How we did it

We used Netcom Systems' SmartBits SMB-2000 multiport traffic generator and analyzer to test the latency and throughput of the AppSwitch 2500. We tested Layer 2 and Layer 3 throughput and latency performance with packet sizes ranging from 64 bytes to 1,518 bytes. The SmartBits SMB-2000 was loaded with 12 ML-7710 cards and two ML-7711 cards, which allow multilayer testing by implementing Address Resolution Protocol state machines and virtual streams.

To test the firewall features of the AppSwitch 2500, we set up two PCs, both of which were configured with at least 128M bytes of RAM, running NT Server 4.0 and attached to the network with 100M bit/sec Ethernet cards. Both PCs were also hosting an FTP server. We configured the box to deny clients the ability to make FTP connections from the public side but to allow them that ability from the private side.

To test the quality-of-service (QoS) features of the switch we sent two streams of data through the AppSwitch 2500 at the same time. We generated a full-bandwidth stream of UDP traffic using the SmartBits test equipment and initiated an FTP connection between two PCs. Both streams converged on a single physical port to create congestion. We made two runs at the switch with varying priorities between the streams.

Send this article to a colleague

Feedback

Tell us your thoughts on this article or the issues raised in it. We'll cc: the author and editors on all comments.

Comments:

Name:
E-mail address:

Can we post your comments in an online forum on the topic?
Yes No

What did you think of this article?
Very useful Somewhat useful Not at all useful

Would you want to see:
More articles on this topic
Fewer articles on this topic

Thank you! When you click Submit, you'll be taken back to this article.