Performance testing methodology for ATM networks

Due to its high speed, efficient cell switching, and support for multiple classes of services, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is expected to be a key component in the next generation Internet backbone networks. In this paper, a testing methodology is described, which has been implemented to check the adopted control mechanisms at the source ends and the scheduling and policing mechanisms at the network side. This methodology checks the switch behavior not only when the received traffic is in conformance to the negotiated traffic parameters, but also when the received traffic exceeds the negotiated traffic parameters.