Test traffic generation equipment and algorithms for evaluating ATM networks

Recent technology advances have allowed the rapid emergence of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) as the transport vehicle for high-speed multimedia networks. Although many theoretical studies have been carried out to evaluate the performance of these networks, measurement equipment and techniques are required to analyze real ATM traffic and to compare the data with theoretical models. This paper describes the design and operation of an ATM Traffic Analyzer, and illustrates the theory and application of test traffic-generation methodologies. This Traffic Analyzer generates ATM test cells based on a user-selectable statistical distribution. At the receiving end, the Traffic Analyzer produces performance metrics to validate ATM switch and network performance. The Traffic Analyzer measures and computes performance parameters such as cell loss, cell delay, cell delay variation, and cell error. Using these measurements, one can compare the performance of traffic flowing through an ATM switch or a network with mathematical models being used for data, voice and video sources.

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