Ethernet Test Traffic Generator With Credit-Based Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet system testing methods disrupt non-test traffic, making it difficult to perform tests during normal operation without impacting or delaying existing traffic, which typically occurs outside of business hours.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic test traffic generator that adapts its transmission characteristics to avoid impairing non-test traffic by using a scheduler, packet creator, transmit block, and transmit credit block to manage credits based on non-test traffic flow, ensuring test traffic is transmitted without interfering with existing traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test traffic is transmitted on an Ethernet link to verify connectivity and performance, then testing capability is improved, but non-test traffic may be delayed or dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The test traffic generator dynamically changes transmission parameters (bandwidth, burst size, packet size, interval) based on observed non-test traffic conditions. When non-test traffic is detected, the generator adjusts test traffic parameters to reduce impact, allowing continuous testing without significantly delaying production traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static test traffic transmission to dynamic adaptation. The test traffic generator continuously monitors the Ethernet link for non-test traffic and adjusts its transmission characteristics in real-time, making the testing process flexible and responsive to actual network conditions
2Measurement precision
If test traffic is transmitted at full bandwidth to achieve accurate performance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but non-test traffic is significantly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts test traffic bandwidth and burst parameters based on available capacity. When non-test traffic is present, test traffic parameters are reduced to maintain acceptable throughput levels while still gathering meaningful performance data through credit accumulation and release mechanisms
3Reliability
If Ethernet circuit testing is performed during normal operation, then operational reliability is improved, but traffic interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different transmission qualities to different traffic types. Test traffic receives adaptive parameters based on local network conditions, while non-test traffic maintains its service quality. The generator creates localized test traffic bursts that coexist with production traffic by adjusting parameters like bandwidth and burst size to match available capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The credit mechanism acts as an intermediary between test and non-test traffic. Credits are accumulated during periods of low non-test traffic and released during periods of high capacity, mediating the interaction between test traffic generation and production traffic flow to minimize interference
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing Ethernet paths or links without adversely impacting non-test traffic. The system includes a test traffic generator that includes a scheduler that determines when a new test packet is generated. The test traffic generator includes a packet creator that builds a test packet and a transmitter for transmitting the test packet via the Ethernet path or link. The packet creator sends the test packet to the transmitter. The traffic generator includes a transmit credit block coupled to the transmitter or to the scheduler. The transmit credit block stores an amount of credits representing a number of bytes that are available to transmit and decrements the amount each time a non-test packet is communicated via the Ethernet path or link.