Programmable Pipeline Device for Scalable CPS Network Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network testing methods require multiple physical test cards with limited port capabilities, making it costly and inefficient to test network devices with a large number of ports, such as 32 ports, and often result in less-than-ideal testing scenarios due to physical port limitations.
Innovation Solution
A programmable processing pipeline device is used to execute scalable CPS generation tests and application replay sequence tests by converting sequence replay definition code into a hardware configuration image, establishing test session connections, and modifying test packets to conduct tests on network devices, allowing for efficient testing of multiple ports without the need for multiple physical test cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional physical test cards with limited ports are used, then testing can be performed on network devices, but the cost increases and testing efficiency decreases when testing devices with large number of ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based virtual test cards that replicate the functionality of physical test cards. Instead of requiring multiple physical cards with limited ports, the system creates virtual copies of test card functionality through software, allowing a single physical device to simulate multiple test card instances with unlimited port capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical test card system with a software-based processing pipeline. The physical test cards and their limited ports are substituted with virtual test cards implemented through programmable processing pipelines that can dynamically create and manage test connections without physical port constraints.
2Reliability
If multiple physical test cards are deployed to test all ports of a network device, then comprehensive testing coverage is achieved, but the cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal test card functionality through software that can adapt to test any number of ports on any network device. The virtual test cards are not limited to fixed port configurations but can dynamically configure and test any port combination, making the testing system universally applicable to different network device specifications without requiring dedicated physical cards for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of port limitation from a fixed physical constraint to a dynamic software-configurable parameter. Instead of being constrained by the physical number of ports on test cards, the system allows port parameters to be dynamically adjusted and configured through software, enabling comprehensive port testing without additional physical hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical test cards with fixed port configurations are used, then hardware stability is maintained, but adaptability to different testing scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, fixed hardware configurations to dynamic, software-configurable test card setups. The virtual test cards can dynamically adapt their configuration based on the specific testing scenario, port requirements, and network device being tested, while the underlying physical hardware remains stable and unchanged.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for using a programmable processing pipeline to implement an application replay sequence test or a scalable CPS generation test includes obtaining a sequence replay definition code package from a sequence relay definition storage element and converting the sequence replay definition code package into a hardware configuration image. The method further includes provisioning the hardware configuration image on at least one programmable processing pipeline device, causing the at least one programmable processing pipeline device to implement a test session connection initiator and a test session receiver, and utilizing the hardware configuration image to establish a first test session connection from the test session connection initiator and the test session connection receiver through a system under test (SUT). The method also includes conducting a programmable application replay sequence test or a scalable CPS generation test through the SUT using definition information contained in the hardware configuration image.