Rate Tests Options#

../_images/rate_tests_config.png

Fig. 17 Rate Tests Options#

RFC 2889 defines several types of rate tests, but these are typically not possible to execute using the same test setup as the required cabling and equipment will typically differ quite substantially. Instead the Xena2889 allow you to create and define the number of rate tests relevant for the actual DUT.

Each rate test consist of two possible subtests:

  • The Throughput test, which attempts to measure the maximum zero-loss rate for the DUT. This test is an iterative test and will provide exactly one test result.

  • The Forwarding test, which performs a rate sweep and measures the loss at each rate. This test provides one test result for each tested rate in the rate sweep.

You can enable either both these subtests or just one of them.

To create a new rate test press the Add button located at the bottom of the test tree view. You can configure both the topology and the direction for the rate test, and also set the port roles for the test.

To delete a rate test select the test and press the Remove button located at the bottom of the test tree view.

Common Options#

  • Test Label

    A text label for this rate test. Use this to assign a short description of the purpose of the test.

  • Duration

    The duration of each test trial in seconds.

  • Iterations

    The number of times to repeat each test trial with the same set of test parameters.

Traffic Setup#

  • Topology

    The topology of the test traffic:

    • Mesh

    All test ports send traffic to all other test ports. The Direction option is ignored as Mesh traffic is always bidirectional. * Blocks

    Each test port is placed in either the East or the West block. Every port in the transmitting block sends traffic to every port in the other block. The Direction option determines if only one block or both will be transmitting. * Pairs

    Each test port is placed in either the East or the West block. Then the ports are paired together two and two. Traffic is only flowing between paired ports. The Direction option determines which ports will be transmitting.

  • Direction

    Determines the direction of the test traffic.

Throughput Test Options#

  • Enable Throughput Test

    If checked the Throughput test will be executed. This is an iterative test that will find the largest throughput rate with zero loss for the DUT.

  • Initial Rate

    The starting rate to use. This is specified as a percentage of the overall port rate defined in the general test options panel.

  • Maximum Rate

    The maximum rate to use. This is specified as a percentage of the overall port rate.

  • Minimum Rate

    The minimum rate to use. This is specified as a percentage of the overall port rate. If the iteration reaches this value the test is stopped and the result will be FAILed.

  • Resolution Rate

    The trial stops when the difference between the current and the last successful trial is less than the Resolution.

Forwarding Test Options#

  • Enable Forwarding Test

    If checked the Forwarding test will be executed. This is a rate sweep test that will measure the forwarding rate and the loss for the DUT at various transmit rates.

  • Start Rate

    The starting rate percentage used in the test.

  • End Rate

    The ending rate percentage used in the test.

  • Step Rate

    The rate step increment.

Port Role Configuration#

  • Used?

    If checked the port will be used in this test.

  • Port Role

    Used to place the port in either the East or the West block. Only available when Topology is either Blocks and Pairs

  • Port Peer

    Used to pair the port with another port. Only available when Topology is Pairs.