Network Test Traffic Generation via Stream Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating simulated network traffic for testing packet switched networks are complex and inefficient, especially when dealing with large volumes of packets, as they require manual reconfiguration of protocols, endpoint pairs, and frame sizes for each modification, making it impractical to simulate realistic traffic patterns with hundreds or millions of packets.
Innovation Solution
A network test system that allows users to easily group and modify test traffic flows by selecting arbitrary fields, using an encoding scheme to efficiently manage and generate test traffic, with a user interface that supports slicing and re-encoding of test traffic definitions to facilitate quick modification and transmission of test traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual reconfiguration of protocols, endpoint pairs, and frame sizes is used for each modification, then test traffic can be generated, but the process becomes extremely complex and inefficient when dealing with large volumes of packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments test traffic into multiple streams, where each stream represents a subset of traffic with specific protocols, endpoint pairs, and frame sizes. This allows independent configuration and management of different traffic types, reducing overall complexity while enabling efficient generation of large volumes of test traffic through parallel stream processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring traffic templates that define protocols, endpoint pairs, and frame sizes. These templates can be stored and reused, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration when generating test traffic. The system prepares traffic definitions in advance, allowing rapid generation of large volumes of test traffic without repeated configuration overhead
2Quantity of substance
If all packets are created and stored in memory for transmission, then small tests can be executed, but it becomes practically impossible for larger tests involving millions or billions of packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-defining traffic templates that specify protocols, endpoint pairs, and frame sizes. Instead of creating and storing all packets in memory, the system stores compact template definitions and generates packets on-demand during transmission. This approach enables handling of millions or billions of packets with minimal memory requirements, as only template metadata needs to be stored rather than the actual packet data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by using traffic templates as reusable patterns. Instead of creating unique packet definitions for each test, the system creates template copies that can be instantiated multiple times to generate large volumes of test traffic. The templates serve as master patterns that can be replicated and modified efficiently, enabling scalable test traffic generation without proportional increases in configuration complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a user interface allows selection of protocol and endpoint pairs, then test traffic can be defined, but modifying the definition requires redoing the selection of protocols, endpoint pairs, frame size and packet rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring traffic templates that encapsulate protocols, endpoint pairs, frame sizes, and packet rates. When test traffic needs to be modified, users can simply select and modify existing templates rather than redoing the entire configuration. The templates are stored in a reusable format, allowing rapid modification and regeneration of test traffic definitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing traffic templates with configurable parameters that can accommodate multiple protocols, endpoint pairs, and traffic types. A single template structure can be universally applied to different test scenarios by modifying its parameters, eliminating the need for separate configuration processes for each test type. This multi-functional template approach enables flexible adaptation to various test requirements
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed apparatus and processes for generating simulated network test traffic from a stored test traffic definition. A network test system or a user may select arbitrary ways to group flows of test traffic into streams, and to modify these streams before and during transmission of the test traffic by network test equipment.