Test Hosts and Data Simulation

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The ultimate goal of all networks is to transport data from one place to another. Without data to transport, there would be no need for networks. To ensure that any model is working properly, test data is always required. Networking has no exception to this rule. Without test data of some sort , it would be difficult to test many networking features. Features such as remote source-route bridging (RSRB) actually need to send and receive data before the RSRB becomes active. A data-link switching (DLSw) peer can be connected, but no circuit becomes active until data is sent. Therefore, to properly test the models, you need to simulate data of many kinds. Your challenge will be testing complex protocols, such as SNA, without installing a mini-mainframe in your labs.

Fortunately, the Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000 “based operating systems ship with three major protocols that help in testing your networks. Microsoft Windows 95, 98, and 2000 all ship with TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and NetBEUI as installable protocols. These three protocols allow numerous testing of many Cisco IOS Software features.

For example, two Windows-based workstations running NetBEUI can be used to test DLSw peers across an internetwork. Browsing Network Neighborhood will force an all-routes explorer frame to be generated. The name that you entered in the Control Panel/ Network/Identification Name dialog box will be the name that appears during the show dlsw reachability command. As another example, in an RSRB environment, this explorer frame would be enough to bring up the remote source bridge and force a connection to the other remote source bridge.

Installing TCP/IP allows you to use many shareware utilities, such as FTP, TFTP, and DHCP, for testing. By actually setting up end stations , filters will take a more true-to-life form when you can actually see them at work. All these IP-based utilities are shareware that you should be able to find online.

NOTE

I installed my first home network in 1993, on the same day that the computer game DOOM was released. DOOM allowed for 3D multiplayer computer games over a network through IPX. We pooled our money, and hours later, we were stringing coax cable from one end of the apartment to the other. We then proceeded to set up an IPX-based NetWare Lite network. In the days of DOS and the dreaded 640 K limit, we were quite proud of our little network. We ventured forth and immersed ourselves in the 3D world of DOOM well into the wee hours of the morning.

To this day, DOOM and its descendants remain a nemesis to network managers. Bandwidth manager products, such as the one by Packeteer, even have a special data flow for DOOM. (This probably is to secure enough bandwidth for the DOOM players so that they are not slowed down by somebody's print job.) At any rate, computer games continue to be great tests for the speed and for the transport of IP and IPX protocols, as well as for the network manager trying to control them. In the lab or at home, the joys of playing the latest computer game over your new network can be a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, you can amaze your friends with your networking expertise.


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CCIE Practical Studies, Volume I
CCIE Practical Studies, Volume I
ISBN: 1587200023
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2001
Pages: 283
Authors: Karl Solie

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