other Fanes hiss Blei Ma keii Fanes Received paced ake iz Received 54908 23450 31458 56487 23450 33037 68303 23450 44853 54802 23450 31352 234500 93800 140700 Note The exact set of data displayed in the Details tab depends on test type For a list of the data that is presented in the tab see the Viewing Results section of the chapter that covers the specific test If you set up a monitor port for the test not available for all tests this tab displays test results for the port he Monitor Port Test Frames Received Total Frames Received Figure 4 15 Details Tab AST II User Guide 77 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Results Display Counters Tab The Counters tab Figure 4 16 allows you to view real time data as the test runs The tab is the same for all of the tests See Appendix D Test Results Counters for information on this tab including descriptions of the various Counters
186. ne if the DUT SUT flooded frames during the test The following sections provide information about this test including e What this test allows you to measure see below e What this test allows you to determine see below e A diagram of the available traffic distribution patterns see page 151 e The methodology of the Address Learning test see page 153 e How to configure test parameters see page 155 e How to run the test see page 158 e How to view test results see page 159 What this Test Allows You to Measure The key measurement for this test is the address learning rate of the DUT SUT ports on a port by port basis The address learning rate is expressed in the test results as the maximum rate in frames per second at which the DUT SUT is able to learn MAC addresses What this Test Allows You to Determine 150 By allowing you to specify the number of addresses per port Learning Rate and Frame Size the Address Learning test can help you determine the following e How increases in the number of addresses per port affects the DUT SUT s address learning rate e How increases in the Frame Size affects the DUT SUT s address learning rate AST II User Guide Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Test Overview Test Overview This section provides information on the basic configuration of the Address Learning test including e The supported traffic distribution patterns see Supported Traffic Distributi
187. nection name indicates the slot and port Chassis 1 1 Chassis 1 2 Chassis 1 3 Chassis 1 4 Chassis 1 5 Chassis 1 6 000000 AST II User Guide Chapter 3 Install and Connect Connection Procedures Chassis Type Port Numbering SmartBits 600 This example shows six ports in a chassis with the SmartBits connection name of Chassis 1 The number immediately following the name indicates the number of the module The second number following the name indicates the port of that module Chassis 1 1 1 Chassis 1 1 2 Chassis 1 2 1 Chassis 1 2 2 Chassis 1 3 1 Chassis 1 3 2 OoOooooo SmartBits This example shows six ports in a chassis with the SmartBits 6000B 6000C connection name of Chassis 1 The number immediately following the name indicates the number of the module The letter following the module number indicates the slot A slots on the left side of the chassis B slots on the right side The last number indicates the port in that slot Chassis 1 1A1 Chassis 1 1A2 Chassis 1 1B1 Chassis 1 1B2 Chassis 1 1C1 Chassis 1 1C2 OoOOoOooo Preparing the DUT SUT gt Before you begin connecting the DUT SUT to your SmartBits chassis it is recommended that you identify and configure the DUT SUT ports that you want to test When you are ready to start the ASTI II general test setup see Chapter 5 General Test Setup you will be configuring the ports to match the configuration of the DUT SUT By configu
188. ned the same number of addresses Enter the number of addresses you want Note Only single addresses one address per port are used for this test You cannot select more than one address per port for this test Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Configuring Test Parameters Table 10 3 Error Filtering Test Parameters continued Parameter Errors Definition Allows you to select the error type s you want to simulate for the test The options are Type Pass Criteria Oversize Frames greater than the specified Oversize value are not forwarded by the DUT SUT Undersize Frames less than the specified Undersize value are not forwarded by the DUT SUT CRC errors CRC errored frames are not forwarded by the DUT SUT Dribble Bit Dribble bit errored frames are corrected and forwarded by the DUT SUT Alignment Alignment errored frames are not forwarded by the DUT SUT Frame Size Allows you to specify an appropriate frame size for the duration of the test based for each of the error type s you are testing The Oversize option also enables you to specify a frame size based on what the DUT considers to be an oversized frame some DUTs consider 1519 bytes frames to be oversized and some do not The three options are Size This value determines the frame size for the duration of the test for the CRC Dribble Bit and Alignment error types The default is 64 bytes Oversize This value determines the fra
189. ng table shows how the transmitting ports transmit frames to the receiving ports using the configuration shown in Figure 7 1 AST II User Guide 135 Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Test Methodology Source Port Destination Ports order of transmission Port 1 3 then 4 Port 2 4 only The receiving port that receives traffic from both transmitting ports is the congested port Port 4 The receiving port that receives traffic from only one of the transmitting ports Port 3 is the uncongested port the port being tested to see if head of line blocking occurs when Port 4 is congested Test Methodology 136 The steps below describe what occurs during each iteration of the Congestion Control test This test is run automatically in Profile mode you do not need to select the mode For information on how the test progresses from iteration to iteration in Profile mode see Profile Mode Duration set to Seconds on page 25 and Profile Mode Duration set to Continuous on page 27 During each iteration of the Congestion Control test the following steps are executed 1 VFDs are set for all ports based on port addresses Trigger is set to match frames with correct destination address For the specified Frame Size the following are set e Frame data length e Background pattern including unique signature e Trigger 2 based on signature location The Burst Size is set to the specified value 5 The IBG interb
190. ng the appropriate cables connect each SmartCard port to the DUT SUT port you want to test You can connect them in any order If you are using a ML 7711 Fiber SmartCard make sure that the fiber cable is never bent to a radius of less than 1 5 inches 2 Check the DUT SUT s link light to verify that the cables are correctly connected 54 ASTI User Guide Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools This chapter describes the main AST II window menus toolbar tabs and how to save test results In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics e The Main Window 56 e Main Window Setup and Run Display 57 e Main Window Results Display 72 Test Results 80 AST II User Guide 55 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools The Main Window The Main Window The main window is the starting point for all AST II activities You use the main window to open other windows select SmartCard module ports for the test set up tests run tests view results and more Other windows and options that you access from the main window are discussed in the procedures in which you encounter them The main window has two display modes e Setup amp Run which you use to set up and run tests see Main Window Setup and Run Display on page 57 e Results which you use to view test results see Main Window Results Display on page 72 Selecting the Display To select the desired display mode use the Set
191. ngestion and to determine if forward pressure exists See Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test 12 ASTII User Guide Chapter 2 Basic AST Il Theory In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics General Test Terminology 14 General Test Methodology 20 General Steps to Set Up and Run Tests 39 AST II User Guide 13 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Terminology General Test Terminology Table 2 1 lists and defines terms that are used in this guide to describe the various AST II tests and parameters and options you will encounter when setting up tests Be sure to review these terms before you begin reading the chapters on the individual tests For definitions of more common terms and concepts see the Glossary Table 2 1 General Test Terminology Term Acceptable Frame Loss Definition The number of frames that can be lost without frame loss being declared during a test This parameter is used for the tests that support Search test mode Frame loss is declared when the amount of frame loss is greater than your specified Acceptable Frame Loss value This parameter applies only to the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests when using Search mode to measure throughput See Search on page 18 for details on Search mode Backoff Rate The rate in percent that the Load is decreased for the next iteration of the test after the DUT SUT fails frame loss occurs a
192. nload updated versions of firmware for your SmartCard modules click on the link in the middle of the window to go to the Spirent Communications Customer Service Center website at http support spirentcom com from which you can download the firmware Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display IBG Calculator Figure 4 8 IBG Calculator Window About AstII Chas 141 0 00 4 00 000 Be Chas 142 0 f 00 4 00 000 Be Chas 143 0 00 4 00 000 Be Chas 144 4 00 000 Be Chas1 1B1 4 00 000 Be Figure 4 9 About AST II Window AST II User Guide 67 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display Toolbar 68 The main window toolbar provides buttons for creating opening and saving configuration files connecting and disconnecting from the chassis starting and stopping tests viewing results and more Many of the toolbar functions are available by using the main window menus see Menus on page 61 This table lists and describes the toolbar buttons Table 4 1 Button Toolbar Buttons Description Opens the default test configuration ast file If you changed the values of the configuration parameters from the default values use this option to reset the parameters to the default values Opens the Open window Use this window to open load a test configuration ast file Allows you to do
193. nsmission learning verification or link errors occur The value must be from 1 to 100 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Setting the Test Options Table 5 2 Test Options continued Parameter Description Frames per Retry Default is 10 The number of frames per address for each retry The value must be from 1 to 100 Rate Default is 100 The rate frames per second at which learning frames are transmitted to the DUT SUT during the learning phase of the test The value must be from 1 to 100 Test Execution Pane This pane allows you to customize the way the ports send traffic The traffic can be sent all at once with time before each transmission or with extra time allowed after transmission Stagger Start ms Default is 0 If you want the transmitting ports to transmit the test traffic in sequence rather than all at once you can specify the amount of time in milliseconds in this field The amount of time you enter determines the delay before each transmission If you leave the value at zero 0 the transmitting ports transmit traffic all at once Delay after Transmit sec Default is 15 To specify a time delay after transmitting traffic enter the time delay in seconds The delay after transmit is the additional amount of time the application will wait for transmission to complete in a given iteration For example if a port is set to transmit for 10 seconds and the wait timer set to 5 seconds the appli
194. o display it choose View gt Shortcut bar To hide the Shortcut bar click on this button To display it choose View gt Shortcut bar Click the Setup amp Run button to choose the display for setting up and running tests Forwarding To launch start a test click on the button for that test Congestion Control F5 Address Learning Address Caching Error Filtering Broadcast Forwarding RZ Use this arrow to scroll to gain access to the remaining buttons Click the Results button to choose the display for viewing test results Figure 4 10 Shortcut Bar 70 ASTII User Guide Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display Connection Indicator Light The main window includes an indicator light at the bottom right of the window This light indicates whether or not AST II is connected to a SmartBits chassis see Table 4 2 The number of current connections to the chassis is also displayed Table 4 2 Connection Indicator Light Indications Color Meaning Red AST II is not connected to your chassis Green AST II is connected to your chassis AST II User Guide 71 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Results Display Main Window Results Display As soon as you Start a test the main window changes from the Setup amp Run display to the Results display Figure 4 11 This display includes four tabs that you can select
195. ode the number of iterations per trial can vary depending on the DUT SUT s performance For example if the DUT SUT passes at levels where it failed during other trials the number of iterations may increase If the DUT SUT fails at levels where it passed in other trials the number of iterations may decrease 38 ASTII User Guide General Steps to Set Up and Run Tests Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Steps to Set Up and Run Tests The general steps involved in setting up and running tests include connecting your PC SmartBits chassis and the DUT SUT reserving SmartCards module ports configuring ports setting test options and frame setup options Table 2 8 lists the general steps required to set up and run an AST II test Refer to the appropriate section for more information on each step Table 2 8 General Steps to Set Up and Run Tests Step 1 Setting up a SmartBits connection between your PC and your SmartBits chassis See Setting up SmartBits Connections on page 47 Connecting AST II to your SmartBits chassis Establishing a SmartBits AST IT Connection on page 50 Prepare the DUT SUT Preparing the DUT SUT on page 53 Connecting your SmartBits chassis to the DUT SUT Connecting SmartBits to the DUT SUT on page 54 Reserve SmartCards modules for the test Reserving SmartCards Modules for the Test on page 85 Configuring port parameters
196. of the test The final throughput measurement is reached when the required adjustment increase or decrease in the Load is less than the specified Resolution value see Resolution on page 18 for a definition y Note If either the specified minimum Min or maximum Max Load is reached the trial stops AST II User Guide 247 Appendix A Search Algorithms Broadcast Forwarding Test Broadcast Forwarding Test Vv 248 The algorithm used to determine the throughput includes the following steps this algorithm is the same for the Forwarding test 1 AST II User Guide Based on the measured frame loss for the current iteration the Load is adjusted for the next iteration as follows e Ifthe frame loss is less than or equal to the Acceptable Frame Loss the Load for the next iteration is calculated using this formula The next iteration begins at the new increased Load value Current Load Max 2 e Ifthe frame loss is greater than the Acceptable Frame Loss the Load for the next iteration is calculated using this formula The next iteration begins at the new decreased Load value Current Rate Backoff Rate Current Rate Min Rate This process continues for the duration of the test The final throughput measurement is reached when the required adjustment increase or decrease in the Load is less than the specified Resolution value see Resolution on page 18 for a definition Note If either t
197. on file to configure the test parameters you can save the current configuration to a file by choosing the File gt Save As option This allows you to use the file to quickly configure the test at a later time See Running the Test on page 208 for information on running the test and Viewing Test Results on page 209 for information on test results Table 11 2 Broadcast Forwarding Test Parameters Parameter Duration Definition Availability Default is 10 seconds Profile and Allows you to specify whether you want the iterations of the test to run for a Search specified amount of time or to run continuously until you manually stop the test The options are e Seconds The iterations of the test run for the amount of time you specify Enter the desired amount of time in seconds e Continuous The test runs continuously until you manually stop it to stop the test click the Stop button or choose Test gt Stop This option is not available when the test mode is set to Search The Frame Size Burst Size and Load parameter values do not vary during the test the values used are the specified Start values that remain constant throughout the test This option is useful if you want to test how the DUT SUT handles traffic when the Frame Size Burst Size and Load are constant Number of Trials Default is 1 Profile and Allows you to specify the number of trials for the test For a definition of trial Search s
198. ons below e Basic traffic flow see Traffic Flow on page 152 For information on the test methodology see Test Methodology on page 153 Supported Traffic Distributions The traffic distribution pattern for this test is port pairs with a learn port and a test port in each pair and a single monitor port see Figure S Learn Port 1 J 100E C Test Port 1 DUT SUT Learn Port 2 PE T O T Lt Test Port 2 The monitor port is used to detect flooded frames Monitor Port Figure 8 1 Supported Traffic Distributions y Note Unlike some tests like the Forwarding test you do not select the traffic distribution using a pull down menu When you select the ports you need to specify the transmitting port and receiving port of each port pair see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 154 for details AST II User Guide 151 Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Test Overview 152 Traffic Flow During the test traffic is sent between the learning and test ports corresponding to the three phases of the test as follows 1 AST II User Guide First Phase The test port transmits learning frames to the DUT SUT and the DUT SUT learns the MAC addresses The learning frames are then forwarded by the DUT SUT to the learn port The frames transmitted during this phase do not include VFDs Second Phase The learn port transmits learning frames to the DUT SUT which for wards them to the
199. ops e Max The maximum allowable Load value for the test If this value is reached the test stops e Resolution Default is 1 Units Percentage 100 Units Frames Sec The finest adjustment possible for the Load from iteration to iteration If the required adjustment to the current Load for the next iteration is less than the Resolution the trial stops See Resolution on page 18 for details and an example e Backoff Rate Default is 0 5 The rate the Load decreases after the DUT fails frame loss exceeds the specified Acceptable Frame Loss value at the current Load Enter an integer or decimal value The minimum value you can enter is 0 01 See Backoff Rate on page 14 for the formula used to calculate the actual amount of the decrease in Load e Acceptable Frame Loss Default is 1000 The number of frames that can be lost without frame loss being declared Availability Profile and Search AST II User Guide 207 Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Running the Test Running the Test This section shows you how to start stop and pause temporarily stop the test Normally you stop the test if you set Duration to Continuous the test runs until you manually stop it Pausing the test allows you to view the real time data for the current iteration of the test using the Counters tab Starting The Test Once you have completed the general test setup and configured the Broadcast Forwarding test paramete
200. ort Pairs Port 1 2 only Port 3 4 only AST II User Guide Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Test Methodology Test Methodology The steps listed below describe what occurs during each iteration of the Forward Pressure test This test is run automatically in Profile mode you do not need to select the mode For information on how the test progresses from iteration to iteration in Profile mode see Profile Mode Duration set to Seconds on page 25 and Profile Mode Duration set to Continuous on page 27 During each iteration of the Forward Pressure test the following steps are executed 1 VFDs are set for all ports based on port addresses Trigger 1 is set to match frames with correct destination address For the specified Frame Size the following are set e Frame data length e Background pattern including unique signature e Trigger 2 based on signature location 4 The Burst Size is set to 1 5 The IBG interburst gap is calculated for the intended load the specified Load value See Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG on page 252 for details on how the IBG is calculated 6 Timed transmission is started on all transmitting ports at the specified Start values for Frame Size See Calculating the Transmit Time on page 253 for the formula used to calculate the transmission time 7 Wait for the specified Duration the Duration defines the length of each iteration The port counters are updat
201. ow Results Display Summary Tab The Summary tab Figure 4 14 displays the exact same information as the Chart tab but in tabular format The summary results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Like the Chart tab the Summary tab allows you to select the test results for particular test parameter values that you want to view such as Frame Size and Burst Size values Figure 4 14 shows an example of the Summary tab from the Forwarding test In this example the selected test parameter values are 512 bytes for Frame Size and 50 for Burst Size Select the Frame Select the Size you want to Burst Size you view here want to view here 16 5471 44 3647 52 3113 16547133 44 3647 1523113 een ee a oe aC e ari 33 2380 Figure 4 14 Summary Tab 76 ASTII User Guide Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Results Display Details Tab The Details tab Figure 4 15 displays detailed test results for the test in table format The data is organized by iteration for each port in the test and you can select the iteration you want to view Results are available for all of the iterations of the test If you set up a monitor port for the test not available for all tests this tab displays test results for this port The detailed results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Like the Chart a
202. ows the order of transmission for a test with four ports Source Port Destination Ports in order of transmission Port 1 234234 Port 2 341341 Port 3 412124 Port 4 123123 e Partially meshed Each transmitting port begins transmitting traffic at the same time Each transmitting port transmits traffic to its destination port s in a round robin fashion based on the destination port addresses e Non meshed Each transmitting port begins transmitting traffic at the same time Each transmitting port transmits traffic to its paired destination port AST II User Guide 117 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Test Methodology Test Methodology The steps below describe what occurs during each iteration of the Forwarding test in both Profile and Search mode For information on e How the test progresses from iteration to iteration in Profile mode see Profile Mode Duration set to Seconds on page 25 and Profile Mode Duration set to Continuous on page 27 e How the test progresses from iteration to iteration in Search mode see Search on page 18 e The algorithms used to determine throughput in Search mode see Appendix A Search Algorithms During each iteration of the Forwarding test the following steps are executed 1 VFDs are set for all ports based on port addresses 2 Trigger is set to match frames with correct destination address 3 For the specified Frame Size the following
203. pectively Figure B 2 Transmit Time Txtime Formula y Note You can also use the IBG Calculator window to calculate the Txtime The Burst Time value shown in the IBG Calculator window see Figure B 4 on page 255 is the same as the Txtime The Burst Time is expressed in nanoseconds the Txtime is expressed in terms of microseconds AST II User Guide 253 Appendix B Formulas Calculating the Number of Bursts Calculating the Number of Bursts The number of bursts is the total number of bursts transmitted during each iteration of the test The number of bursts is calculated using the using the formula shown in Figure B 3 the number of bursts is always rounded up to the nearest integer In order to calculate the number of bursts you must first calculate the IBG see page 252 and the transmit time see page 253 Duration Number of Bursts Txtime IBG Where Duration The specified Duration length of each iteration of the test e Txtime Transmit time for a burst in microseconds e IBG The interval between two bursts in nanoseconds Figure B 3 Number of Bursts Formula y Note You can also use the BG Calculator window to calculate the number of bursts The Burst Time value shown in the IBG Calculator window see Figure B 4 on page 255 is the same as the Txtime the Burst Time is expressed in nanoseconds the Txtime is expressed in terms of microseconds 254 ASTII User Guide
204. performance of fiber optic based devices as well as to your investment in the equipment e Whenever you handle a piece of equipment that contains fiber optic components you must be properly grounded to avoid harming the equipment Refer to the Appendix in this document titled ESD Requirements for more details on ESD Cleaning Guidelines To ensure the cleanliness of fiber optic components follow the guidelines below Use fiber patch cords or connectors if you terminate your own fiber only from a reputable supplier Low quality components can cause many hard to diagnose problems during an installation Dust caps are typically installed on fiber optic components to ensure factory clean optical devices These protective caps should not be removed until the moment of connecting the fiber cable to the device Ensure that the fiber is properly terminated polished and free of any dust or dirt Also make sure that the location of installation is as free of dust and dirt as possible Should it be necessary to disconnect the fiber device reinstall the protective dust caps If you suspect that the optics have been contaminated alternate between blasting with clean dry compressed air and flushing with methanol to remove particles of dirt AST II User Guide 265 pe SPIRENT Communications 266 ASTII User Guide Appendix G Revision History Spirent Communications increments the revision letter in a manual s part number when the
205. port MAC Address Port Offset 2 x Node Offset 5 z PP ee Port Increment 5 Destination MAC Addresses Source MAC Addresses Port Node 11 22 00 06 33 00 11 22 00 01 33 00 11 22 00 Ob 33 01 11 22 00 01 33 01 11 22 00 06 33 02 11 22 00 01 33 02 11 22 00 Ob 33 03 11 22 00 01 33 03 11 22 00 06 33 04 11 22 00 01 33 03 AST II User Guide 103 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Specifying Custom Frame and Burst Sizes for a Test Specifying Custom Frame and Burst Sizes for a Test In case the default frame and burst size options do not meet your testing needs AST II allows you to specify custom frame and burst sizes This section provides procedures for setting custom frame and burst sizes You normally specify the frame and burst sizes for the test when setting the test parameters for the test you want to run e For the procedure for setting custom frame sizes see Using Custom Frame Sizes for the Test below e For the procedure for setting custom burst sizes see Using Custom Burst Sizes for the Test on page 105 Using Custom Frame Sizes for the Test Some tests allow you to specify custom frame sizes for the test When using custom frame sizes AST II allows a maximum of 2048 different sizes The defaults custom sizes are the recommended values specified in RFC 2285 64 128 256 512 1024 1280 1518 To specify custom frame sizes follow these steps 1 Inth
206. port department for a multiple chassis keyfile see How to Contact Us on page 6 AST II User Guide 45 Chapter 3 Install and Connect Connection Procedures Connection Procedures Before you can begin running tests you must e Physically connect your PC to a SmartBits chassis using either an Ethernet or Serial connection To do this see the SmartBits 200 2000 Installation Guide or SmartBits 600 6000B 6000C Installation Guide that was shipped with your chassis e Set up SmartBits connections using AST II e Establish a connection to a SmartBits chassis using AST II e Connect the SmartBits chassis to a DUT SUT Synchronizing Chassis 46 If you are using multiple chassis synchronize the chassis by using either e An Expansion In and Expansion Out port of the chassis and a synchronization cable e GPS Global Positioning System by connecting a GPS receiver to the SmartBits chassis and then synchronizing clocks between the various chassis using GPS For more information refer to the documentation enclosed with your GPS equipment e CDMA Code Division Multiple Access by connecting a CDMA receiver to the SmartBits chassis and then synchronizing clocks between the various chassis using CDMA For more information refer to the documentation enclosed with your CDMA equipment Important When using a multiple chassis arrangement that contains a SmartBits 600 6000B or 6000C chassis you must use a synchronous CAT 5 str
207. ports individually follow these steps 1 Inthe main window click on the Card Setup tab Figure 5 3 Reserve any Smart Card modules you have not yet reserved check the Reserve checkbox 2 To set the status of a port click in the Status cell for that port and select Enable or Disable 3 To set the Speed Duplex Autonegotiation and Flow Control of a port click in the appropriate cell for that port and select the desired value See Table 5 1 on page 91 for definitions of the parameters 4 To set the interface type for a port on a LAN 3320A 3321A 3324A 3325A 3327A dual media module click in the Interface cell for the port and select either Copper or Fiber 5 Repeat Step 2 through Step 4 for all the ports as needed Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable LAN 33254 Disable z Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable LAN 33254 Disable M Enable AllZeros Reserve Enable LAN 33254 Disable Enable AllZeros Reserve Enable Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Disable V Enable All Zeros r Reserve Enable Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Disable V Enable All Zeros Reserve Enable Figure 5 3 Card Setup Tab Port Configuration 90 ASTII User Guide Chapter 5 General Test Setup Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports Table 5 1 Card Setup Parameters Parameter Speed Description
208. rames this port expects to receive This number is calculated by totaling all of the test frames that are destined for this port Test Frames Received The number of test frames received by this port If any test frames were dropped this total will be less than the Test Frames Expected for this port Total Frames Received The total number of frames received by this port including test frames and non test frames Test Frame Lost Counters Tab The number of lost dropped test frames by this port If no test frames were lost forward pressure may exist on this port The Counters tab displays the same test results data for all AST II tests For a list and descriptions of the various counters see Appendix D Test Results Counters AST II User Guide Appendix A Search Algorithms This appendix contains the search algorithms that AST II uses in Search mode for the Forwarding Broadcast Forwarding Address Learning and Address Caching tests In this Appendix This appendix covers the following topics About the Search Algorithms 246 Forwarding Test 247 Broadcast Forwarding Test 248 Address Learning Test 249 Address Caching Test 250 AST Il User Guide 245 Appendix A Search Algorithms About the Search Algorithms About the Search Algorithms 246 In Search mode the Forwarding Broadcast Forwarding Address Learning and Address Caching tests use search algorithms to
209. re listed and described in Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory Address Caching Capacity The number of MAC addresses that a DUT SUT can cache store without flooding or dropping frames You use the Address Caching test to determine the address caching capacity of the DUT SUT see Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Address Learning Rate The rate of traffic frames per second at which the DUT SUT can learn new MAC addresses without flooding or dropping frames You use the Address Learning test to determine the rate at which the DUT SUT is able to learn MAC addresses see Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Autonegotiation Autonegotiation AN is an optional standard function defined in the 1998 IEEE 802 3 specification It enables device interfaces to achieve their highest possible mode of operation over a link segment by providing a means for them to exchange information about their capabilities such as speed and duplex over the link AN is a process that takes control of the interface media when a connection to another network interface is established AN detects the operating capabilities of the other interface known as the Link Partner and also advertises the capabilities of the local interface The highest common performance mode is then selected and configured This allows simple automatic connection of device interfaces that support different modes of operation In effect AN automatically switches to the correct tec
210. required to define the test when in Search or Profile mode for example the Step Stop Min and Max values for Frame Size Burst Size and Load are disabled 14 ASTII User Guide Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Terminology Table 2 1 General Test Terminology continued Term Fully Meshed Definition One of the traffic distribution patterns All ports in the test transmit to every other port in the test and receive traffic from all other ports in the test simultaneously a _ _ Port 1 Port 3 Port 2 P Port 4 General Test Setup Refers to setup required before you can run any AST II tests This involves connecting your PC SmartBits chassis and the DUT SUT reserving SmartCards module ports configuring ports setting test options and frame setup options See General Steps to Set Up and Run Tests on page 39 for more information Iteration An iteration is the smallest phase of a test and occurs within a trial Different iterations within the same trial are distinguished by different test parameter value s See Trial on page 19 for the definition of a trial Unlike trials you do not specify the number of iterations for a test AST H will run all the iterations necessary based on your test setup Anytime there is a change in a test parameter for example Frame Size or Burst Size a new iteration is started automatically Iterations allow you to see exactly how the DUT SUT performed
211. resses Per Port arrows to specify the number of address you want assigned to each port 5 Inthe Frame Size pane select the desired Frame Size values for the test y Note The Burst Size is forced to 1 you cannot modify the Burst Size field 236 ASTII User Guide Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Configuring Test Parameters You are now ready to run the test If you did not use an existing configuration file to configure the test parameters you can save the current configuration to a file by choosing the File gt Save As option This allows you to use the file to quickly configure the test at a later time See Running the Test on page 239 for information on running the test Table 13 1 Forward Pressure Rate Test Parameters Parameter Duration Definition Default is 10 Seconds Allows you to specify whether you want to the iterations of the test to run for a specified amount of time or to run continuously until you manually stop the test The options are e Seconds The iterations of the test run for the amount of time you specify Enter the desired amount of time in seconds e Continuous The test runs continuously until you manually stop it to stop the test click the Stop button or choose Test gt Stop The Frame Size parameter does not vary during the test the value used is the specified Start value which remains constant throughout the test This option is useful if you want to test how the DUT S
212. results data for all AST II tests For a list and descriptions of the various counters see Appendix D Test Results Counters AST II User Guide 179 pe SPIRENT Communications 180 ASTII User Guide Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test In this chapter This chapter covers the following topics About the Error Filtering Test 182 Test Overview 184 Test Methodology 185 Selecting the Ports for the Test 186 Configuring Test Parameters 187 Running the Test 191 Viewing Test Results 192 AST II User Guide 181 Chapter 10 Error Filterin g Test About the Error Filtering Test About the Error Filtering Test The Error Filtering test allows you to determine how the DUT SUT handles errored frames You can simulate various types of errored frames to determine the ability of the DUT SUT to recognize specific errors and filter drop the frames that contain the errors The following sections provide information about this test including What this test allows you to measure see below What this test allows you to determine see below A diagram of the available traffic distribution patterns see page 184 The methodology of the Error Filtering test see page 185 How to configure test parameters see page 187 How to run the test see page 191 Ho to view test results see page 192 What this Test Allows You to Measure The Error Filtering test measures the amount o
213. ring the DUT SUT ports now you will be prepared for the general test setup To prepare the DUT SUT follow these steps 1 Verify that the DUT SUT has been configured for the type of test you want to run 2 Identify and label the ports you want to test 3 Ensure that each port to be tested is configured AST II User Guide 53 Chapter 3 Install and Connect Connection Procedures Connecting SmartBits to the DUT SUT After identifying and configuring the DUT SUT ports that you want to test you are ready to connect the DUT SUT to the SmartBits chassis refer to the SmartBits 200 2000 Installation Guide and the SmartBits 600 6000B 6000C Installation Guide y Note For more information about setting up the hardware and your SmartBits chassis Q Tips If you are using a ML 7711 SmartCard with a fiber interface label each fiber cable connecting a SmartBits port to a DUT SUT port e Remove all linked cables from the DUT SUT that are not part of the test These ports could receive traffic that may cause your throughput results to be less than the actual throughput for the number of ports used in your test e AST II does not allow hot swapping of SmartBits cards You must do the following to change SmartCards a Choose SmartBits gt Disconnect b Change SmartCards c Connect the new SmartCards to the DUT SUT by choosing SmartBits gt Connect gt To connect your SmartBits chassis to the DUT SUT follow the steps below 1 Usi
214. rmat Default is Ethernet II Select the Protocol Format to match the configuration of the DUT SUT The options are e Ethernet II e IEFE 802 3 Protocol Type If you selected Ethernet II for the Protocol Format see above choose one of the available protocol types to match the configuration of the DUT SUT If you selected IEEE 802 3 for the Protocol Format this option is not available You can enter customized user defined protocol types in 1 4 hex digits Customized entries cannot be deleted The user defined FFFF option can be edited to contain up to two bytes of user defined data in hex format Note that when two bytes of data are defined the application will add subsets of this value to the list of possible choices Hex values that take up less than two bytes will be padded with leading zeroes The user defined protocol types are persistent throughout the lifetime of the application instance so they may be reused through multiple test sessions Enable VLAN Default is Disabled Allows you to specify whether or not you want the transmitting ports in the test to transmit VLAN tagged frames The options are e Enable VLAN VLAN tagged frames are transmitted by the transmitting ports If you select this option the VLAN Priority and VLAN ID options must also be specified see below e Disabled not selected VLAN tagged frames are not transmitted by the transmitting ports e VLAN Priority Only available if
215. rning rate frames per second for the test This field must be set to a value greater than the value of the address aging timer on the DUT Also the address aging timer on the DUT must be set to a value greater than the time it takes the learning rate to transmit the Maximum number of addresses defined AST II User Guide 171 Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Configuring Test Parameters 172 Configuration Example This example will help illustrate how to configure the Aging Time and Number of Addresses fields in relationship with the Learning Rate setting in AST II Take the learning rate determined from the Address Learning test or a figure less than the learning rate and enter this value into the Learning Rate field of the Address Caching test If you use a rate larger than the value found with the Address Learning test test results may be invalid since the DUT will flood or drop any frames that it cannot handle Next divide the Maximum number of addresses by the Learning Rate then double the result and set the DUT s address aging timer Add 10 seconds to the DUT s address aging timer and assign this value as the AST II Aging Time 3 Inthe Number of Addresses pane do the following e In the Initial field enter the number of addresses for the start of the test Inthe Minimum field enter the minimum number of addresses for the test Inthe Maximum field enter the maximum number of addresses for the test 4 Inthe Frame Siz
216. roadcast Forwarding Tests y Note For a detailed description of each iteration of this example test see page 32 AST II User Guide 31 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology 32 Iterations 1 through 6 The first iteration begins with the Load at the specified Initial value and the Burst Size and Frame Size begin at their respective specified Start values The Load increases from its Initial value to its Max value in iterations 1 through 6 this means that the DUT SUT passed at each Load level for iterations 1 through 6 With each increase the Load value for the next iteration is calculated using the appropriate algorithm Note Each time the Load reaches its Max value during the test in Search mode results are recorded This allows you to review the DUT SUT s performance for that particular Burst Size and Frame Size combination Iterations 7 through 12 Beginning in iteration 7 the Burst Size increments based on its Step value and the Load returns to its Initial value The Load increases as it did in iterations through 6 since the DUT SUT passes at each of the Load level for these iterations Iterations 13 through 15 Beginning in iteration 13 the Burst Size increments again based on its Step value and the Load returns to its Initial value In iterations 13 to 15 the Load increases since the DUT SUT passes at the Load levels for these iterations In iteration 15 the DUT SUT fails This means frame lo
217. roadcast traffic you can do so by using the Broadcast Latency test see Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Test Overview This section provides information on the basic configuration of the Broadcast Forwarding test including e The supported traffic distribution patterns see Supported Traffic Distributions e Basic traffic flow see Traffic Flow on page 200 For information on the test methodology see Test Methodology on page 201 Supported Traffic Distributions Figure 11 1 shows the supported traffic distribution patterns for this test the traffic direction for this test is always unidirectional You specify the desired traffic distribution one to many or many to many when you select the transmitting Broadcast Sources and receiving ports Broadcast Receivers in the Test Setup tab see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 202 for details Broadcast Source Broadcast Receiver C Port 2 Option 1 One to many unidirectional Port 1 gt C Port 3 C Port 4 Broadcast Source Broadcast Receiver Port 3 Port 1 Option 2 Many to many unidirectional O Port 4 Port 2 C Port 5 Figure 11 1 Supported Traffic Distributions AST II User Guide 199 Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Test Overview 200 Traffic Flow Traffic is transmitted the same way for both one to many and many to many traffic distributions Each transmitting port Broadcast Source port begins tr
218. rs you can start the test by doing one of the following e Click on the Broadcast Forwarding test button in the Shortcut bar Broadcast Forwarding e Click on the Run Current Test button in the toolbar b e Choose Test gt Run Current or Test gt Run gt Broadcast Forwarding Once you start the test the display of the main window changes to the Results display Stopping The Test If you want to stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Stop Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Stop Pausing The Test If you want to pause temporarily stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Pause Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Pause y Note To resume restart the test choose Test gt Resume or click on the Resume 208 button AST II User Guide Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results Viewing Test Results This section provides information on the test results data that is available for this test As soon as you start the test the main window changes from the Setup amp Run display to the Results display This display includes four tabs that you can use to select the test results information you want to view For information on the test results data for a specific tab see the following sections e Chart tab see Chart Tab on page 210 e Summary tab see Summary Tab on page 211 e Details tab see Details Tab on page 212 e
219. rview This section provides information on the basic configuration of the Congestion Control test including e The supported traffic distribution patterns see Supported Traffic Distributions e Basic traffic flow see Traffic Flow For information on the test methodology see Test Methodology on page 136 Supported Traffic Distributions Figure 7 1 shows the supported traffic distribution pattern for this test a combination of a partially meshed one to many unidirectional pattern and a unidirectional port pair As you can see there are four ports two transmitting ports and two receiving ports Port 1 O Port 3 Figure 7 1 Supported Traffic Distributions y Note Unlike some tests like the Forwarding test you do not select the traffic distribution using a pull down menu When you select the first transmitting port in the Transmitter I pane of the main window Port in Figure 7 1 the remaining three ports are automatically assigned based on the order of the ports in the chassis see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 137 for details All of the ports appear in the Sets pane of the main window Traffic Flow Both transmitting ports transmit traffic at the same time The first transmitting port Port 1 transmits to both receiving ports based on the destination receiving port addresses The second transmitting port transmits only to the second receiving port Port 4 The followi
220. s LAN 3306A 10 100Base T Ethernet Copper 4 port TeraMetrics XD LAN 3310A 1000Base X Ethernet GBIC 2 port SmartMetrics LAN 3311A 1000Base Ethernet GBIC 2 port TeraMetrics LAN 3320A 10 100 1000 Mbps and Gigabit Ethernet Fiber 2 port SmartMetrics XD LAN 3321A 10 100 1000 Mbps and Gigabit Ethernet Fiber 2 port TeraMetrics XD LAN 3324A 10 100 1000 Mbps and Gigabit Ethernet Fiber 4 port SmartMetrics XD LAN 3325A 10 100 1000 Mbps and Gigabit Ethernet Fiber 4 port TeraMetrics XD LAN 3327A 10 100 1000 Mbps and Gigabit Ethernet Fiber 1 port TeraMetrics XD LAN 3710AE 10GBase ER Ethernet 1 port 2 slot single mode 1550nm LAN 3710AL 10GBase LR Ethernet 1 port 2 slot single mode 1310nm XLW 3720A 10Gbps Ethernet Optical 1 port SmartMetrics XLW 3721A 10Gbps Ethernet Optical 1 port TeraMetrics Notes For information on the latest firmware levels for the supported SmartCards and modules refer to the AST II Release Notes shipped with the software e To check the firmware of the SmartCards modules installed in your chassis select Help gt About within the AST II application AST II User Guide 43 Chapter 3 Install and Connect PC Requirements PC Requirements 44 AST II User Guide An IBM or compatible PC with an available COM port or an Ethernet interface card Pentium II processor 266 Mhz or higher One of the following operating systems e Windows 98 Second Edition e Windows 2000 Professional Edition Service P
221. s chassis and then select the chassis to which you want to connect Use the Connect option or the Connect button to actually connect to the selected chassis See Chapter 3 Install and Connect for details on how to set up a SmartBits connection and connect to a chassis Connect on Start Test Menu If selected AST II connects to all of the chassis selected in the Set up SmartBits Connections window when launched The Test menu allows you to start stop pause and resume tests Option Run Description Runs starts the test a second menu appears that allows you to select the test You can also start a test by using the buttons in the Shortcut bar see Shortcut Bar on page 70 or the Run button in the toolbar see Toolbar on page 68 Run Current Runs starts the current test the test type selected in the Test Setup tab Stop 64 ASTII User Guide Stops the test You can also stop the test using the Stop button in the toolbar see Toolbar on page 68 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display Option Description Pause Temporarily pauses stops the test You can also use the Pause button in the toolbar to pause the test see Toolbar on page 68 Use the Resume option see below or the Resume button on the toolbar to resume restart the test Resume Restarts the test after a pause The test begins again at the point it Resu
222. s option only applies to tests that include the Load parameter The address learning options apply to all tests except the Address Learning and Address Caching tests See Setting the Test Options on page 94 for instructions on how to use this tab Percentage Frames sec I JOnce before test po E mo Email address Figure 4 5 Options Tab 60 ASTII User Guide Card Setup Tab The Card Setup tab is used to configure the operational characteristics of each SmartCard module port Parameters include Speed Duplex Autonegotiation Flow Control Payload Multiuser Status and Interface type These settings apply to all tests Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display See Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports on page 88 for instructions on how to use this tab Test Frame Setup Options Card Setup Card Model Speed Duplex Autonegotiation Flow Control Payload Multiuser Status Interface alg LAN a LAN 33254 1G Full Disable A Enable _ Disable nnd a Enable Vv Enable f F Enable M Enable Figure 4 6 Card Setup Tab Menus The main window contains the following seven menus File see File Menu below Edit see Edit Menu on page 62 View see View Menu on page 63 Z Enable M Enable Dee ee Disable st iw Enable All Zeros All Zeros All Zeros All Zeros AMZ Zeros All Zeros Al Zeros
223. s repeatable tests and short test times reduce the overall development cycle AST II Answers Key Performance Questions AST II can provide answers to the following questions e What is the throughput of the DUT SUT and how do increases in the load frame size and burst size affect throughput e What is the frame loss at a certain load and how do increases in the load affect frame loss e How well does the DUT SUT forward broadcast traffic and what is the latency AST II User Guide Chapter 1 AST II Overview Why Test with AST II e How does a DUT SUT handle congestion and does head of line blocking or forward pressure exist e What is the maximum rate at which the DUT SUT can learn addresses e What is the maximum number of addresses the DUT SUT can handle e Is the DUT SUT able to filter errored frames such as undersized or oversized frames and what types of errors does it have trouble filtering e How do increases in the load frame size and burst size affect error filtering performance Summary of AST II Tests Table 1 1 lists and describes each AST II test For detailed information about a particular test see the test s specific chapter in this manual Table 1 1 Summary of AST II Tests Test Forwarding Test Description Allows you to determine the overall forwarding performance of the DUT SUT including frame loss rate and throughput using fully meshed partially meshed or non meshed traffic dis
224. s2 1B3 Chas2 142 Chas2 1B4 Chas2 142 Chas2 1B4 Chas2 1B1 Chas2 1B5 Chas2 1B2 Chas2 1B6 mi Ej Chas2 181 Chas2 185 Chas2 1B2 Chas2 1B6 Broadcast Latency __ Resuts For Help press F1 Connections 2 The connection Indicator light appears green indicating that you All of the available SmartCards modules ports appear here are connected The number displayed x gt indicates the number of chassis to See SmartCard Module Port Display in the Main which you are connected Window on page 52 for information on how the ports are displayed Figure 3 3 Main Window After Connecting to Chassis connection selected in the Setup SmartBits Connections window choose SmartBits gt WV Note If you are having difficulty connecting to the chassis make sure that the SmartBits Connections is the right connection for the chassis AST II User Guide 51 Chapter 3 Install and Connect Connection Procedures SmartCard Module Port Display in the Main Window 52 This section describes the display of the SmartCard module ports in the Ports pane of the main window Once you connect to a chassis using AST II the Ports pane displays all of the available SmartCard module ports for each chassis to which you are connected The factors that affect the display are e Whether you entered a name when you created the SmartBits connection to which you are connected see SmartBits Connection Names
225. se to select the test results information you want to view For information on the test results data for a specific tab see the following sections e Chart tab see Chart Tab on page 144 e Summary tab see Summary Tab on page 145 e Details tab see Details Tab on page 146 e Counters tab see Appendix D Test Results Counters for information and field descriptions This tab is the same for all tests AST II User Guide 143 Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Viewing Test Results 144 Chart Tab The Chart tab Figure 7 4 displays Frame Loss Rate results for selected ports and selected Frame Size and Burst Size values Select the ports you want to view using the Chart Wizard see Using the Chart Wizard on page 75 Select the Frame Size and Burst Size values that you want to view by using the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus Results for all iterations of the test are displayed The charts can also be exported as jpg files or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 7 4 shows an example of the Chart tab In this example the selected test parameter values are 128 for Frame Size and 50 for Burst Size Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you you want to view here want to view here Chart Summary Details Counters Frame Size 128 bd Burst Size 150 hd Frame Loss Rate appears here you do not need to select this
226. select Congestion Control In the Traffic Distribution pane see Figure 7 2 on page 138 select the two transmit ting ports and the two receiving ports you want for the test in the appropriate sections AST II automatically highlights the ports in gray to make it easier for you to identify the ports that are available You do not have to select the highlighted ports Click the right arrow to move the set of ports to the Sets pane Note If this arrow is not available it means the selection of ports is not valid Check your selections and reselect the ports AST II User Guide 137 Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Selecting the Ports for the Test 138 Chassis 1 13 Chassis 1 14 Chassis 115 i Chassis 115 Chassis 1 16 i Chassis 1 16 Chassis 1 13 i Chassis 1 13 Chassis 1 14 i Chassis 1 14 Chassis Chassis 1 16 Once you select all the ports you want click on this arrow The set of ports all ports appears in the Sets pane If this arrow is not available it mean the selection of ports is not valid Check your selections and reselect the ports Figure 7 2 Traffic Distribution Pane Congestion Control Test AST II User Guide Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Configuring Test Parameters Configuring Test Parameters V This section explains how to configure the test parameters for the Congestion Control test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already completed the gener
227. sis 119 Chassis 119 Chassis 1 20 Chassis 1 20 Monitor Chassis 12 Port Groups Once you select the ports you want click on this arrow If this arrow is not available it means the selection of ports is not valid Check your selections and reselect the ports Figure 8 2 Test Setup Tab Address Learning Test AST II User Guide Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Configuring Test Parameters Configuring Test Parameters lt This section gives a procedure for configuring the test parameters for the Address Learning test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already completed the general test setup including selecting the ports see Selecting the Ports for the Test on page 154 Since the Address Learning test determines the rate at which a DUT can populate its address table without flooding or dropping frames there are two parameters that are especially important in the test setup Aging Time and Number of Addresses Be sure to follow the configuration instructions for these fields very carefully See Table 8 1 on page 156 for descriptions of the test parameters Note If you already have a configuration file for this test you can open it to quickly configure the test includes card setup test options frame setup and test parameters To configure the Address Learning test parameters follow these steps 1 Inthe main window make sure that the Test Setup tab is selected and the Test Type
228. ss is declared frame loss occurred or it was greater than the specified Acceptable Frame Loss Iterations 16 The Load decreases from the level in iteration 15 The new Load value for iteration 16 is calculated using the appropriate algorithm The algorithm used depends on whether the DUT SUT passes or fails The DUT SUT fails again in iteration 16 Since the required change in the Load for iteration 17 is less than the Resolution setting the throughput measurement is reached AST II User Guide Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology When is the test complete In Search mode each trial stops when one of the following conditions have been satisfied e The specified minimum Load threshold is reached Min e The specified maximum Load threshold is reached Max e The required change in the Load for the next iteration as calculated using the formulas above is less than the specified Resolution For example if the specified Resolution is 5 and the required change in Load for the next iteration is 2 the test is complete If you specified more than one trial the next trial begins Once all of the specified trials have been run the test is complete Note Unlike Profile mode the number of iterations per trial can vary depending on the DUT SUT s performance For example if the DUT SUT passes at levels where it failed during other trials the number of iterations may increase If the DUT SUT fails at levels wh
229. ssis 113 O O Chassis 1 14 Traffic Distribution M Partially Meshed O Chassis 1 13 O Chassis 1 14 O Chassis 115 O Chassis 116 O Chassis 117 O Chassis 118 O Chassis 119 O Chassis 1 20 O Chassis 113 O Chassis 114 O Chassis 115 O Chassis 116 O Chassis 117 O Chassis 118 O Chassis 119 O Chassis 1 20 O Chassis 115 O Chassis 116 CO Chassis 117 O Chassis 118 O Chassis 119 2l E Direction Bidirectional M lt gt N 7 There may be SmartCards modules installed in the chassis that do not appear The three reasons why an installed SmartCard module does not appear are e The SmartCard module is not supported by AST II see Supported RFCs on page 10 for a listed of the supported SmartCards modules e The SmartCard module has old firmware To correct this go to the Spirent Communications Customer Service Center website at http support spirentcom com and download the most current firmware e The SmartCard module is reserved by another user See Reserving and Unreserving SmartCards Modules on page 87 for details on how to reserve and unreserve SmartCard modules 86 ASTI User Guide Chapter 5 General Test Setup Reserving SmartCards Modules for the Test Reserving and Unreserving SmartCards Modules gt To reserve and unreserve SmartCards modules follow these steps 1 Inthe main window click on the Card Setup tab Figure 5 1 2 Do one of the fol
230. st and how to select the results you want to view These Results display tabs are e Chart see Chart Tab on page 73 Summary see Summary Tab on page 76 e Details see Details Tab on page 77 e Counters see Counters Tab on page 78 Note AST II also allows you to save the results displayed in the results tabs in a variety of formats See Saving Test Results on page 80 Chart Tab The Chart tab allows you to view charts of the test results for each test type You can use the Chart Wizard to specify the particular test ports that you want plotted in the chart you can view up to a maximum of 15 ports See Using the Chart Wizard on page 75 for information on how to select the ports The Chart tab also allows you to select the test results for particular test parameter values such as Frame Size and Burst Size values that you want to view the available parameters depends on the type of test The charts can be exported as jpg files or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 4 12 on page 74 shows an example of the Chart tab from the Forwarding test In this example the selected test parameter values are 576 bytes for Frame Size and 50 for Burst Size AST II User Guide 73 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Results Display Chart Summary Details Counters Select the Frame Size you want to Frame Size
231. st see Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports on page 8 AST II User Guide 87 Chapter 5 General Test Setup Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports Configuring the SmartCard Module Ports Vv This section provides information on setting up the SmartCard module ports If you want to reserve the cards to be used in a test and have not done so do so now see Reserving SmartCards Modules for the Test on page 85 Configuring the SmartCard module ports involves e Setting the general port parameters to match the configuration of the DUT SUT These general port parameters include Speed Duplex Autonegotiation and Flow Control e Enabling or disabling ports See How to Configure Ports on page 89 for information on how to set the general port parameters and enable or disable ports Note Before you begin setting port parameters read the section below for details on how to change the parameter values in the Card Setup tab Changing Parameter Values 88 Since the port configuration parameters are organized in columns in the Card Setup tab you can change a parameter setting for a single SmartCard module or for all the cards The procedures below show you how to do this Changing parameter settings for a single SmartCard module To change the parameter settings follow these steps 1 Click ona cell to highlight it 2 Left click A pop up menu appears showing the possible values for that parameter 3 Se
232. st Latency Profile only You do not need to specify the mode 24 ASTII User Guide Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology Table 2 4 Test Modes continued Test Available Test Mode s Congestion Control Profile only You do not need to specify the mode Error Filtering Profile only You do not need to specify the mode Forward Pressure Profile only You do not need to specify the mode Forwarding Profile and Search You must specify the mode you want Profile Mode Duration set to Seconds Figure 2 2 on page 26 shows an example partial not all iterations are shown of the basic test structure of the tests that use Profile test mode when Duration is set to Seconds Using these settings the test parameters vary according to your Start rate Step rate and Stop rate settings The length of each iteration is defined by your Duration setting In this example e The number of trials specified is one If two or more trials were specified the test would repeat using the same exact parameter values and number of iterations e The test parameters are Load Burst Size and Frame Size The values are as follows As shown in Figure 2 2 on page 26 only one parameter varies at once and each time a Parameter Values Parameter Values Parameter Values Load Start 10 Burst Size Start 1 Frame Size Start 64 Step 10 Step 1 Step 64 Stop 30 Stop 3 Stop 192 parameter varies the test gener
233. st also specify the traffic direction bidirectional or unidirectional there are a total of six possible partially meshed traffic pattern options See Table 2 1 on page 14 for examples of the partially meshed traffic distribution pattern options Abbreviation for a SmartCard module receiving destination port SUT System under test Traffic Distribution Refers to the pattern distribution of the traffic flow during the test The traffic distribution pattern options vary depending on the type of test you have selected The three option for AST II are fully meshed partially meshed fanout and non meshed pair wise See Fully Meshed on page 270 Non Meshed on page 271 and Partially Meshed on page 272 Traffic Orientation Refers to the direction of the traffic flow during the test The traffic orientation options vary depending on the type of test you have selected The two option for AST II are bidirectional and unidirectional See Table 2 1 on page 14 for descriptions of these different traffic orientation options Throughput The maximum rate at which the DUT SUT can forward traffic with no frame loss or at a user specified acceptable frame loss You use the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests to measure throughput see Chapter 6 Forwarding Test and Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test for more information Tx Abbreviation for a SmartCard module transmitting source port txtime Trans
234. t In the Load pane select the desired Load values for the test the options are different depending on test mode you selected You are now ready to run the test If you did not use an existing configuration file to configure the test parameters you can save the current configuration to a file by choosing File gt Save As option This allows you to use the file to quickly configure the test at a later time See Running the Test on page 126 for information on running the test and Recommended Testing Method on page 127 for a recommended testing procedure Table 6 2 Forwarding Test Parameters Parameter Definition Availability Duration Default is 10 Seconds Profile and Allows you to specify whether you want to the iterations of the test to run for Scarch a specified amount of time or if you want the test to run continuously until you manually stop it The options are e Seconds The iterations of the test run for the amount of time you specify Enter the desired amount of time in seconds e Continuous The test runs continuously until you manually stop it to stop the test click the Stop button or choose Test gt Stop This option is not available when the test mode is set to Search The Frame Size Burst Size and Load parameter values do not vary during the test the values used are the specified Start values which remain constant throughout the test This option is useful if you want to test how the DUT SUT han
235. t 10M Q ESD protective flooring or floor mats are required when floor grounding devices foot straps footwear are used or when it is necessary to move in between ESD protected workstations when handling ESDS equipment ESD protective Optional resistor surface or mat Wrist strap ESD protective floor mat optional Figure E 1 ESD Protected Workstation Note The equipment needed for proper grounding is available in ESD service kits such as the ESD Field Service Kit available from Spirent Communications P N 170 8505 For additional information regarding Spirent Communications ESD standards and procedures please see the ESD Control Procedure document P N 900 0211 001 AST II User Guide Appendix F Fiber Optic Cleaning Guidelines Spirent Communications manufactures and sells products that contain fiber optic components including fiber optic transmitters and receivers These components are extremely susceptible to contamination by particles of dirt or dust which can obstruct the optic path and cause performance degradation To ensure optimum product performance it is important that all optics and connector ferrules be kept clean This document presents guidelines for maintaining clean fiber optic components Spirent Communications recommends that these guidelines be followed very closely h Caution Failure to comply with the guidelines explained in this document poses risks to the
236. t easier for you to identify the ports that are available You do not have to select the highlighted ports 4 Click the right arrow to move the port pair to the Port Groups pane y Note If this arrow is not available it means the selection of ports is not valid Check 170 your selections and reselect the ports 5 Optional Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 to set up additional port pairs Using the Monitor pull down menu select the monitor port for the test This test requires a monitor port If you do not select one the test will not run properly Select the monitor port you want for the test here m Traffic Distribution Learn Port Test Port Chassis 1 13 Chassis 1 13 Chassis 1 14 Chassis 1 14 Chassis 115 Chassis 115 Chassis 1 16 Chassis 1 16 Chassis 1 17 Chassis 1 17 Chassis 1 18 Chassis 1 18 Chassis 119 Chassis 119 Chassis 1 20 Chassis 1 20 Port Groups Chassis 1 13 Chassis 1 7 Monitor Chassis 12 Y Port Groups Once you select the ports you want click on this arrow If this arrow is not available it means the selection of ports is not valid Check your selections and reselect the ports Figure 9 2 Test Setup Tab Address Caching Test AST II User Guide Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Configuring Test Parameters Configuring Test Parameters V gt This section explains how to configure the test parameters for the Address Caching test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have
237. t Other Frames Flood i lother Fr Flood Count Total Frames ea er o Learning Port Frames on on Learning Test Port a ama es hal Monitor Port On Monitor Received on Test Sti hoo Learning Port Port me one lore ese Port Monitor Port v 4 i h 1 65536 Min 131072 FAIL 1 65518 Mine f 131036 FAIL 4 65509 Mine t e 131018 FAIL 1 1 65504 ine y 131008 FAIL Tests results for the monitor port appear here In this example flooding occurred in every iteration of the test Figure 9 6 Details Tab Address Caching Test 178 ASTII User Guide Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Viewing Test Results Table 9 2 Details Tab Field Descriptions Field Correct Frames on Learning Port Description Test frames generated by SmartBits chassis received on this learn port Other Frames on Learning Port Non test frames not generated by SmartBits chassis received on this learn port Flood Count on Test Port Number of flooded frames received by the test port Other Frames on Test Port Non test frames not generated by SmartBits chassis received on this test port Flood Count on Monitor Port Flooded frames received by the monitor port Other Total Frames Received on Monitor Port Non test frames not generated by SmartBits chassis received on this test port Test Status Counters Tab Indicates whether the port passed or failed The Counters tab displays the same test
238. t counters are updated continually during each iteration When the receive trigger rate on receiving port s becomes 0 the elasped time is determined from the chassis 10 Port counters are gathered 11 Frame loss is determined 12 Results are displayed AST II User Guide 185 Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Selecting the Ports for the Test 186 This section explains how to select the ports for the Error Filtering test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already set up the SmartCards modules and have defined the frame setup and any optional settings see Chapter 5 General Test Setup 1 AST II User Guide To select the ports for the Error Filtering test follow these steps In the main window click on the Test Setup tab Using the Test Type pull down menu select Error Filtering In the Traffic Distribution pane see Figure 10 2 set up a port pair by selecting one transmitter and one receiver port AST II automatically highlights the ports in gray to make it easier for you to identify the ports that are available You do not have to select the highlighted ports Click the right arrow button to move the port pair to the Port Pairs pane Note If this arrow is not available it means the selection of ports is not valid Check your selections and reselect the ports Optional Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 to set up additional port pairs
239. t forwards that frame AST II implements the cut through type of latency measurement The latency measurement is based on the first bit in received to the first bit out forwarded Load The amount of utilization of the medium in terms of frames per second or as a percentage of the full wire rate You set the units for the Load using the Options tab see Setting the Test Options on page 94 Minimum Interframe Gap The minimum permissible gap delay between frames specified by the standard for the medium being tested For 1OMbps Ethernet the minimum is 9 6 us for 1OOMbps Ethernet it is 960 ns and for 1 Gbps Ethernet it is 96 ns You use the Forward Pressure test to see if your DUT SUT is in conformance with these minimum IFG values Although the test used to test for the minimum IFG is sometimes called the Minimum IFG test in AST II it is referred to as the Forward Pressure test Non Meshed One of the traffic distribution patterns All of the non meshed traffic distribution pattern options are port pairs You can set up the test to have a single port pair or multiple port pairs There are three options for this traffic distribution pattern See Table 2 1 on page 14 for examples of the non meshed traffic distribution pattern options Bookname User Guide 271 Glossary Partially Meshed One of the traffic distribution patterns There are three basic options one to many many to one and many to many Since you mu
240. t the current Load This parameter applies only to the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests when using Search mode See Search on page 18 for details on Search mode For information on the algorithms used in Search mode see Appendix A Search Algorithms Duration This parameter allows you to specify whether you want to the iterations of the test to run for a specified amount of time or if you want the test to run continuously until you manually stop it this option is not available for all tests See Iteration on page 15 fora description of iteration There are two options for Duration e Seconds The iterations of the test run for the amount of time in seconds you specify This option is available in both Profile and Search mode e Continuous The test runs continuously until you manually stop it This option is not available when the test mode is set to Search Unlike the Seconds option the parameter values such as Frame Size Burst Size and Load do not vary during the test The values used for Frame Size Burst Size and Load for the test are the specified Start values which remain constant throughout the test This option is useful if you want to test how the DUT SUT handles traffic when the Frame Size Burst Size and Load are constant Note When you select Continuous you can not specify the number of trials the Number of Trials parameter is disabled In addition all of the test parameters that are
241. tab fields Received CRC Errors Align Errors Oversize Undersize Bytes Errors Errors Eim Figure 4 16 Counters Tab 78 ASTII User Guide Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Results Display Status Bar The status bar only starts reporting status after you start a test For this reason it only appears in the Results display not the Setup amp Run display of the main window The status bar appears in the lower left area of the main window and reports the status of the test as the test progresses through the various test phases see Figure 4 17 for some examples The status bar reports information on the various phases of a test based on test setup including e SmartCard module chassis ports used in the test e Performance of autonegotiation if specified e Verification of links e Performance of address learning if specified e The current test iteration including the number of the trial e Indication that the test was aborted due to an error Performing learning Performing test iteration maximum 4 seconds remaining for test to complete Test aborted due to error Figure 4 17 Status Bar Messages WV Note For more information on the various phases of the AST II tests see Basic Phases of an AST II Test on page 20 AST II User Guide 79 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Test Results Test Results AST II allows you to both save and export tests results once the test is complet
242. tails csv and HTML For a procedure on how to export to csv files see csv Files on page 82 For a procedure on how to export to HTML files see HTML Files on page amp 1 AST II User Guide Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Test Results HTML Files AST II allows you to save export the test results data for all of the results tabs in HTML format The Chart test results can also be saved as jpg files and you can save the Summary and Details test results as csv files see csv Files on page 82 Exporting Test Results to an HTML file To export the results of a test to an HTML file 1 Select the tab you want 2 Choose Results gt Export to HTML The HTML Results window appears Figure 4 18 HTML Results Figure 4 18 HTML Results Window 3 Inthe HTML Results window do the following e Enter your personal information in the fields provided e Enter the product and test information in the fields provided e Inthe Frame Size and Burst Size panes select the appropriate values for the test e Inthe Results Format pane select the content you want included in the final HTML file Click OK The Save As window appears 5 Inthe Save As window enter a name for the file select the folder where you want the HTML file saved and click the Save button AST II User Guide 81 Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Test Results csv Files In addition to al
243. te appears here you do not need to select this Frame Loss Rate 100 80 60 40 20 5 2 Z Z aUI t g aul The ports you selected in the Chart Ports Wizard appear here Figure 13 5 Chart Tab AST II User Guide 241 Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Viewing Test Results Summary Tab The Summary tab Figure 13 6 This tab displays the exact same information as the Chart tab but in tabular format Like the Chart tab the Summary tab allows you to select the Frame Size and Burst Size values that you want to view by using the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus The results for each port is displayed in its own row The summary results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 13 6 shows an example of the Summary tab In this example the test parameter values are 64 for Frame Size and one 1 for Burst Size Select the Frame Size Select the Burst Size you you want to view here want to view here Chart Summary Details Frame Size ea 7 Burst Size fi 7 Figure 13 6 Summary Tab 242 ASTII User Guide Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test Viewing Test Results Details Tab The Details tab Figure 13 7 displays detailed results for the transmitting and receiving ports for a single iteration in tabular format You can select the Frame Size and Burst Size for the iteration that you want to
244. teration 6 using the appropriate algorithm In iteration 6 the DUT SUT fails again and the Learning Rate Number of Addresses is reduced again for the next iteration Iterations 7 through 8 In both iteration 7 and 8 the DUT SUT passes The Learning Rate Number of Addresses is increased from iteration 7 to 8 and 8 to 9 using the appropriate algorithm Iterations 9 and 10 In iteration 9 the DUT SUT fails and the Learning Rate Number of Addresses is decreased for iteration 10 The new Learning Rate Number of Addresses value for iteration 10 is calculated using the appropriate algorithm The algorithm used depends on whether the DUT SUT passes or fails Since the required change in the Learning Rate Number of Addresses for iteration 10 is less than 2 the final test measurement is reached both of the address tests use a resolution of 2 AST II User Guide 37 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology When is the test complete In Search mode each trial stops when one of the following conditions has been satisfied e The specified minimum Learning Rate Number of Addresses threshold is reached Minimum e The specified maximum Learning Rate Number of Addresses threshold is reached Maximum The required change in the Load for the next iteration is 2 If you specified more than one trial the next trial begins Once all of the specified trials have been run the test is complete y Note Unlike Profile m
245. test port The frames transmitted during this phase have varying source addresses and a fixed destination address corresponding to the test destina tion port Third Phase During this last phase the test port transmits learning frames to the DUTY SUT which then forwards them to the learn port The frames transmitted during this phase have the following triggers e Trigger 1 set to match the correct destination port ID e Trigger 2 is set to match the unique signature field this trigger identifies the frame as a test frame Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Test Methodology Test Methodology gt The steps below describe what occurs during each iteration of the Address Learning test This test is automatically run in Search mode you do not need to select the mode For information on the algorithms used to determine the Learning Rate from iteration to iteration see Appendix A Search Algorithms During the Address Learning test the following steps are executed 1 The Learning Rate is set to the specified Initial value 2 The Number of Addresses is set to the specified value 3 The Burst Size is set to 1 4 Pause for the specified Aging Time Phase 1 5 Broadcast learning frames are transmitted from the test port to the learn port using the default value of 10 learning frames per retry these frames do not contain VFDs Phase 2 6 Frames are transmitted from the learn port to the test port these frames have vary
246. the Forwarding Test 0 0 cece cc een e enn E ah 112 What this Test Allows You to Measure 0 0 eee eee eee 112 What this Test Allows You to Determine 00 0 0 0 eee eee eee 113 TeStOVerview ohieskees lade shed bak Cbhsete haw edie eh Glee a ehe PAS eee eed 113 Pest Methodology neresen sored oa shy pee he ee Ree owed ee Rede Hee dale ee eS 118 Selecting the Ports for the Test 00 0 ec e ee neee 119 Configuring Test Parameters 0 0 ee renere 121 Running the West secs cei chae itt etare tose thegtAcs samen se bees EES EED ESA 126 Recommended Testing Method 2 0 cece eee eee een enn 127 Viewing Test RestltS poe 205 4054 6c005 ele eae G has beac eA ee dee eae he Rae aS 127 Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test 0 0 0 0 cece eee ees 133 About the Congestion Control Test 0 0 0 0c eects 134 What this Test Allows You to Measure 2 0 0 0 c cece eee eee 134 What this Test Allows You to Determine 00 0 e cece eee eee 134 MESCOVERNVIEW oie sock ewe bitwise eet hae AEEA EE A eee res Leen eh eee 135 Mest Methodolopy visa re cscrenka sata pokes eee EE aoa eas Keates RE 136 Selecting the Ports for the Test 0 0 cece eee 137 iv ASTI User Guide Contents Configuring Test Parameters 0 0 2 cece ete ees 139 Running the Test 2 4 03 shat epeka babs Sb at aaa indeed bens kee baud Leaded 142 Viewing Test Results s 2dcsarstias seca eens SE
247. the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests when using Search mode In this example e The number of trials specified is one If two or more trials were specified the test would repeat using the same initial minimum and maximum Load values and the same Start Step and Stop Burst Size and Frame Size values e The Load Burst Size and Frame Size values are as follows Parameter Values Load Initial 10 Min Resolution 5 10 Max 30 Backoff Rate 0 5 Acceptable Frame Loss 100 Burst Size Start 1 Step 1 Stop 3 Frame Size Start 64 Step 64 Stop 192 e As shown in Figure 2 4 on page 31 only one parameter varies at once and each time this occurs the test generates a new iteration See page 26 for information on when the test stops 30 ASTII User Guide Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology a Final measurement is Burst Size Frame Size reached the required change in the Load for the next iteration is less than the Resolution setting eeuuuyyryyryy iW Load Iterations 4 v 4 o 4 gt 4 a 4a gt 4a Max Load KW ALLL Start of Test Figure 2 4 Test Structure Search Mode Forwarding and B
248. the key measurements for the Broadcast Forwarding test based on the test mode you select Profile or Search Table 11 1 Broadcast Forwarding Test Measurements Test Mode Measurements Profile Frame Loss The amount of lost dropped frames at a given Load Search Throughput The maximum rate at which the DUT SUT can forward traffic with no frame loss or at the specified Acceptable Frame Loss Frame Loss The amount of lost dropped frames at a given Load What this Test Allows You to Determine By allowing you to vary the Load Frame Size and Burst Size independently as well as select the desired test mode Profile or Search the Broadcast Forwarding test can help you determine the following for one to many and many to many traffic distributions 198 AST II User Guide The amount of frame loss at a given Load Frame Size and Burst Size combination How increases in Load affect the DUT SUT s frame loss when forwarding broadcast traffic at a given Frame Size and Burst Size combination How increases in Burst Size affect the DUT SUT s frame loss when forwarding broadcast traffic at a given Frame Size Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Test Overview e How increases in Frame Size affect the DUT SUT s frame loss when forwarding broadcast traffic e The DUT SUT s throughput see Table 11 1 on page 198 y Note Although this test does not allow you to measure the latency of the DUT SUT when forwarding b
249. the minimum and maximum values If ether the specified minimum Minimum or maximum Maximum threshold is reached the current trial stops For details on when the test is complete see When is the test complete on page 38 The main differences between the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests and the Address Learning and Address Caching tests in Search mode are e In the address tests the Burst Size and Frame Size do not vary they remain constant throughout the test e In the address tests you do not select the test mode e The search algorithms used in the address tests are different e The address tests do not require the additional binary search parameters used by the Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests in Search mode e The address tests require that you set up a monitor port to detect flooding For more information on the search algorithms and the pass fail criteria for the address tests see the following sections e Search algorithms see Appendix A Search Algorithms e Pass fail criteria see Pass Fail Criteria on page 35 Note Although the address tests are run in Search mode and utilize a binary search you do not to specify any binary search parameters ASTII User Guide Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology Pass Fail Criteria In Search mode the Learning Rate Number of Addresses increases or decreases from iteration to iteration automatically depending on
250. this example the selected error type is Oversize the selected Load is 10 the selected Burst Size is one 1 See Table 10 4 on page 196 below for descriptions of the Details tab fields The Burst Size for the Select the Load you Select the error type test appears here want to view here you want to view here Total From La ie To Frames hs Ta Test Status ransmitte Raraivad eceive Figure 10 6 Details Tab Error Filtering Test AST II User Guide 195 Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Viewing Test Results 196 Table 10 4 Details Tab Field Descriptions Field From Description The transmitting port Test Frames Transmitted The number of test frames transmitted by this port Each test frame contains a flag or trigger that enables the receiving port to identify it as a test frame To The receiving port Total Frames Received The total number of frames received by this port including test frames and non test frames This total is the sum of Test Frames Received and Other Frames Received Test Frames Received The number of test frames received by this port If any test frames were dropped this total will be less than the Test Frames Expected for this port Test Status Counters Tab Indicates whether the port passed or failed based on the selected error type 0 FAIL error filtering was unsuccessful 1 PASS successful error filtering The Counters tab
251. to choose the mode for these tests you select the mode when you configure the test parameters using the Test Setup tab Some of the AST II tests are set to run automatically in a particular mode Table 2 4 below lists the test modes for each AST II test and whether or not you need to specify the test mode The different test modes are e Profile Provides an overall view of the DUT SUT s performance as the test parameter s vary see Table 2 3 on page 23 for a list of the parameters for each test In this mode you can specify the length of the test iterations in seconds or run the test continuously until you stop it See Profile Mode Duration set to Seconds on page 25 and Profile Mode Duration set to Continuous on page 27 e Search Measures throughput using a binary search The test measurements available in this mode vary from test to test Since Search mode is implemented slightly differently for some of the tests there are two sections that discuss Search mode based on the test type See Search Mode Forwarding and Broadcast Forwarding tests on page 28 and Search Mode Address Learning and Address Caching tests on page 34 Table 2 4 Test Modes Test Available Test Mode s Address Caching Search only You do not need to specify the mode Address Learning Search only You do not need to specify the mode Broadcast Forwarding Profile and Search You must specify the mode you want Broadca
252. to view by using the Frame Size and Burst Size pull down menus The summary results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 12 6 shows an example of the Summary tab In this example the selected test parameter values are 128 for Frame Size and one 1 for Burst Size Select the Frame Size you Select the Burst Size you want to view here want to view here Figure 12 6 Summary Tab AST II User Guide Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Viewing Test Results Details Tab The Details tab Figure 12 7 displays latency results for a selected Frame Size in tabular format You can select the Frame Size by using the Frame Size pull down menu The detailed results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 12 7 shows an example of the Details tab In this example the selected Frame Size is 128 Select the Frame Size you want to view here h2 sh Port Hame Latency Figure 12 7 Details Tab Counters Tab The Counters tab displays the same test results data for all AST II tests For a list and descriptions of the various counters see Appendix D Test Results Counters AST II User Guide 227 pe SPIRENT Communications 228 ASTII User Guide Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test This chapter describes the AST II Forward Pressure test In this chapter This chapter co
253. tributions See Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Congestion Control Test Allows you to determine how the DUT SUT handles congestion and if head of line blocking exists See Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Address Learning Test Allows you to determine the address learning rate of the DUT SUT the maximum rate at which the DUT SUT can learn addresses See Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Address Caching Test Allows you to determine the address caching capacity the maximum number of addresses the DUT SUT can handle See Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Error Filtering Test Allows you to determine the error filtering performance of the DUT SUT You can specify various error types for the test See Chapter 10 Error Filtering Test Broadcast Forwarding Test Allows you to determine the forwarding performance of the DUT SUT when forwarding broadcast traffic using one to many or many to many traffic distributions See Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test AST Il User Guide 11 Chapter 1 AST II Overview Why Test with AST II Table 1 1 Summary of AST II Tests continued Test Description Broadcast Latency Test Allows you to determine the latency of the DUT SUT when forwarding broadcast traffic This test utilizes a one to many traffic distribution See Chapter 12 Broadcast Latency Test Forward Pressure Test Allows you to determine how the DUT SUT handles co
254. ts Input Validation Invalid values detected jg OK y Test Reset y Port Validation Invalid values detected p oy Link Check No link established fie UK y Address Learning Test Iteration Phase This is the when the data is transmitted This phase repeats depending on the number of iterations Port falis to transmit proper number of frames B Status reports Periodic status reports long tests only Results INo further iterations E Loo Test completed Aaaditional iterations Figure 2 1 Basic Phases of an AST II Test 22 ASTII User Guide Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodology Basic AST II Test Structure This section briefly describes the basic structure of the AST II tests The chapters that cover the individual tests contain more detailed information on the tests See General Test Terminology on page 14 for definitions of terms that are used in this section For topics covered in this section on the basic AST II test structure are e Number of trials for the tests see Number of Trials below e Test parameters see Test Parameters below e Test modes see Test Modes on page 24 Number of Trials For all of the AST II test types you can specify more than one trial
255. ts display Stopping The Test If you want to stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Stop Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Stop Pausing The Test If you want to pause temporarily stop the test do one of the following e Click on the Pause Test button in the toolbar e Choose Test gt Pause Note To resume restart the test choose Test gt Resume or click on the Resume button AST II User Guide Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Viewing Test Results Viewing Test Results This section provides information on the test results data that is available for this test As soon as you start the test the main window changes from the Setup amp Run display to the Results display This display includes four tabs that you can use to select the test results information you want to view For information on the test results data for a specific tab see the following sections e Chart tab see Chart Tab on page 176 e Summary tab see Summary Tab on page 177 e Details tab see Details Tab on page 178 e Counters tab see Appendix D Test Results Counters for information and field descriptions This tab is the same for all tests AST II User Guide 175 Chapter 9 Address Caching Test Viewing Test Results Chart Tab The Chart tab Figure 9 4 displays the Number of Addresses results for selected ports Select the ports that you want to view by using the Chart Wizard s
256. tton or choosing Test gt Stop 3 Inthe Number of Trials field enter the number of trials you want for the test AST II User Guide 139 Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Configuring Test Parameters 5 6 7 In the Addresses pane do one of the following e Check the Random checkbox to randomly assign addresses to each port e Use the Addresses Per Port arrows to specify the number of addresses you want assigned to each port In the Frame Size pane select the desired Frame Size values for the test In the Burst Size pane select the desired Burst Size values for the test In the Load pane select the desired Load values for the test You are now ready to run the test If you did not use an existing configuration file to configure the test parameters you can save the current configuration to a file by choosing the File gt Save As option This allows you to use the file to quickly configure the test at a later time See Running the Test on page 142 for information on running the test Table 7 1 Parameter Duration Congestion Control Rate Test Parameters Definition Default is 10 Seconds Allows you to specify whether you want to the iterations of the test to run for a specified amount of time or if you want the test to run continuously until you manually stop it The options are e Seconds The iterations of the test run for the amount of time you specify Enter the desired amount of time in secon
257. uch the electronic components or gold connectors e When transporting equipment between ESD protected work areas the equipment must be contained in ESD protective packaging Equipment that is received in ESD AST II User Guide 263 Appendix E ESD Requirements protective packaging must be opened either by a person who is properly grounded or at an ESD protected workstation Any racks or carts used for the temporary storage or transport of ESDS equipment must be grounded either by drag chains or through direct connection to earth ground Loose parts that are not protected by ESD safe packaging must not be transported on carts Workstation Preparation v 264 The ideal setup for working with ESDS equipment is a workstation designed specifically for that purpose Figure E 1 illustrates an ESD protected workstation Please follow the requirements listed below to prepare a proper ESD protected workstation The ESD Ground must be the equipment earth ground Equipment earth ground is the electrical ground green wire at the receptacles An ESD protected workstation consists of a table or workbench with a static dissipative surface or mat that is connected to earth ground A resistor in the grounding wire is optional providing that surface resistance to ground is 10 to lt 10 Q The workstation must provide for the connection of a wrist strap The wrist strap must contain a current limiting resistor with a value from 250K Q to l
258. ue To receive an email advising you that the test has been completed successfully or was aborted due to error select the Send email when test is completed checkbox and enter your email address in the Email address field Parameter Description Units Pane This pane allows you to select the units you want for the Load and Learning Rate parameters for all tests except the Address Learning test Load Default is Percentage e Frames per second The amount of utilization of the medium is measured in terms of frames per second e Percentage The amount of utilization of the medium is measured as a percentage to the total utilization Note The units option you select for the Load affects the default values The default Load values are listed in the chapters that cover the individual tests Learning Rate Default is Frames per second e Frames per second The learning rate is measured in frames per second Learning Pane This pane allows you to specify if you want address learning to occur and if so how and when you want it to take place Frequency Default is Once before test e Never Learn No address learning is attempted e Once before test The learning phase of the test is performed once before the test e Before each iteration The learning phase of the test is performed once before each iteration of the test Retries Default is 3 96 ASTII User Guide Select the number of learning retries you want if tra
259. ults Menu on page 65 Figure 11 7 shows an example of the Details tab In this example the selected test Load value is 10 Frame Size is 128 and Burst Size is 50 See Table 11 3 on page 213 for descriptions of the Details tab fields Select the Frame Sizeyou Select the Burst Size you Select the Load you want want to view here want to view here to view here The Broadcast Source port s appear in this section of the tab Test Frames ee Transmitted Mine 2 1 The Broadcast Receiver port s appear in this section i Oth of the tab Test Frames Test Frames Test Frames sil Port Hame Frames Frames Expected s Received Losi Received Received If you set up a monitor port for the test not available for all tests t this tab displays test results for the port here N B Figure 11 7 Details Tab 212 ASTII User Guide Chapter 11 Broadcast Forwarding Test Viewing Test Results Table 11 3 Details Tab Field Descriptions Field Broadcast Source Port Port Name Description Broadcast Source Port The name of the Broadcast Source port Test Frames Transmitted Field Broadcast Receiver Ports Port Name The number of test frames transmitted by this Broadcast Source port Each test frame contains a flag or trigger that enables the receiving port to identify it as a test frame Description Broadcast Receiver Ports The name of the Broadcast Receiver pott Test Frames
260. up amp Run and Results buttons provided in the Shortcut bar located on the left most side of the main window Figure 4 1 This layout allows you to check test setup while a test is running if necessary xl Click the Setup amp Run button to choose the display for setting up and running tests a Forwarding f Congestion Control A The Shortcut bar also provides buttons you can use to launch start tests Address Learning See Shortcut Bar on page 70 for details Address Caching p Error Filtering Broadcast Forwarding Click the Results button to choose the display for viewing test results Figure 4 1 Selecting the Main Window Display 56 ASTI User Guide Chapter 4 Basic Navigation and Tools Main Window Setup and Run Display Main Window Setup and Run Display When you launch AST II the main window appears in the Setup amp Run display Figure 4 2 This display provides access to the tabs and buttons used to set up and run the various tests When you start a test the display changes to the Results display which you use to view test results See Main Window Results Display on page 72 for information on the Results display Menu Bar see page 67 Toolbar see page 68 Sample Forwarding Test ast Result 1 Astil OF x File Edit View Smartbits Test Results Help Oslo o pns cenam EF See page 58
261. up steps 121 traffic distribution types 113 traffic flow 117 used to determine 113 viewing test results 127 Frame Setup tab description 59 parameter values 100 setting parameters 98 frame sizes custom 104 G general test terminology 14 H hardware requirements 42 Help menu 66 HTML files exporting test results to 79 l installing AST H 45 InterBurst Gap IBG calculation formula 252 using IBG calculator 255 M main window Card Setup tab 61 connection indicator light 71 Frame Setup tab 59 general information 56 menus 61 Options tab 60 overview of displays 56 Results display 72 Setup and Run display 57 shortcut bar 70 SmartCard module port display 52 Test Setup tab 58 toolbar 68 menus main window Edit menu 62 File menu 62 Help menu 66 Results menu 65 SmartBits menu 64 Test menu 64 View menu 63 modules port display 52 reserving 85 87 unreserving 87 viewing 86 o online help AST II 5 Options tab 60 parameter values 96 setting parameters 94 P parameters changing 88 general values for various tests 257 PC requirements 44 ports changing parameters 88 configuring all ports simultaneously 89 configuring ports individually 90 numbering 52 Profile mode definition 24 duration set to continuous 27 duration set to seconds 25 R reserving modules 85 87 Results display Chart tab 73 Counters tab 78 Details tab 77 general information 72 Status bar 79 Index Summary tab 75 Results menu 65
262. urst gap is calculated for the intended load the specified Load value See Calculating the InterBurst Gap IBG on page 252 for details on how the IBG is calculated Load is set to specified Load Timed transmission is started on all transmitting ports at the specified Start values for Load Burst Size and Frame Size See Calculating the Transmit Time on page 253 for the formula used to calculate the transmission time 8 Wait for the specified Duration the Duration defines the length of each iteration The port counters are updated continually during each iteration AST II User Guide 10 11 12 Chapter 7 Congestion Control Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Note If you set the Duration option to Continuous the test continues until you manually stop it When the receive trigger rate on receiving port s becomes 0 the elapsed time is determined from the chassis Port counters are gathered Frame loss is determined Results are displayed Selecting the Ports for the Test This section explains how to select the ports for the Congestion Control test Before you begin this procedure make sure you have already set up the SmartCards modules and have defined the frame setup and any optional settings see Chapter 5 General Test Setup To select the ports for the Congestion Control test follow these steps 1 In the main window click on the Test Setup tab Using the Test Type pull down menu
263. us and the percentage of learned frames appear here Chart Summary Details nan Frame Size b M Burst Size 1 Test Status PASS Learned 100 1488 fps 80 11532 fps 60 14043 fps 14670 fps 40 14827 fps 20 14866 fps a 14876 fps an o o The Learning Rate values for the test in frames per second appear here bw 88S Ports The ports you selected in the Chart Wizard appear here Figure 8 4 Chart Tab Address Learning Test 160 ASTII User Guide Chapter 8 Address Learning Test Viewing Test Results Summary Tab The Summary tab Figure 8 5 displays the exact same information as the Chart tab but in tabular format The Frame Size and Burst Size values for test appear near the top of the tab The results are organized as follows e Each iteration is displayed in a separate column showing the Learning Rate in frames per second for that iteration e Each port is displayed in its own row The summary results can also be exported as csv or HTML files using the Results menu see Results Menu on page 65 Figure 8 5 shows an example of the Summary tab In this example the test parameter values are 64 for Frame Size and one 1 for Burst Size The Frame Size for the The Burst Size for the test test appears here appears here Chat Learned 10000 fps 9500 fps 9250 fps 9125 fps 9062 fps 9031 fps 9015 fps 9007 fps 9003 fps
264. utions on page 113 for details on these options AST II User Guide 119 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Selecting the Ports for the Test Select the desired Traffic Distribution option here 120 Traffic Distribution PREAMEN M CO Chassis 113 C Chassis 1 14 O Chassis 115 O Chassis 116 O Chassis 1 17 C Chassis 118 O Chassis 119 O Chassis 1 20 O Chassis 118 O Chassis 119 O Chassis 1 20 E l Direction Bidirectional M lt gt N Select the desired Traffic Direction option here Figure 6 5 Traffic Distribution Pane Forwarding Test 4 m Monitor Ports O Chassis 113 O Chassis 114 O Chassis 115 O Chassis 116 O Chassis 117 O Chassis 118 O Chassis 119 Based on your traffic distribution selection Step 3 select the ports by clicking the checkbox for each port you want included in the test If you selected Fully Meshed for the Traffic Distribution click the Select All button to select all of the ports Optional Set up a monitor port if you want to monitor the traffic from the DUT SUT See Table 2 1 on page 14 for a description of monitor ports Also make sure you have configured the DUT SUT so that it copies all the frames it transmits to the monitor port Using the Direction pull down menu select one of the following traffic direction options this step is not necessary if you selected Fully Meshed in Step 3 e Bidirectional M lt gt N Traffic flows in both
265. vers the following topics About the Forward Pressure Test 230 Test Overview 232 Test Methodology 233 Selecting the Ports for the Test 234 Configuring Test Parameters 236 Running the Test 239 Viewing Test Results 240 AST II User Guide 229 Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test About the Forward Pressure Test About the Forward Pressure Test The Forward Pressure test allows you to determine how the DUT SUT handles congestion Specifically this test allows you to determine if forward pressure exists when the receive ports of the DUT SUT become congested Forward pressure is when the DUT SUT inhibits or aborts its back off algorithms in an attempt to increase its forwarding performance under congested conditions The Forward Pressure test enables you to simulate congestion on specific receiving ports of the DUT SUT to determine if forward pressure occurs Forward pressure is indicated if no frame loss occurs under congested conditions If the DUT SUT performs correctly when receiving traffic where the Interframe Gap is less than the legal limit it will eventually run out of buffer space and start dropping frames For tests with a short duration the DUT SUT may be able to buffer enough of the received frames and not drop frames For this reason it is advisable to run tests with sufficient duration or continuously to ensure that the buffer capacity of the DUT SUT is exceeded The following sections pro
266. vide information about this test including e What this test allows you to measure see below e What this test allows you to determine see below e A diagram of the available traffic distribution patterns see page 232 e The methodology of the Forward Pressure test see page 233 e How to configure test parameters see page 236 e Ho to run the test see page 239 e How to view test results see page 240 What this Test Allows You to Measure The Forward Pressure test measures frame loss in terms of the amount of lost dropped frames at a given frame size What this Test Allows You to Determine 230 By allowing you to vary the Frame Size and Burst Size the Forward Pressure test can help you to determine the following e If forward pressure exists on the receiving ports no frame loss occurs on the receiving port e How increases in Frame Size affect the frame loss of the ports in the test e How increases in Burst Size affect the frame loss of the ports in the test AST II User Guide Chapter 13 Forward Pressure Test About the Forward Pressure Test Note Only cards that can transmit greater than wire rate can run the Forward Pressure test Cards that cannot perform the test are not displayed in the Port Selection list so that they cannot be selected for the test The following is the list of cards that can transmit greater than wire rate e GX 1405B Bs e GX 1420B e ML 5710A e ML 7710 e ML 77
267. vides a written explanation of the defect or Software failure claimed by Customer and c the claimed defect actually exists and was not caused by neglect accident misuse improper installation improper repair fire flood lightning power surges earthquake or alteration Spirent will ship repaired Products to Customer freight prepaid within ten 10 working days after receipt of defective Products Except as otherwise stated any claim on account of defective materials or for any other cause whatsoever will conclusively be deemed waived by Customer unless written notice thereof is given to Spirent within the Warranty Period Spirent reserves the right to change the warranty and service policy set forth above at any time after reasonable notice and without liability to Customer TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY NONINFRINGEMENT AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED AND THE LIABILITY OF SPIRENT IF ANY FOR DAMAGE RELATING TO ANY ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE ACTUAL PRICE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER FOR SUCH PRODUCT THE PROVISIONS SET FORTH ABOVE STATE SPIRENT S ENTIRE RESPONSIBILITY AND CUSTOMER S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY WITH RESPECT TO ANY BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY Contents ADGUUTNIS GUIDE 2c snc ceineceteherss ppetaceetbeletarcalaacguarveassus 1 PUPO SE e ian Wale ae RA eS SR adie ere gh A oe ON De
268. whether the DUT SUT passes or fails at the current Learning Rate Number of Addresses The criteria used to determine whether or not the DUT SUT passes or fails is the same for both tests see Table 2 7 For information on the algorithms used to calculate the Learning Rate Number of Addresses for the next iteration after the DUT SUT passes or fails see Appendix A Search Algorithms Table 2 7 Pass Fail Criteria Test Pass Fail Criteria Address Learning Based on whether or not flooding occurred on the monitor port and Pass Flooding did not occur Address Caching Fail Flooding did occur Figure 2 5 on page 36 below shows the basic test structure for Address Learning and Address Caching tests In this example e The number of trials specified is one If two or more trials were specified the test would repeat using the same initial minimum and maximum Learning Rate Number of Addresses values and the same Burst Size and Frame Size values e The Learning Rate Number of Addresses Burst Size and Frame Size values are as follows Parameter Values Learning Rate Initial 10 Minimum 10 Maximum 30 Number of Addresses Burst Size 1 Frame Size 64 As shown in Figure 2 5 on page 36 only one parameter varies at once and each time this occurs the test generates a new iteration See page 26 for information on when the test stops AST II User Guide 35 Chapter 2 Basic AST II Theory General Test Methodo
269. ze increments from iteration to iteration e Stop The largest Frame size for the test e Custom Allows you to specify custom frame sizes for the test See Using Custom Frame Sizes for the Test on page 104 for details Profile and Search Burst Size Default is 1 Allows you to set the Burst sizes throughout the test for both Profile and Search mode The options are e Start The Burst size at the beginning of the test e Step The amount the Burst size increments from iteration to iteration Stop The largest Burst size for the test e Custom Allows you to specify custom burst sizes for the test See Using Custom Burst Sizes for the Test on page 105 for details Profile and Search AST II User Guide 123 Chapter 6 Forwarding Test Configuring Test Parameters Table 6 2 Forwarding Test Parameters continued Parameter Load Definition Allows you to set the Load levels for the duration of the test Load is the amount of utilization of the medium The options vary depending on the test mode you select Profile or Search The default values depend on your Units setting for Load in the Options tab The Load default values are Profile Start 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Step 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Stop 100 Units Percentage 8 000 Units Frames Sec Search Initial 10 Units Percentage 1000 Units Frames Sec Min 10 Units

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