Breaking News -
Networking:
Network Forum Releases New MPLS
Benchmarking Agreement
Facilitating the growth and effective use of network processing technology,
The Network Processing Forum (NPF) announced the release of the Multiprotocol
Label Switching (MPLS) Forwarding Application Level Benchmark Implementation
Agreement (IA). A first in the industry, the MPLS benchmark specification
establishes an objective testing methodology that enables network processing
element vendors and equipment manufacturers to evaluate a component's MPLS
performance characteristics. This implementation agreement establishes
consistent and objective measurement criteria that accurately assess the MPLS
performance of network processing products.
The NPF is also introducing the Fabric Traffic Models IA and the Fabric
Performance Metrics IA. These two IAs define some of the basic parameters to
be used within a fabric-benchmarking specification. Both IAs build on the
Switch Fabric Benchmark Framework IA that was released in October of last year
and are significant milestones towards the development of a complete Fabric
Benchmark IA.
All three benchmarking IAs utilize the existing NPF benchmarking process,
which includes third party certification and specific terms of use for
benchmarking results.
"The NPF creates specifications using an open process that encompasses
input
from all of its members," said Raj Yavatkar, vice-chairman of the NPF board of
directors. "This process delivers impartial specifications that vendors and
system OEMs can use to effectively evaluate the impact of different network
processing elements on overall system design and performance."
The MPLS IA defines a methodology to obtain network processor MPLS
application
level benchmarks and describes the tests used to obtain MPLS performance
metrics in Ingress, Egress and Transit configurations. It includes an Annex
that describes a reference implementation of the benchmark, outlines the
traffic streams required to run the benchmark tests, and provides the
references and descriptions associated with the benchmark routing tables. An
associated MPLS Reporting Template IA presents several sample reports for
results derived from this reference implementation.
Network Processing manufacturers that wish to certify the performance
results
of their benchmark tests must submit their products to a third party
independent auditor and certification authority such as the Tolly Group. Once
testing is completed, the NPF provides the "NPF Certified" mark to the
manufacturer validating that the benchmark results are in complete compliance
with NPF benchmark specifications.
The Fabric Traffic Model IA defines a set of mathematical traffic models to
be
used in generating traffic patterns. These models are categorized by their
statistical attributes, focusing on key characteristics including arrival
process and destination distribution. The Fabric Performance Metrics IA
describes the performance metrics that will be used in the development of an
overall fabric benchmark. The two IAs use a common reference model for
classifying traffic that will transit the switch fabric, measure fabric
latency, determine accepted vs. offered bandwidth, and quantify jitter. Being
able to measure switch fabric performance is essential to the evaluation of
complete network processing systems.
"Network processing benchmarks enable equipment vendors to intelligently
select and integrate network processing elements and subsystems to support
desired services within their products," said Serge Audenaert, chair of the
NPF benchmark working group. "The MPLS benchmark specification will help
networking semiconductor, software and OEM manufacturers lower design costs
and speed products to market."
All three of these specifications are available at no cost on the NPF
website.
About the Network Processing Forum
Founded in 2001, the Network Processing Forum (NPF) is an international
industry consortium of networking semiconductor, software and OEM
manufacturers accelerating the adoption of network processing technologies
through the development and implementation of network processing standards and
benchmarks. By establishing standard interfaces and benchmarks, the NPF helps
semiconductor manufacturers, software developers, services companies and
system OEM's lower development costs, shorten design cycles, reduce product
time-to-market and increase product time-in-market. The Forum has more than 90
members from around the world that provide network processing products and
services globally.
Web site:
www.npforum.org/techinfo/approved.shtml
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