Spirent SmartBits System, Reference Manual

Page: 72 / 278

Chapter 6: Optional Applications
Virtual LAN Advanced Switch Tests (VAST)
64 SmartBits System Reference
Virtual LAN Advanced Switch Tests (VAST)
The Virtual LAN Advanced Switch Test (VAST) is a suite of test modules, based in part
on RFC-2285, that measure the Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities of Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
switches, routers and VLANs at both Layer 2 and Layer 3.
VAST provides a 10/100 Mbps, full/half duplex, stream-based set of tests that
comprehensively measure different traffic patterns, throughput, and packet loss.
The following cards can be tested using a SmartBits 200/2000 chassis:
•
ML-7710, 10/100 Base-TX, SmartMetrics
•
ML-7711, 100 Base-FX Fiber, SmartMetrics
Refer to the VAST User Guide located at http://www.netcomsystems.com/support/
documentation.asp for a complete description of the tests available. Table 6-5 gives a brief
description of these tests.
Table 6-9. VAST Tests and Descriptions
Tests Description
Broadcast Frames
Evaluates leakage from each VLAN by generating
broadcast frames.
Fanout
Measures unidirectional throughput, packet loss, and
flooding when a group of ports sends frames to
another group of ports. Measures device fairness.
Filter Illegal Frames
Evaluates how well the DUT filters illegal frames,
such as oversize, undersize, CRC errors, dribble bit,
alignment, and Time to Live equal to zero in IP
headers.
Routing VLAN
Evaluates the ability of the device under test to route
between different IP subnets. Measures throughput,
packet loss, and flooding. Verifies that the DUTs
routing table learned from the ARP requests sent.
VLAN by MAC Address
Determines throughput, accuracy, packet loss, and
flooding when sending multiple streams of traffic to a
VLAN.
VLAN by Port
VLAN by Protocol
VLAN by Subnet Address
VLAN by Tag