Network Switch Testing via Internal Loopback and VLAN Flooding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current network switch tests are costly and time-consuming due to the use of expensive external equipment with limited transmission ports, limiting the number of switches that can be tested simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A network switch testing device and method utilizing a CPU, acceleration port, and transmission ports, where packets are looped back through internal loopback and flooding mechanisms to achieve predetermined line rates, allowing multiple switches to be tested simultaneously with reduced costs and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external network performance testing equipment is used, then testing accuracy is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses verified network switches as testing devices to create a copy of the testing functionality, replacing expensive external testing equipment. The verified switches generate test packets and perform measurements internally, achieving accurate testing without needing costly external instruments like Spirent Test Center or IXIA
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables network switches to test themselves using their own internal resources (CPU, acceleration ports, transmission ports). The switches generate test packets, route them through internal loopback paths, and measure performance metrics without external assistance, making the testing process self-sufficient and cost-effective
2Adaptability or versatility
If external network performance testing equipment is used, then testing capability is improved, but the number of transmission ports is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes verified network switches multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as network switches and as testing devices. Each verified switch can test multiple to-be-tested switches simultaneously through its multiple transmission ports, eliminating the port limitation of external equipment and allowing parallel testing of multiple devices
3Speed
If two acceleration ports are used to reach predetermined line rate, then testing speed is improved, but the number of available transmission ports decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing function by separating the acceleration port (used for generating and circulating test packets at high speed) from the transmission ports (used for connecting to to-be-tested switches). This segmentation allows the acceleration port to focus on achieving line rate through internal loopback while transmission ports are dedicated to parallel testing, resolving the conflict between speed and port availability
Data Source
AI summary
A network switch testing device and a method for testing at least one network switch involve a central processing unit (CPU), an acceleration port that can be enabled with internal loopback and an access control list, and at least one transmission port connectable with at least one to-be-tested transmission port of the to-be-tested network switch(es). The acceleration port and the transmission port(s) are set to the same virtual local area network (VLAN). The CPU transmits at least one packet to the acceleration port. The acceleration port circulates therein the packet(s) through internal loopback and according to the access control list to make the packet(s) reach a predetermined line rate, and transmits the predetermined-line-rate-reaching packet(s) to the transmission port(s) through VLAN's flooding mechanism. The transmission port(s) transmits the predetermined-line-rate-reaching packet(s) to the to-be-tested transmission port(s). The CPU stops the transmission port(s) from transmitting the packet(s) when the testing time ends.