Core Network Testing Technology

Network Test content

Although operators tend to build private networks based on their current network construction ideas, as a carrier-level IP bearer network, from the perspective of actual deployment of existing networks, the core network should have some common content, namely, deploying MPLS technology across the network, supporting BGP/MPLSVPN, providing QoS support and high reliability. Therefore, in the network test, the specific test content should be developed based on these technologies.

In addition, according to their own business needs and network planning, the core network carries different services, such as NGN long-distance network and 3G bearer network. Therefore, in addition to testing common content, you should also test some features based on the business characteristics of different networks.

The specific test content mainly includes the following tests.

Performance testing: performance testing is a must for all tests and an important indicator for evaluating the quality of a network. It includes available bandwidth testing, network latency testing, two-way), Network Packet Loss Rate Testing, QoS performance testing, and TriplePlay testing;

MPLS testing: MPLS technology has been deployed in the core network. MPLS testing includes MPLS performance testing, LSP capacity testing, and MPLSVPN capacity testing;

QoS testing: Includes IntServ and DiffServ tests;

Reliability Testing: in network testing, reliability testing is an important part. Reliability Testing includes fast convergence of routing protocols, fast re-routing of FRR) testing, MPLSTE testing, and switching testing;

Other feature tests: specific network conditions are required.

In the network test, in addition to the above several points, detailed and careful test planning is also indispensable. Before testing, you must have a comprehensive understanding of the network to be tested, including the network device type, link status, and interface type. At the same time, you must make a scientific and comprehensive selection of test points, if conditions permit, select as many test points as possible to fully reflect the network conditions. Finally, we need to combine the test methods, test content, and other factors, make detailed and comprehensive network address planning.

Network Test Case

This article describes the core network testing technology based on the actual testing of a carrier's IP bearer network backbone network. To meet the bearer requirements of softswitch, 3G, and major customer services, the carrier uses a 10-ge router to build a national backbone network of IP bearer networks, which provides MPLSVPN support and QoS Assurance, the fast convergence, fast re-routing, and BFD of routing protocols are deployed. The 2G and 5g links are used for interconnection, and GE links are used for downlink interconnection.

Based on the actual network conditions, the test adopts the active measurement method and centralized control, which is applicable to GPS clock synchronization to improve the test accuracy. Four core nodes in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Chengdu are selected as the measurement points, test the topology. The test content is as follows:

Ultimate network performance test: available network bandwidth test, latency test, Packet Loss Rate Test, and core network priority assurance test.

Network Performance Test: network performance test in a specific period of time; 7 × 24 hours network performance test.

Reliability Test: IBGP, IS-IS, LDP fast convergence test, Fast Detection and switching test, plugging optical fiber, plugging Business Board, plugging main control board, power failure, etc.; MPLSTE fast re-routing.

TMG switching test;

Business testing: voice business, streaming media business, and major account business.

VPN test: BGP/MPLSVPN function and performance test.

With the development of the telecom industry, network testing will upgrade Network Construction and more applications will be carried out by telecom operators. However, no network testing standards have been issued at home and abroad, cannot form a scientific system. However, with the development of the telecom industry, the study on network testing technology will become more and more in-depth in the next few years, and the network testing architecture will become clearer and clearer, and finally form the Network Testing Standard.