Methods and apparatus for testing of Internet-Protocol packet network perimeter protection devices, e.g., Border Gateways such as Session Border Controllers, including 5 dynamic pinhole capable firewalls are discussed. Analysis and testing of these network perimeter protection devices is performed to evaluate the ability of such device to perform at carrier class levels. The efficiency of state look table functions as well as call signaling
processing capacity, implemented in a particular perimeter protection device, are determined and evaluated. Proper performance and efficiency of such perimeter protection devices are evaluated as a function of incoming
call rate and as a function of total pre-existing active calls. Various different network perimeter protection devices, e.g., of different types and / or from different manufactures, can be benchmarked for suitability to carrier class environments and comparatively evaluated.
Test equipment devices, e.g., enhanced Integrated Intelligent End Points (IIEPs), for fault testing, 15 evaluating and stressing the network perimeter protection devices in a
system environment are described. Typically these specialized test devices are used in pairs, one on each side of the firewall under test. These
test equipment devices include a
heavy duty traffic generator module, monitoring and analysis capability including a utilization analysis module, and a graphical output capability.