Re: [ippm] Testing TCP Throughput Capacity in Operator Networks

[Gilles Forget <gilles.forget at sympatico.ca>]

Barry,

I am an independent consultant in the telecommunication area with
several decades of experience working for a network provider and I
completely support your idea.

In the circuit switching days, network providers were able to measure
their end to end path performances with Bit Error Rate Test patterns
like 2047, QRSS and others. Instruments like the FIREBERD 6000 from TTC
were used as reference test sets and network path performances were
measured against ITU-T standards like G.821 or ANSI standards. 

Network providers infrastructures have evolved from layer one only to
layer two network paths using Frame relay and ATM protocols and then
later on layer 3 network paths using IP and MPLS protocols. 

Now, in the packet switching days, there is a need for more precision in
the way tests are conducted. Network providers can not provide their
customers with a simple pass/fail result any more. They should be able
to provide their customers with more complex feedback results. These
results should help their business customers optimizing their complete
IP network performances.

Thanks.    
-- 
Gilles Forget, CCNP
T : 450.473.5718
C : 514.895.8212
@ : gilles.forget at sympatico.ca