Testing cloud solutions is complex for a several reasons. Cloud testing includes infrastructure tests that could be evaluated using standard network test equipment. But cloud testing also includes the virtual server space that standard testing tools cannot easily explore, not to mention the added complexity of shared memory, CPU, network and storage resources. Luckily Ixia (Nasdaq: XXIA) was able to support both type of tests offering hardware to test the infrastructure, virtual Ixia tools to test within the virtual space, and configuration assistance to put it all together.
All together we used two XM12 chassis and one XM2 with the modules listed below:
Xcellon-Ultra NP Application Traffic Testing Load Module: Used for Layer 4-7 testing with 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, such as for our Videoscape or PCRF tests (to be seen in an upcoming article)
Xcellon-Flex Accelerated Performance and Full Emulation Load Modules: Used for Layer 2 to 3 testing with 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, such as for our Fabric Path test
LSM1000XMVDC16-01: Used for Layer 2 to 3 testing that required Gigabit-Ethernet interfaces
We made use of both IxNetwork software for tests that required Ethernet/IP (Layer 2/3) traffic, and IxLoad when state-full traffic like HTTP, streaming video or emulated mobile traffic was required. Here are a couple of photos of the XM12s:
For the virtual tools, we made use of both Ixia IxLoad VM and Ixia IxNetwork VM, for state-full and stateless traffic, respectively. Finally you will also see that in some cases we are looking at Cisco’s applications. In these cases we had to evaluate Cisco applications that did not allow us to use an Ixia tool and thus we had to come up with new methodologies.
Light Reading’s Upskill U is a FREE, interactive, online educational resource that delivers must-have education on themes that relate to the overall business transformation taking place in the communications industry.
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Friday, September 30, 1:00PM EDT Gigabit & the Great Migration Robert Howald, Vice President, Network Architecture, Comcast
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Wednesday, October 5, 1:00PM EDT Gigabit & Smart Cities Joe Kochan, COO & Co-Founder, US Ignite
Friday, October 7, 1:00PM EDT Gigabit & DOCSIS 3.1 Ty Pearman, Director, Access Architecture, Comcast
Wednesday, October 19, 1:00PM EDT Securing a Virtual World Rita Marty, Executive Director, Mobility and Cloud Security, Chief Security Office, AT&T
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For many operators, the gigabit evolution begins with the shift from DOCSIS 3.0 to DOCSIS 3.1. But that move represents a change not only in the protocol itself, but in the approach to architecting their entire DOCSIS delivery chain -- from the headend to the outside plant and home gateway components.
Jonathan Ruff, senior director of global technical ...
Self-driving cars, medical sensors, smart cities... and refrigerators. In order to address the huge scope of IoT, KNect365 has created a unique online community that will help businesses to understand and monetize the opportunities that live within the IoT market. We look forward to welcoming you to IoT World News -- your gateway to a better connected future.
One of the main challenges for network operators introducing NFV is to combine performance and flexibility in a cost-effective way, but there is a solution, explains Napatech's Dan Joe Barry.
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For the virtual tools, we made use of both Ixia IxLoad VM and Ixia IxNetwork VM, for state-full and stateless traffic, respectively. Finally you will also see that in some cases we are looking at Cisco’s applications. In these cases we had to evaluate Cisco applications that did not allow us to use an Ixia tool and thus we had to come up with new methodologies.
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