Ethernet Performance Test

TELECOM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF AFGHANISTAN (ROSHAN)

Ethernet Performance Test

Suruz Ahammed
7/6/2013

Contents
1.1 Abstract ...................................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Competence Requirements.....................................................................................................................2
2.1 Ethernet Data Transport Tests ................................................................................................................3
2.2 Ethernet PER Test....................................................................................................................................3
2.2.1 PER Test Procedure ..........................................................................................................................3
2.2.2Test Result.........................................................................................................................................3
2.3 Ethernet BER Test....................................................................................................................................4
2.3.1 BER Test Procedure ..........................................................................................................................4
2.3.2 Test Result ........................................................................................................................................4
2.4 RFC 2544 Test ..........................................................................................................................................4
2.4.1 RFC 2544 Test Procedure .................................................................................................................4
2.4.2 Test Results ......................................................................................................................................5
Throughput............................................................................................................................................5
Frame Loss.............................................................................................................................................5
Back-to-Back..........................................................................................................................................5

1.1 Abstract

1 Definition

This document discusses and defines a number of test methodologies that are used in describing the
performance of EtherNet/IP Connectivity.

This document is designed to help the departments and personnel related to Ethernet PER , BER and
RFC 2544 test.

1.2 Competence Requirements

Good TCP/IP knowledge in terms of L1,L2 & L3 Ethernet frame size and structure
Good Ethernet connectivity skills in terms of FE/GE Ethernet Port and cables
Hands on experience in Ethernet testing tools

2 Ethernet Performance Test

2.1 Ethernet Data Transport Tests

This section provides guidance on Ethernet test options and test procedures using independent Ethernet
test sets.
Two test scenarios are commonly used to test an Ethernet network connection. One is a test of
connection integrity where a bit-error-rate test (BERT) or packet-error-rate test (PERT) is used. The other
is a test of network performance, where an RFC 2544 test is recommended.
Note: Operational instructions for the test set(s) used are not provided.

2.2 Ethernet PER Test

The Packet Error Rate Test (PERT) generates L2 traffic to the network connection and measures frame
loss and frame error rate. It is a test option found on some Ethernet test sets.

2.2.1 PER Test Procedure

The test is performed between two Ethernet test sets, or between one test set and a loopback device.

Received packets are analyzed for checksum errors and losses. The test captures errors in all segments
of the Ethernet frame, headers and payload. Most PER test sets can also analyze network response to
errors by injecting errors into the network.
The test sets normally provide configuration of:

Frame length in bytes.

Frame rate.
Utilization percentage of the port speed.
Test duration or maximum number of packets to be sent.
Data pattern.

2.2.2Test Result
The results may be indicated as a percentage, or as a frame error rate. On a dedicated PER test (no
competing traffic) there should be no frame errors.

2.3 Ethernet BER Test

The Ethernet BERT is similar to the TDM BERT - it is based on sending a pseudo-random bit sequence
(PRBS) across an Ethernet connection and measuring the ratio of error bits compared to the number of
sent bits.

2.3.1 BER Test Procedure

The test is performed between two Ethernet test sets or between one test set and a loopback device.
They usually have options to select L1, L2 or L3 framing.

But, because Ethernet switches process Ethernet frames to look for errors, they will drop a frame with
an incorrect FCS. This means that a single bit error in transmission will result in the entire frame being
dropped, rendering the test somewhat meaningless as a true measure of BER.
The test must be conducted with no other (competing) Ethernet traffic on the link and at a throughput
rate lower than the maximum Ethernet rate for the link.

2.3.2 Test Result

A test result on an un faded MW link/fiber Optic SDH Network should over time indicate a BER of 10-12
or better.

2.4 RFC 2544 Test

The RFC 2544 test provides a standardized (bench-marking) test for network performance. Unlike the
BER and PER tests, RFC 2544 measures throughput to the error-free maximum. RFC 2544 also measures
end-to-end delay (latency), frame loss, and back-to-back frames.

2.4.1 RFC 2544 Test Procedure

A test can be conducted using a test set at each end of the link, or one test set with a companion
loopback unit at the far end of the link.

A two-tester test is recommended because it provides unambiguous confirmation of throughput with

greatest ease.

Refer to the test set operator instructions to review, set and apply an RFC 2544 test.

Before commencing, ensure the link to be tested is correctly configured for the required
capacity and is operating error-free (no alarms).
Set the test set parameters for the required test, and connect to the respective test FE/GE port.
The FE/GE port must be enabled

Note: Ensure RFC 2544 commissioning checks are conducted when path conditions are good any
link/path errors will directly impact RFC 2544 results. If RFC 2544 results are not as expected, check for
link errors using the G.826 performance monitor.

2.4.2 Test Results

The following RFC 2544 results are obtained from a RFC2544 Ethernet test for an IDU GE link configured
for an air capacity of 217 Mbps (106x 2.048 Mbps) and a DAC GE Ethernet transport channel capacity of
51.2 Mbps (25x 2.048 Mbps).
Throughput
Throughput is found for each frame size by starting at the maximum transmission rate (the specified
maximum, or if not specified the theoretical maximum) for the selected line options of 10, 100 or 1000
Mbps, and then comparing the number of transmitted and received frames.
If frame loss occurs, the transmission rate is reduced and repeated until the rate at which there is no
frame loss is found
Frame Loss
Frame loss is used to indicate how a network responds to overload conditions. The test measures the
percentage of frames that were not forwarded due to over-subscription, errors or excessive delay.
Back-to-Back
The back-to-back test measures the ability of the link to transport burst data; bursts of frames at
maximum frame rate.