Enhanced reference implementation applied in routing protocol test

The current protocol integrated test system (PITS), which was designed for testing communications protocols, is now confronted with challenges when testing routing protocols due to their different features and test requirements. Therefore, work has been done to enhance the reference implementation (RI), to overcome the limitations and increase the test ability of PITS. With submodules introduced, the processing ability of RI is strengthened. With the multiple channels test method, the observability and the controllability of the implementation under test (IUT) are expanded. In order to cope with testing in high-speed networks, RI is further divided into the acceptance sub layer and the submission sub layer. In order to cooperate with the enhanced RI and describe the test activities uniformly and integrally, a packet extension technique is worked out. With these techniques implemented, the functions of the RI are enhanced. Also, the flexibility and the efficiency of the whole test system are greatly promoted with the compatibility of the test system well maintained. Effective routing protocol testing has been performed on PITS with the enhanced RI.