Network Switching Test System Using Virtual Port Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for testing and evaluating network switching apparatus with a high port count become excessively expensive due to the need for a large number of packet generators, as the number of generators required is proportional to the number of ports being tested simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system configuration that utilizes a switch fabric with bidirectional network ports and control parameters to direct packet flow between selected pairs of ports, allowing for efficient performance testing and evaluation using a low number of packet generator ports, including the use of VLAN aware controls and external interconnections to simulate bidirectional communication across all ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional testing methods are used with high port count network switching apparatus, then comprehensive performance testing of all ports is achieved, but the cost and complexity of packet generator equipment increases proportionally with the number of ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple port testing functions into a single packet generator by implementing a virtual switch that can simulate multiple port connections. The virtual switch creates virtual port pairs that map to physical packet generator ports, allowing one packet generator to test multiple physical ports of the network switching apparatus through virtualization and port mapping techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual switch as an intermediary component between the packet generator and the network switching apparatus under test. This virtual switch acts as a mediator that receives packets from the packet generator, performs virtual switching operations, and forwards packets to the appropriate physical ports, thereby reducing the need for multiple packet generators.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of packet generator ports is reduced to lower cost, then equipment expense decreases, but the ability to test all ports simultaneously is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic port mapping where the virtual switch can dynamically allocate and remap virtual port pairs to physical packet generator ports based on testing requirements. This dynamic allocation allows the same physical packet generator ports to be reused across different testing scenarios, effectively increasing testing throughput without requiring additional hardware ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing sequential testing phases where different port combinations are tested in alternating time periods. The virtual switch manages multiple testing streams by time-multiplexing packet flows, allowing comprehensive testing of all ports even with fewer simultaneous physical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A system configuration for use in testing and/or evaluating a network switching apparatus is set forth. The system configuration includes a network switching apparatus that is to be tested that has a plurality of bidirectional network ports, switch fabric, and a switch fabric control. The switch fabric interconnects the plurality of bidirectional network ports while the switch fabric control directs packet flow through the switch fabric and between the plurality of bidirectional network ports in response to control parameters. A plurality of interconnections facilitate communication of packets between selected pairs of the plurality of ports. The control parameters and the plurality of interconnections are selected to direct packets through each of the plurality of bidirectional network ports for testing using a minimal number of packet generators.