IDEAL INDUSTRIES UniPRO MGig1, UniPRO SEL1 User Manual
UniPRO MGig1
User Guide
152810 Iss 1
UniPRO SEL1
IDEAL INDUSTRIES LTD.
Stokenchurch House
Oxford Road
Stokenchurch
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP14 3SX UK
www.idealnwd.com
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The information contained in this document is the property of IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. and is
supplied without liability for errors and omissions. No part of this document may be reproduced or
used except as authorized by contract or other written permission from IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd.
The copyright and all restrictions on reproduction and use apply to all media in which this information
may be placed.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. pursues a policy of continual product improvement and reserves the right
to alter without notice the specification, design, price or conditions of supply of any product or
service.
© IDEAL INDUSTRIES LTD. 2013
All rights reserved
Publication ref: 152810
Issue 1 - 05/13
(Applies to software revision 0.0.77 onwards)
CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 5
Product care ............................................................................................................................. 6
Final Disposal ........................................................................................................................... 6
Safety Information .................................................................................................................... 6
Connector Safety ................................................................................................................... 6
Power........................................................................................................................................ 7
Power Management, battery pack and power module .......................................................... 7
Battery Pack and Power Module Recharging ....................................................................... 7
Switching ON and OFF ......................................................................................................... 8
Power Saving ........................................................................................................................ 8
Master Reset ......................................................................................................................... 8
Replaceable insert – RJ-45 socket ........................................................................................... 9
Functional overview .................................................................................................................. 9
Handset Controls, Indicators and Ports – MGig1 ..................................................................... 10
Handset Controls, Indicators and Ports – SEL1 ....................................................................... 11
Menu Navigation ....................................................................................................................... 12
MGig1 .................................................................................................................................... 12
SEL1 ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Transmission testing concepts ................................................................................................. 14
General .................................................................................................................................. 14
Ethernet frame structure and Layers ..................................................................................... 15
Loopback and Layers ............................................................................................................ 16
Connection Establishment ..................................................................................................... 18
Targets and Services ............................................................................................................ 18
Traffic Impairments ................................................................................................................ 19
Ethernet transmission testing methods .................................................................................... 19
BERT ..................................................................................................................................... 19
SLA-Tick ................................................................................................................................ 19
RFC2544 ............................................................................................................................... 19
Y.1564 (NetSAM) .................................................................................................................. 20
Modes of Operation .................................................................................................................. 21
Endpoint ................................................................................................................................ 21
Through ................................................................................................................................. 21
Ports ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Targets .................................................................................................................................. 24
Services ................................................................................................................................. 26
Test data/Error inject ............................................................................................................. 27
Remote control ......................................................................................................................... 28
MGig1 to MGig1 .................................................................................................................... 28
MGig1 to SEL1 ...................................................................................................................... 29
SEL1 Loop layer .................................................................................................................... 29
Tools ......................................................................................................................................... 30
Ping4 and Ping6 .................................................................................................................... 30
TRoute4 and TRoute6 ........................................................................................................... 31
PoE ........................................................................................................................................ 31
Blink ....................................................................................................................................... 32
Traffic generation .................................................................................................................. 33
Transmission tests – set up and run ........................................................................................ 36
BERT ..................................................................................................................................... 36
SLA Tick ................................................................................................................................ 38
RFC2544 ............................................................................................................................... 40
NetSAM ................................................................................................................................. 48
continued
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CONTENTS (continued)
Auto test ................................................................................................................................... 53
Statistics ................................................................................................................................... 54
Stats menu description .......................................................................................................... 54
Jobs .......................................................................................................................................... 56
Using the Jobs menu ............................................................................................................. 57
Change the active Job ........................................................................................................... 57
Managing Jobs ...................................................................................................................... 58
Generating Reports .................................................................................................................. 59
MGig1 software updates and configuration .............................................................................. 59
SEL1 software updates and configuration ............................................................................... 60
General .................................................................................................................................. 60
Update software .................................................................................................................... 60
Upload configuration (for transfer to other SEL1 handsets) .................................................. 60
Download configuration ......................................................................................................... 60
Reset SEL1 to factory default ................................................................................................ 60
Specifications – UniPRO MGig1 .............................................................................................. 61
Glossary, abbreviations and acronyms .................................................................................... 63
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MGig1
MGig1 PLUS
MGig1 PRO
Copper port
Optical port
Multi-service
Bidirectional
Y.1564
MPLS
VLAN Levels
3 3 8
Introduction
This guide provides operating information and principles of operation for the UniPRO handsets MGig1 and
SEL1. The transmission tester, MGig1, is the handset from where all tests are run and stored. The SEL1
is a loopback terminal that enables testing over four layers.
MGig1 SEL1
Fig 1 UniPRO handsets
The MGig1 is available in the variants that follow and with the features indicated:
The range listed above is also available in ‘Duo’ format which adds a second copper and optical port
making a total of six MGig1 variants. The additional ports extend functionality to include:
Dual-port through-mode capability
Loopback capability on the second port
Traffic generation on the second port
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DO NOT CONNECT ANY TELECOMMUNICATIONS
NETWORK TO ANY OF THE TESTER’S PORTS
Product care
Although light and portable, UniPRO handsets are robust and have been designed to operate in a
protected outdoor working environment.
To ensure reliable operation:
Avoid very high or low temperatures – UniPRO handsets are designed to operate between 0°C
and +45°C, although you should only charge the batteries between +10°C and +30°C. They
may be safely stored between -20°C and +70°C.
To avoid damage, when they are not in use we recommend that you keep both UniPRO MGig1
and UniPRO SEL1 in their carrying case.
Do not use solvents, strong detergents or abrasive materials to clean any part of the handsets.
Use only cleaning agents approved for use on ABS and polycarbonate plastics.
Final Disposal
When your UniPRO MGig1 or UniPRO SEL1 has reached the end of its life you must dispose of the
complete unit in accordance with local environmental regulations.
Safety Information
When using UniPRO handset, always take basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock and injury to persons. These precautions include:
When connecting to the line, special care must be taken as high voltages may be present on the
line and there may be a danger of electrocution.
Avoid using UniPRO MGig1 and UniPRO SEL1 during an electrical storm - there is a remote
risk of electric shock by lightning.
Use only the mains electricity adaptor supplied with your handset.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT. Light output from the fiber optic port can damage eyesight even though it is
invisible. Never stare into open optical ports or the end of a fiber to see if light is coming out.
Connector Safety
The connectors listed below conform to EN60950 SELV safety status:
RJ-45 Ethernet port.
USB port.
DC inlet port.
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Power
UniPRO MGig1 can be powered from:
A rechargeable battery pack,
AA alkaline batteries (not supplied) in an optional holder,
Directly from power connected to the DC inlet.
UniPRO SEL1 can be powered from:
A rechargeable power module,
AA alkaline batteries (not supplied) in an optional holder,
Directly from power connected to the DC inlet built in to the power module.
Power Management, battery pack and power module
A fully charged battery pack or power module will support up to five hours of heavy, continuous use of a
single port, or 3.5 hours continuous use of two ports. For maximum life of the unit, it is recommended to
discharge it fully and then recharge it fully at least once a month.
The rechargeable battery pack and the power module are not user-serviceable. When they have reached
the end of their life, contact your local IDEAL representative for service.
Battery Pack and Power Module Recharging
The battery pack or power module can be fully recharged in three hours with the handset switched ON or
OFF. To recharge, connect the supplied power adaptor to the DC inlet. For convenience the power
module may be removed from, or left attached to, the UniPRO SEL1 for charging. The Power LED next
to the DC inlet glows green to show that the battery is being charged, and flashes green to show that it is
not being charged.
The UniPRO MGig1’s battery pack charge state is indicated at FULL, 2/3, 1/3 and EMPTY by the
graphical power meter shown in the display’s information bar at the top of its LCD display.
Fig 2 Power indications
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Power LED
Status
Green
Power ON. Battery level sufficient for use
Red
Power ON. Battery charge level low but still operational
Off
Power OFF
In the unlikely event of a system lock-up which
prevents MGig1 from being switched OFF, it may
be necessary to perform a master reset. This will
not delete any stored data.
Remove the battery pack (Fig 3) to
access a small aperture in the case
molding.
Insert a paper clip into the reset hole and
press the internal reset switch.
Replace the battery pack.
Fig 3 MGig1 master reset
The SEL1’s power module charge state is indicated by an LED directly below the Layer button. LED
indications are:
Switching ON and OFF
To switch ON the units, press the ON/OFF button:
UniPRO MGig1 displays a splash screen with the IDEAL logo and model identity followed by the
home screen.
UniPRO SEL 1 performs a brief lamp test and is ready for you to choose the Layer you wish to
test over.
To switch OFF either unit, press and hold the Power button for approximately 1/2 second. The SEL1
shuts down immediately, the MGig1 displays a shutdown message on the screen and the currently stored
setup is saved. If either unit does not switch OFF within five seconds, see Master Reset. Always switch
OFF either unit before removing the battery pack or power module.
CAUTION
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE. Do NOT remove the battery pack or power module when the unit is
switched on.
Power Saving
UniPRO MGig1 has power saving preferences that are selected from SETUP>SYSTEM>PREF. Auto Off
can be Disabled (unit remains ON indefinitely), or set to switch the unit OFF after three, 10 or 30 minutes
of inactivity. The backlight can be set to Always On, or to dim to 50% brightness after three minutes of
inactivity. Note that when mains power is connected the display is always on full brightness and the unit
remains ON indefinitely.
UniPRO SEL 1 remains ON indefinitely whether on battery or mains power.
Master Reset
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Function
MGig1
Solo
MGig1
Solo
PLUS
MGig1
Solo
PRO
MGig1
Duo
MGig1
Duo PLUS
MGig1
Duo
PRO
Transmission testing over copper
IPv4 & IPv6
Cable test
PoE detection and load test
Ping test
Traceroute test
Hub blink
No. of VLANS supported
3 3 8 3 3
8
Traffic generation
Results storage & export
Transmission testing over fiber
Loopback mode
Multistream
Bi-directional
MPLS
BERT
RFC2544
NetSAM (Y.1564)
SLA-Tick
Replaceable insert – RJ-45 socket
To replace a damaged or worn RJ-45 socket insert proceed as follows:
Equipment required: Kit, IDEAL part number 150058 – includes Tool x1 and Replacement Insert x10.
Switch the UniPRO handset OFF and remove all attached cables.
Carefully push the tool STRAIGHT into the socket. Fig 4A. BE CAREFUL - DO NOT MOVE
THE TOOL VERTICALLY!
Keep the tool STRAIGHT and give a firm pull on the insert until it is out of the socket. Fig 4B.
Hold the replacement insert between your fingers and carefully align it with the socket. Push it
STRAIGHT into the socket with your finger until it is secure. Fig 4C.
Fig 4
Functional overview
The MGig1 range offers six models. The available functions are listed below. The information throughout
this publication details the functions available to MGig1 Duo PRO. Please check this table to confirm the
functions available on your tester.
Duo models can generate traffic or loop on the A and the B ports
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1
2
RJ 45 port
6
1,2
Optical link LED
11
Escape key
2 2 RJ 45 activity LED
7
Autotest button
12
Cursor and ENTER keys
3 2 RJ 45 link LED
8
USB port
13 Charger LED
4
1,2
Optical port (SFP)
9
LCD color display
14 ON/OFF button
5
1,2
Optical activity LED
10
Function keys F1 to F4
15 DC in connector
Handset Controls, Indicators and Ports – MGig1
Primary ports (‘A’) Secondary ports (‘B’)
Fig 5
1
Fig 5 items 4, 5 & 6 – MGig1 PLUS & PRO models only.
2
Fig 5 items 1 to 6 on right hand view – MGig1 Duo models only.
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1
RJ 45 port
10
Layer 2 LED
2
RJ 45 activity LED
11
Layer 1 Regenerate LED
3
RJ 45 link LED
12
Layer 1 Physical LED
4 Optical port (SFP)
13 Layer button
5 Optical activity LED
14 Power status indicator LED
6
Optical link LED
15 ON/OFF button
7
USB port
16
Power module
8
Layer 4 LED
17
Charger LED
9
Layer 3 LED
18
DC in indicator
Handset Controls, Indicators and Ports – SEL1
Fig 6
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Cursor and ENTER keys. The arrowed cursor keys are
intuitively marked to move the highlighted field between all
menu icons, settings fields and drop-down menus that
appear on the display. ENTER selects the currently
highlighted option.
Escape key. Returns to previous screen or hides the
options of a drop-down menu. Note that when a value in a
settings field is changed, if the Escape key is pressed before
the soft key ‘APPLY’, the value will not be stored.
Autotest key. Immediately runs pre-stored tests. A new
tester will have factory stored tests in memory. These are
easily changed using the SETUP menu.
Function keys. F1 to F4 are to select the corresponding
soft keys at the lower edge of the display.
Fig 8 Keypad navigation
Menu Navigation
MGig1
Touch screen. The soft keys, menu icons and items on drop-down lists can be selected by pressing the
touch screen. Although the touch screen can be activated with your finger, we recommend using the
nylon stylus provided.
Fig 7 Touch screen navigation
Alternatively, MGig1 may be operated with the key pad alone:
Soft keys. The soft keys appear along the bottom edge of the display. Their function changes and is
dependent on the screen currently shown on the display.
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Fig 9
Data entry. When you navigate to and select
a field that requires a value or text to be
entered, such as a customer’s name or a
URL, a QWERTY keyboard will be shown on
the display (Fig 9). All data is entered using
the QWERTY keyboard. The touch screen
makes the keyboard particularly easy to use.
Alternatively, move the key that is highlighted
on the keyboard using the tester’s cursor
keys. ENTER selects the currently
highlighted key which will now appear in the
text window directly above the keyboard. Key
stroke errors are corrected using the
backspace key ( <− ). Press the UP cursor
key to move the cursor into the text window
for editing.
Press the blue Layer button on the front of the handset to
cycle through all loop options available. Each time the
button is pressed a green LED lights next to the Layer
selected. The LED directly below the blue button indicates
that SEL1 is dormant but still powered on. The loop options
available are:
Layer 4 UDP
Layer 3 IP
Layer 2 MAC
Layer 1 Regenerative
Layer 1 Physical
No loop
Fig 10 SEL1 indications
Press the QWERTY keyboard’s SHIFT key to change the display from lower to upper case. Press SHIFT
a second time to display symbols and punctuation characters.
SEL1
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Transmission testing concepts
General
The principle of Ethernet transmission testing is that traffic is sent through a network and checked at the
other end. For single-ended testing, traffic is sent through the network to a device that loops it back to the
sending device. Therefore, traffic is generated and checked at the same location.
Fig 11 Single-Ended test method with loopback
This method is very easy to set up. A loopback device, such as SEL1, can be installed at the remote end
of the transmission loop with minimum skill requirements, and can be controlled by the tester at the local
end.
Alternatively, the sending device and the checking device may be in different locations.
Fig 12 Bi-Directional test method
Unlike the loopback method, bi-directional tests confirm the direction as well as the nature of errors. As
two full test devices are required to run a bi-directional test, set up is more complicated. However, when
they are set in Master-Slave mode, one device can control the other and so only one operator is needed.
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Ethernet frame structure and Layers
Ethernet frames comprise a payload (the user data) inside a number of layers of control elements. The
higher the layer, the greater the frame’s inherent ability to enable the network to deliver frames to the
correct destination. Each layer adds to the complexity of the frames and to the amount of overhead. This
reduces the space available for the payload.
When the payload is tested with procedures such as BERT, it is recommended to use the lowest layer
frame type that will propagate through the transmission path under test. This makes sure the maximum
payload is available for the test data.
Layer 1 frames begin after a Preamble (PRE) and a Start of Frame Delimiter (SFD) which are used for
frame alignment. These frames are separated from one another by an Inter Frame Gap (IFG). Layer 1
Ethernet frames contain the maximum amount of BERT / Quality of Service (QoS) test data (the Payload
equals the Frame size) but they can only pass through a physical connection, and not through switches
or routers. Layer 1 frames do not have the ability to check frame errors.
Fig 13 Layer 1 Frame
Layer 2 frames have a Destination and Source MAC address added that follows the SFD. The MAC
addresses enable the frames to be sent to a specific destination through Layer 2 switches. Layer 2
frames may also have VLAN and/or MPLS tags added after the source MAC (sometimes this is called
“Layer 2.5”). They end with a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) used to check the frame for errors. The
Layer 2 Payload is everything between the end of the source MAC (or VLAN / MPLS tags if present) and
the start of the FCS.
Fig 14 Layer 2 Frame
Layer 3 frames add a Source and Destination IP address after the source MAC; this enables them to be
sent through Layer 3 switches and routers. The Layer 3 Payload is everything between the end of the IP
header and the start of the FCS.
Fig 15 Layer 3 Frame
Layer 4 frames add a Protocol header (PROT) after the IP header. This defines the transport layer
protocol (TCP / UDP) followed by Destination and Source Port numbers. This allows traffic to be routed to
a particular Port. The Layer 4 Payload is everything between the end of the Layer 4 header and the start
of the FCS.
Fig 16 Layer 4 Frame
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Loopback and Layers
When traffic is looped, the type of loop may need to be determined by the type of traffic and the structure
of the transmission path to be tested. Usually, the Loop type is the same as the Layer type of the traffic –
e.g. Layer 3 traffic is looped at Layer 3.
When (a) the loopback device is connected to a dedicated port, or, (b) when the network segment to
which the loopback unit is connected carries only test traffic, the device can be set to loop all traffic
received. When the network segment carries both test traffic, and non-test traffic that should not be
looped, the loopback unit can be set to only loop traffic that is specifically addressed to it.
Loop types are as follows:
Layer 1 (Physical) Loop. Every bit received is immediately re-transmitted to its source with minimal
delay and exactly as received even when it contains errors. This loop type can only be used over a
physical medium with no active network elements.
Layer 1 (Regenerate) Loop. Errored frames are dropped. Good frames are retransmitted exactly as
received. To determine if a frame contains an error it is necessary to receive and check the complete
frame before it is retransmitted. This introduces at least one frame of delay in the retransmission.
Therefore the loopback operation introduces some latency that must be allowed for in latency
measurements. Furthermore, if the frame size varies (e.g. if the traffic contains multiple streams with
different frame lengths) the latency will vary and this will appear as jitter, which must be allowed for in jitter
measurements. (This also applies to all the higher layer loops.)
Layer 2 (MAC). Good frames are retransmitted, as in L1 (Regenerate), but are altered so that the Source
and Destination MAC addresses are swapped. This makes sure that frames sent to the loopback device’s
MAC address (Destination MAC in the received frame) are returned to the sender’s MAC address (Source
MAC in the received frame). This loop type can be used over a physical connection or over a switched
network using Layer 2 switching.
Fig 17 Layer 2 Loop
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Layer 3 (IP). Good frames are retransmitted and altered so that the Source and Destination MAC
addresses, and, the Source and Destination IP addresses are swapped. This is so that frames sent to the
loopback device’s IP address (Destination IP in the received frame) are returned to the sender’s IP
address (Source IP in the received frame). This loop type can be used over (a) a physical connection or
(b) over a switched network using Layer 2 or Layer 3 switching or (c) over a routed network.
Fig 18 Layer 3 Loop
Layer 4 (UDP). Good frames are retransmitted and altered so that the Source and Destination MAC
addresses and the Source and Destination IP addresses are swapped as at Layer 3. In addition this loop
type swaps the UDP Source and Destination Port numbers, so that traffic sent to a particular port is
returned from that same port back to the originating port. This loop type can be used over any type of
connection or network.
Fig 19 Layer 4 Loop
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Connection Establishment
To make a connection between a tester and a loopback device, or between two testers becomes
progressively more complicated the higher the Layer used.
Layer 1 is sufficient to test a physical medium, such as a copper or fiber cable, or a radio link. Higher
layers can be used, and their settings, such as addresses and VLAN/MPLS tags, have no effect apart
from reducing the amount of frame space available for the payload. The only requirement is that the
tester is set to use the attached loopback device (or slave tester) as its target.
Layer 2 is required in a LAN environment to connect via Layer 2 switches. The tester can be commanded
to DETECT all compatible IDEAL devices (loopback units or testers) on the network. The detected
devices can be added to the tester’s Target list and one of them selected as the target for tests. The test
frames will have the target’s MAC address in their destination field. Higher layer information that may be
present in the frames will have no effect on the communication between the tester and the target.
Layer 3 must be used when tests are run over a routed environment in the WAN outside of the local LAN.
The tester needs to identify its target by a public IP address. When the target is located in the WAN, it will
need to be assigned a known address so that the tester can be set up to communicate with it. It is not
possible to automatically DETECT compatible IDEAL devices/targets that are outside of the LAN. The
test frames will have the target’s IP address in the destination field. Frames retransmitted by the loopback
device will have the tester’s IP address in their destination field. The destination MAC will be replaced by
the MAC of the gateway.
Layer 4 is used when the target is located in another LAN that is connected to the tester’s LAN by a WAN
connection, on the far side of an edge router. The target will not have a public IP address, but instead a
private one assigned, either automatically or manually, by its local network. The test frames will have the
public IP address of the edge router in their Destination fields, and in addition the port number of the port
to which the target is connected. The router will need to be set up with port forwarding to forward the
frames to the target using the correct port number. The frames retransmitted by the loopback device will
have the LAN address of the router in their destination field. This will be translated by the router using its
Network Address Translation (NAT) table so that the frames eventually arrive back at the originating
tester.
In addition to the increased complexity of the setup at the higher layers, the issues that follow can arise
and must be overcome before testing can proceed.
Firewalls in LAN edges are designed specifically to block the type of traffic that testers generate. Test
traffic can only pass through a firewall that has an open port, or a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), to which the
target is connected.
Ethernet transmission tests can generate large amounts of traffic and are designed to stress networks to
the point of failure. This must be taken into account when setting up the tests in order to avoid disrupting
other network traffic or causing network elements to block the overload situation.
Loopback devices that are configured to Layer 1 (Physical) loop cannot be automatically detected or
remote controlled because they do not receive or respond to Ethernet frames. They only retransmit them.
Targets and Services
Targets are destinations for test traffic. They can be (a) loopback units that retransmit the traffic back to
the source or, (b) other testers that receive and check the traffic and also generate and send traffic back
the other way.
A service is a stream of traffic with specific characteristics. Up to eight services, each with different
characteristics, can be used simultaneously for testing a network’s ability to carry multiple types of traffic,
to different destinations and, for example, over different VLANs. Each service is sent to a defined target.
This may be a common target for all services, selected from the Targets list, or the destination addresses
(MAC & IP) may be set individually for each service. By default a service will use the destination MAC
and IP of the target and source MAC and IP of the tester.
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Traffic Impairments
Transmission tests check for impairment to Ethernet traffic in the form of Errors, Latency and Jitter.
Frame errors are either Lost Frames (frames that were transmitted but were lost in the network)
or Corrupted frames (frames that were received but were found to contain errors).
Payload errors are errors in the data part of the Ethernet frames.
Latency is network propagation delay.
Jitter is short term variations in network propagation delay.
To detect the above listed impairments, tests are run under specific, user defined conditions, e.g. with
different frame sizes and frame rates, and in the presence of varying levels of traffic loading. Some tests
determine the maximum performance that a network connection can achieve without exceeding predefined limits on impairment levels.
Ethernet transmission testing methods
Various methods of Ethernet transmission testing have been developed over the years. Each
development brought additional sophistication and value to the knowledge about the performance of the
network being tested. More sophistication increased the test times. Some tests can run for days or
weeks. The most recent developments have sought to reduce test times without losing valuable
information about the network performance.
BERT
Bit Error Ratio Test (sometimes incorrectly referred to as “Bit Error Rate Test”) is a traditional test method
used for many types of telecommunications transmission system. In Ethernet environments, it focuses on
testing the frame payload, putting pre-defined patterns of test data into the frames and checking them bitby-bit at the receiver. Individual bit errors are counted and expressed as a ratio to the total data received,
and periods of time during which the error ratio exceeds pre-defined limits are recorded. Errors of
different types can be forced into the frames or the payload data in order to confirm that the error checking
mechanism is working correctly and to determine how the network responds to errored data.
SLA-Tick
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are commonly used to define a contractual commitment to provide
specified minimum performance of network connections. They normally define minimum Information Rate
and maximum Latency and Jitter. For the SLA-Tick test, multiple services can be selected to occupy the
available bandwidth, each with its own fixed frame size and each having its own performance limits. This
test always uses Layer 4 framing, because it can propagate through all types of network and because the
reduced payload is not relevant.
RFC2544
The Internet Engineering Task Force defined this testing methodology which comprises the following subtests, each of which can be included or omitted from the overall test sequence. (Note, however, that some
of the sub-tests rely on the results of others before they can be run.) A full RFC2544 test with all sub-tests
at all frame sizes can take a long time to complete, so the tester provides a choice of test profiles relating
to the time needed to complete the tests. Layer 4 framing is used.
Throughput This is a test of achievable Information Rate at different frame sizes. The maximum
theoretical Information Rate decreases with decreasing frame size, because the overhead becomes more
significant compared to the payload. This sub-test compares the actual performance against theoretical
and target limits.
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Latency Latency increases with increasing frame size because frames have to be buffered in
network equipment prior to onward transmission and the bigger the frame the longer it takes before it can
be forwarded. The Latency sub-test measures latency against theoretical and target limit for different
frame sizes.
Jitter This should be independent of frame size, and the jitter sub-test is designed to confirm this
and to reveal any network impairments which might be introducing jitter dependent on frame size.
Frame Loss As frame rate increases, networks will start to drop frames. For each frame size, this
sub-test varies the frame rate until the point is found at which frames just start to be dropped.
Back-to-Back Each Ethernet frame must be separated from the next by a minimum Inter Frame
Gap (IFG). For each frame size, the Back-to Back sub-test assesses the ability of the network to handle
frames separated by the minimum IFG, measuring the longest burst of these frames that can be
successfully propagated without errors.
System Recovery When network elements are overloaded by excessive traffic, they can take some
time to recover to a condition in which they are ready to transmit traffic again. For each frame size, the
System recovery sub-test generates traffic at the rate found by the Throughput sub-test and measures the
recovery time of the network.
Y.1564 (NetSAM)
In an attempt to overcome some of the limitations of RFC2544, notably the long test times, the sequential
nature of the tests and the unrealistic single-service traffic method, the International Telecommunications
Union defined a new Ethernet service activation test methodology - Y.1564. The first phase in this method
is a Service Configuration Test, which evaluates the ability of the network to achieve the Committed
Information Rate (CIR) and Excess Information Rate (EIR) without error for each of a multitude of
services, one at a time. The Service Performance Test then measures the Frame Transfer Delay
(Latency), the Frame Delay Variation (Jitter), the Frame Loss Ratio and the Service Availability
simultaneously for each service at the CIR. By doing this, the NetSAM test evaluates all of the Key
Performance Indicators of the network at once over multiple services simultaneously, much more
accurately simulating real-world traffic than RFC2544. It also polices the ability of the network to control
and handle traffic which is marked in color to indicate its priority in relation to the CIR and EIR defined in
the SLA. Layer 4 framing is used.
152810 UniPRO
Page 20 User Guide
Fig 21
Through mode is for viewing statistics. Select
PORTS and choose Through Mode from the
dropdown menu and select APPLY (F3). MGig1
will detect the connected services and show them
on the display (Fig 21). It will attempt to negotiate
the highest connection rate between the two
networks.
Select STATS to view current traffic as graphs and
tables. Traffic is categorized as Top Users, Top
VLANs, MAC and LINK data. For further
information on STATS see Statistics on page 54.
For further information on Jobs see Jobs on
page 56.
Modes of Operation
MGig1 has two modes of operation, Endpoint and Through Mode. To change between Endpoint and
Through Mode, from the home screen select PORTS (F2), choose the mode from the dropdown menu
and select APPLY (F3). Each time you change modes the detected services are PoE (802.3af/at. Not
Cisco pre-standard), ISDN S, PBX and Unknown. The IPv4 and IPv6 addresses assigned to the tester
(when available) are shown on the ‘Endpoint’ screen.
Endpoint mode
Endpoint is the mode from where all transmission tests and tools are run (Fig 20A).
Before a transmission test is run, a far end loopback must be set. Configuration of a SEL1 handset that
has been discovered as a target can be set remotely from the MGig1, see page 29.
A B
Through mode
Fig 20
UniPRO 152810
User Guide Page 21
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