Network Test Device Topology Mapping for SUT Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network equipment test devices treat the system under test (SUT) as a black box, making it difficult for administrators to specify and interpret topology information, leading to cumbersome manual configuration and analysis of test results, especially with large numbers of network taps.
Innovation Solution
A network equipment test device provides a user interface for specifying SUT and network tap topology, allowing automatic configuration of test traffic and measurement, with visual mapping of test results on a SUT topology map, enabling user-defined specification of test cases and autodiscovery of SUT topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual interpretation of received packets statistics is used to identify configuration errors, then the test device can operate with basic functionality, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming due to voluminous network test data
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates topology-specific test results by processing received packets statistics through the network equipment test device. The device self-services by interpreting voluminous network test data, identifying configuration errors, and presenting results mapped to the SUT topology without requiring manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by automatically analyzing received packets statistics and generating topology-specific test results that are presented back to the administrator. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates manual interpretation by automatically processing voluminous data and presenting actionable results, addressing both ease of operation and time efficiency
2Loss of information
If topology information about the SUT is not specified, then the test device maintains simple operation, but the administrator cannot properly interpret test results or identify configuration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by allowing the administrator to specify topology information about the SUT before executing tests. This preliminary configuration enables the device to later automatically interpret test results in context of the specified topology, resolving the contradiction by preparing necessary information upfront without adding complexity during test execution
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses topology information as an intermediary that bridges the test device and the SUT. By specifying and storing topology information, the device can mediate between raw packet statistics and meaningful test results, enabling proper interpretation without requiring complex manual analysis, thus addressing both information loss and device complexity
3Measurement precision
If multiple network taps are used to measure traffic, then comprehensive measurement coverage is achieved, but the number of packets to be measured and copied increases, making analysis difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement process by associating each network tap with specific topology elements (links or DUTs). Instead of treating all packets uniformly, the system segments packet analysis by topology location, allowing comprehensive measurement coverage while organizing the voluminous packet data into structured topology-specific results, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and quantity of data
Data Source
AI summary
A network equipment test device provides a user interface for user specification of a test traffic source, a test traffic destination, SUT and waypoint topology and one or more test cases. In response to receiving the specified input from the user via the interface, the test traffic source is automatically configured to send the test traffic to the destination via the SUT. The waypoint is automatically configured to measure the test traffic. When the test is initiated, test traffic is sent from the test traffic source to the test traffic destination via the SUT and the at least one waypoint. Test traffic is measured at the waypoint, and traffic measurement results are displayed on a visual map of SUT topology.