100 Gb/s Pattern Generator and Comparator

Network operators are facing sustained bandwidth demands from users and applications in the scientific computing and commercial communities. Hence many are actively migrating to faster 40/100 Gb/s technologies to support large scale transfers. Here the provision of advanced network testing/monitoring capabilities is vital for rapid and effective deployment of these new technologies. However, current 40/100 Gb/s testing systems feature bulky footprints and extremely high cost, and therefore pose a serious impediment for the rapid deployment and maintenance of next-generation networks. We propose to address these critical concerns by developing a compact, low-cost 40/100 Gb/s testing module that leverages commercial off-the-shelf hardware and provides full integration with existing network monitoring software. This solution will allow operators to greatly-increase their testing footprints and accelerate migration to faster link rates. It will also provide users with detailed real-time monitoring/diagnostic capabilities for their end-to-end data transfersa major improvement over current technologies. In the Phase I effort we conducted a thorough analysis to determine the feasibility of the planned approach. This work consisted of three primary objectives: 1) clearly defining the system requirements; 2) producing a comprehensive architecture design with full module specifications; and 3) developing a basic working prototype. This effort also conducted detailed investigations on integrating the proposed system with existing network monitoring frameworks used in the scientific community. In Phase II we will transition the Phase I feasibility study and preliminary hardware prototype into a complete system ready for commercialization. Here the initial baseline specification produced in Phase I will be significantly expanded with new capabilities and interfaces. Next, this framework will be integrated with higher-level monitoring systems to demonstrate comprehensive end-to-end test monitoring capabilities. Finally we will develop and analyze various testcase scenarios to demonstrate the final product and quantify its overall performance and cost-effectiveness. Overall, the envisioned solution will greatly benefit operators and users in the scientific and commercial communities via the provision of a compact, cost-effective 40/100 Gb/s network testing module that seamlessly interfaces with existing monitoring software. Hence operators will be able accelerate the deployment of their next-generation infrastructures and significantly improve user service support for massive bulk transfers.