Network Switch Testing via Internal Loopback and VLAN Flooding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network switch testing methods are inefficient in achieving high data rates, are cost-ineffective due to the need for expensive external testing equipment, and cannot accurately test multiple network switches simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A network switch testing device and method that utilizes a CPU and multiple ports to generate and transmit packets at a predetermined line rate, allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple network switches without the need for expensive external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the CPU generates and verifies packets in the loopback test, then the packet transmission path and MAC to CPU transmission can be tested, but the packet rate cannot be increased due to CPU limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the packet generation and verification functions from the CPU to dedicated hardware modules (packet generation module and packet verification module). This allows the testing system to achieve high packet rates without being constrained by CPU processing capabilities, while still maintaining comprehensive testing of the packet transmission path and MAC to CPU transmission through the preserved loopback test configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dedicated hardware modules as intermediaries between the CPU and the network switch ports. The packet generation module generates packets at high rates without CPU involvement, and the packet verification module verifies packets independently, allowing the CPU to focus on control functions while the hardware handles high-speed packet processing.
2Reliability
If all ports are set to the same VLAN and packets of different sizes are broadcast for saturation test, then high-speed transmission problems can be detected, but the network speed cannot be calculated with precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using packets of different sizes for different testing purposes within the same VLAN environment. Small packets are used specifically for speed calculation where precision is critical, while larger packets are used for detecting high-speed transmission problems. This localized application of different packet sizes to different measurement goals resolves the contradiction between detection capability and measurement precision.
3Productivity
If packets of fixed length are transmitted for line rate test, then the overall transfer rate can be calculated, but small packets cannot be used to test network speed due to MMU limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic packet size selection based on the specific testing requirements and the characteristics of the network switch being tested. The system can adaptively choose packet sizes (small, fixed-length, or variable) depending on the test objectives, the switch's MMU capabilities, and the desired measurement type. This dynamic approach allows both precise speed calculation with small packets and comprehensive performance testing with fixed-length packets.
4Productivity
If external network performance testing equipment is used for line rate unicast test, then the full line rate can be achieved, but the equipment is very expensive and incurs maintenance expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a testing system that uses the network switch's own resources (ports, VLAN capabilities, forwarding engine) to perform comprehensive line rate testing. The system leverages the switch's internal loopback functionality and VLAN mechanisms to create test environments without requiring expensive external specialized equipment, thereby achieving full line rate measurement capability while significantly reducing testing costs.
5Productivity
If multiple network switches are tested simultaneously, then the production capacity increases, but the testing equipment must handle multiple switches at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a testing system that can simultaneously test multiple network switches using the same hardware resources. The system uses VLAN isolation and port configuration capabilities to create multiple independent test environments within a single testing device, allowing parallel testing of multiple switches without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each switch, thus increasing production capacity while controlling system complexity.
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), a first acceleration port, a second acceleration port, and at least one transmission port connectable with at least one to-be-tested transmission port of at least one to-be-tested network switch. The first and second acceleration ports and the at least one transmission port are set to the same virtual local area network (VLAN). The CPU transmits at least one packet to the first acceleration port. The first and second acceleration ports use internal loopbacks and VLAN's flooding mechanism to make the packet(s) reach a predetermined line rate, and transmit the predetermined-line-rate-reaching packet(s) to the at least one transmission port. The at least one transmission port transmits the predetermined-line-rate-reaching packet(s) to the to-be-tested transmission port(s), and the CPU stops the transmission port(s) from transmitting the packet(s) when the testing time ends.