Benefits

• Class of Service (CoS) and Type of Service (ToS) testing across multiple traffic streams
• Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) compliance testing
• Service Level Agreement (SLA) verification of Ethernet and IP networks
• Four or eight independent test ports for stressing network elements
• Simultaneous turn-up of multiple ports and services, maximizing efficiency
• Modular optics for multi-wavelength testing including CWDM and DWDM
• Remote access and network probing capability

Test Modes and Applicaitons

• BERT - The most common method of turning up and qualifying Ethernet services is to perform a bit error rate or throughput test. The STT Metro generates test traffic at specified bandwidth to the far end, where the frames are either looped or analyzed by another test module. By measuring frame loss rate and bit errors, compliance to SLA (Service Level Agreement) can be confirmed. Stressing the network is achieved by generating traffic with different parameters, such as varying the frame length, sending constant or bursty traffic, and intentionally introducing errors into the system.

  

• RFC 2544 - RFC 2544 is a standardized methodology for benchmarking network devices and Ethernet service. To optimize the speed and efficiency of these tests, the STT Metro module allows users to modify the test parameters from their standard values. Test results are shown in both tabular and graphical form, following the RFC 2544 specifications. For more details on RFC 2544 testing, see RFC 2544 Application Note.
  
  
• IP Test - The complexity of a routed IP network can make traditional throughput testing cumbersome and time consuming. The STT Metro mode offers two simple tests, ping and trace route, to verify Layer 3 connectivity without the detailed stream generation found in BER testing. IP tests also have the advantage that they work to any router or device that responds to ICMP Echo request and trace route packets and does not require a second test set.Unlike similar functions available on a PC,the STT Metro mode can perform this test directly into an optical gigabit or 10 gigabit Ethernet interface.
  
  
• Loopback - Loopback mode allows the specified Ethernet port to send incoming Ethernet frames back to the sender for end-to-end testing. Performing loopback tests is a common means of verifying the roundtrip delay of the network. The Ethernet loopback functions have been designed to emulate those used in traditional T-carrier networks. Manual mode immediately sets the port into loopback whereas Responder mode allows the near end unit to send loop up and loop down commands.
  
  
• Monitor - Bidirectional network probe, packet capture and decode to Layer 7.