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Real World Interoperability and Proof
of Concept Testing
Interoperability testing has become a requirement for companies that deploy
multi-vendor networks. To satisfy this requirement, network and storage
providers and managers have three options. The first option is to setup
your own interoperability lab - which can be very expensive and time-consuming.
The second option is to use a 3rd party interoperability lab. Examples
of such labs are ISOCORE and the University of New Hampshire. The third
option is for the vendor to create their own proof of concept lab. Cisco
and Spirent are just two examples of companies which tout their own POC
or Proof of Concept labs.
Regardless of which option is used, the traditional method of interconnecting
devices was to use a copper or fiber optic patch cable which connected
one device to another. While this patch cable provided connectivity, it
provided a best-case scenario that quite candidly did not represent an
actual network. An analogy of this setup would be testing the auto-pilot
system of an airplane to see if it could land the plane without inclement
weather. While the test proves the plane can land itself, it is only representative
of how a plane would land in ideal weather conditions, which quite candidly
a pilot can do on his or her own.
As network engineers became savvier, they realized that a patch cable
was not sufficient to demonstrate interoperability or provide a proof
of concept. As a result, spools of fiber were used to represent different
fixed distances. This was an improvement over patch cables because the
delays associated with fixed distances could now be represented, however
there were three major problems with spools of fiber:
Spools of fiber were not flexible to provide dynamic tests. The tests
would have to be manually stopped and restarted to change out the spool
of fiber for one with a different length.
Spools of fiber were expensive and impractical. Could you imagine the
cost associated with or moving an 80,000 km spool of fiber?
Spools of fiber only provided delay and not other impairments that existed
in a network.
To continue the auto-pilot analogy, spools of fiber are equivalent to
only testing how auto-pilot system would land a plane if conditions were
windy…and only specific amounts of gusts and directions. The auto-pilot
system would not take into consideration fog, rain, snow or any other
factors that would impact how a plane lands when the auto-pilot system
is engaged. Rarely are conditions only windy or foggy. In many cases,
there is a combination of factors.
With the advent of Network Emulators from Anue Systems, savvy network
and storage providers are able to characterize and validate that applications
run properly over their network based upon multiple factors at one time.
These factors include dynamic delay representing distances up to 80,000
km, jitter, bit errors, packet sequencing and loss.
Referring back to our analogy of testing the auto-pilot system, using
an Anue Systems Network Emulator would be the equivalent of having the
ability to test airplane landings using any combination of adverse weather
conditions.
Since 1997, Gillaspy Associates has built
a solid reputation for developing strong relationships with our customers
by providing quality solutions and ongoing support.
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Training Courses
Gillaspy currently offers the following training courses:
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