Topology-Aware Network Test Interface for SUT Tap Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network equipment test devices treat the system under test (SUT) as a black box, preventing the specification of its topology information, making manual interpretation of packet statistics cumbersome and inefficient, especially with large numbers of network taps involved.
Innovation Solution
Implementing user interfaces for specifying SUT and network tap topology, allowing users to input or automatically discover SUT topology information, and generating topology-specific test results, which includes visualizing test paths, packet statistics, and configuring taps to measure relevant traffic automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual interpretation of packet statistics is used to identify configuration errors, then test results can be obtained, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient due to the voluminous nature of network test data
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates topology-specific test results by having the test device itself interpret packet statistics based on the specified SUT topology, eliminating the need for manual interpretation while maintaining accurate error identification
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback by analyzing packet statistics against the specified topology and generating topology-specific test results that highlight configuration errors, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves test analysis efficiency
2Device complexity
If topology information of SUT is not specified (black box approach), then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate accurate test results and identify configuration errors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by requiring the user to specify the SUT topology before testing begins. This pre-configuration enables the test device to generate accurate topology-specific test results and properly identify configuration errors during testing
Solution Approach 2:
The specified SUT topology acts as an intermediary between the test device and the actual network configuration, providing the necessary structural information for accurate test result generation without requiring the test device to physically inspect the network
3Quantity of substance
If a large number of network taps are used to measure traffic, then measurement coverage is improved, but the difficulty of analyzing measurements from multiple sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges measurements from multiple taps by specifying their locations in the SUT topology and automatically correlating packet statistics with the appropriate tap points, consolidating multiple measurement sources into unified topology-specific test results
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the topology dimension to measurement analysis by organizing tap measurements according to their positions in the specified SUT topology, transforming complex multi-source data into structured, location-aware test results that are easier to analyze
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
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.