A prototype testbed for steady-state and transient studies of computer communication networks

A software-driven approach towards a prototype testbed for computer networks is considered. To generate statistically significant results, the testbed has the ability to make thousands of runs with a single operator set-up. An attempt is made to provide an intelligent user interface to distributed resources through user-friendly, interactive screens. The network configuration and connectivity is totally user-configurable. The input data for the runs have been kept parametric to prevent frequent recompiles. The provision of local memory at every node for storage of event data reduces overhead. The monitor software including the user interface, metapacket formation for downloading to the network under test, and a completed loop through a VAX which simulates the network under test demonstrates the system. The system has been designed for an expandable, flexible testbed, and the monitor interface and design is applicable to real hardware nodes, software-simulated nodes, or a hybrid combination of both