Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for generating test packets in a network device using value lists caching are disclosed. In one method, value lists are stored in dynamic random access memory of a network test device. Each value lists includes values for user defined fields (UDFs) to be inserted in test packets. Portions of each value lists are read into per-port caches. The UDF values are drained from the per-port caches using per-port stream engines to generate and send streams of test packets to one or more devices under test. The per-port caches are refilled with portions of the value lists from the DRAM and a rate sufficient to maintain the sending of the stream engine packets to the one or more devices under test.

Abstract: There are disclosed apparatus and methods for scheduling packet transmission. At least one scheduled traffic queue holds a plurality of scheduled packets, each scheduled packet having an associated scheduled transmit time. At least one unscheduled traffic queue holds plurality of unscheduled packets. A packet selector causes transmission of scheduled packets from the scheduled traffic queue at the associated scheduled transmit time, while causing transmission of unscheduled packets from the unscheduled traffic queue during the time intervals between transmissions of scheduled packets.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method, an apparatus, a computing device, and a storage medium for testing a network. A plurality of packets may be received. A packet group identification number for each packet may be determined by extracting two or more packet group identification fields from the packet, each packet group identification field located at a respective offset from one of a signature field, a start of the packet, a start of an IP header, and a start of a protocol header; and combining the two or more packet group identification fields to form the packet group identification number. The network testing system may measure, compile, and store performance statistics for packets having the same packet group identification number.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reconfigurable network test system. The reconfigurable test system may include a plurality of test modules, a plurality of network interface units, a plurality of bypass units, and a multi-port switch. Each of the network interface units may have a first end and a second end adapted to be connected to a network. Each bypass unit may be in communication with an associated test module, the first end of an associated network interface unit, a first associated switch port, and a second associated switch port. Each bypass unit may have a first mode wherein the associated test module is placed in communication with the first end of the associated network interface unit, and a second mode wherein the associated test module is placed in communication with the first associated switch port and the associated network interface unit is placed in communication with the second associated switch.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method, an apparatus, a computing device, and a storage medium for testing a network. A plurality of packets may be received. A packet group identification number for each packet may be determined by extracting two or more packet group identification fields from the packet, each packet group identification field located at a respective offset from one of a signature field, a start of the packet, a start of an IP header, and a start of a protocol header; and combining the two or more packet group identification fields to form the packet group identification number. The network testing system may measure, compile, and store performance statistics for packets having the same packet group identification number.

Abstract: There is disclosed methods, a computing device, a storage medium, and an apparatus for testing a network. Received packets may have two or more packet group identification fields. The packet group identification fields may be combined to generate a packet group number. The packet group number may be generated by first masking unused bits of the packet group identification fields and then concatenating the unmasked bits. Test statistics may be measured, accumulated, and stored for one or more packet groups comprising packets having the same packet group number.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for testing a stateful network communications device. A plurality of stateful and simulated stateless connections are established with the device under test. Packets are sent to the device under test, and responses are received from the device enter test, over the stateless and stateful connections. Measurements are obtained for at least one of the stateless and stateful connections.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reconfigurable network test system. The reconfigurable test system may include a plurality of test modules, a plurality of network interface units, a plurality of bypass units, and a multi-port switch. Each of the network interface units may have a first end and a second end adapted to be connected to a network. Each bypass unit may be in communication with an associated test module, the first end of an associated network interface unit, a first associated switch port, and a second associated switch port. Each bypass unit may have a first mode wherein the associated test module is placed in communication with the first end of the associated network interface unit, and a second mode wherein the associated test module is placed in communication with the first associated switch port and the associated network interface unit is placed in communication with the second associated switch.

Abstract: There are disclosed apparatus and methods for scheduling packet transmission. At least one scheduled traffic queue holds a plurality of scheduled packets, each scheduled packet having an associated scheduled transmit time. At least one unscheduled traffic queue holds plurality of unscheduled packets. A packet selector causes transmission of scheduled packets from the scheduled traffic queue at the associated scheduled transmit time, while causing transmission of unscheduled packets from the unscheduled traffic queue during the time intervals between transmissions of scheduled packets.

Abstract: There is disclosed methods, a computing device, a storage medium, and an apparatus for testing a network. Received packets may have two or more packet group identification fields. The packet group identification fields may be combined to generate a packet group number. The packet group number may be generated by first masking unused bits of the packet group identification fields and then concatenating the unmasked bits. Test statistics may be measured, accumulated, and stored for one or more packet groups comprising packets having the same packet group number.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing stateful network communications devices are disclosed. According to one test method, stateful and simulated stateless sessions are established with a device under test. Packets are sent to the device under test over the stateful and stateless connections. Information received on the stateful connections is used to alter test conditions on the stateless connections. As a result, a realistic mix of network traffic can be achieved with a reduced amount of hardware.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing stateful network communications devices are disclosed. According to one test method, stateful and simulated stateless sessions are established with a device under test. Packets are sent to the device under test over the stateful and stateless connections. Information received on the stateful connections is used to alter test conditions on the stateless connections. As a result, a realistic mix of network traffic can be achieved with a reduced amount of hardware.