STC(Spirent TestCenter) points to remember!!

Spirent TestCenter is a network testing solution designed to simulate and analyze network traffic in various network environments. It is commonly used by network engineers, testers, and developers to validate the performance, scalability, and reliability of network devices and infrastructure. Here's how Spirent TestCenter works:

1. **Traffic Generation**: Spirent TestCenter can generate various types of network traffic, including Layer 2 (Ethernet), Layer 3 (IP), Layer 4 (TCP/UDP), and Layer 7 (application-level) traffic. Users can configure traffic profiles, such as packet size, rate, protocols, and traffic patterns, to simulate real-world network conditions and traffic scenarios.

2. **Topology Configuration**: Users can create complex network topologies using Spirent TestCenter's graphical user interface (GUI) or scripting capabilities. The tool supports a wide range of network protocols and technologies, including Ethernet, VLANs, IP, MPLS, BGP, OSPF, and more. Users can define the layout of network devices, connections, and traffic flows within the test environment.

3. **Traffic Monitoring**: Spirent TestCenter provides real-time monitoring and analysis capabilities to capture and analyze network traffic. Users can view detailed statistics, performance metrics, and traffic patterns to assess the behavior and performance of network devices under test (DUTs). The tool offers various visualization tools, including charts, graphs, and histograms, to visualize traffic data and identify potential issues.

4. **Protocol Emulation**: Spirent TestCenter can emulate various network protocols and behaviors to simulate real-world network conditions. Users can configure protocol-specific parameters, behaviors, and configurations to emulate different network scenarios and test the interoperability and compatibility of network devices and protocols.

5. **Scalability Testing**: Spirent TestCenter supports testing at scale by allowing users to generate large volumes of traffic and emulate thousands or even millions of concurrent connections. This enables users to assess the scalability, capacity, and performance limits of network devices, such as switches, routers, firewalls, and load balancers.

6. **Automation and Scripting**: Spirent TestCenter offers extensive automation capabilities through scripting interfaces (such as Python and Tcl) and integration with test automation frameworks. Users can automate test scenarios, configure test setups programmatically, and integrate testing into continuous integration (CI) and continuous deployment (CD) pipelines.

Overall, Spirent TestCenter provides a comprehensive set of tools and features for network testing, validation, and performance analysis. It enables users to create realistic network environments, generate diverse traffic patterns, analyze network behavior, and assess the performance and reliability of network devices and infrastructure under various conditions.

Real-time capture is possible with only STC version of wireshark.

Break port test is possible only under port.

Raw and bound is customed traffic.

For configuring flows, we need to enable BFDS.

.tcc config can be used as .db

Single device can run multiple protocols same time.

TCP, ARP are emulated frames. Test frames contain signature field.

On the fly while running the test u can change load profile

Control plane packets will capture both send and rx packets in wireshark.

One test profile can have 4000 streamblocks

Hypermetrics CM module can have 32000 streams.

Each modifier can have one stream or the same modifier can be used for multiple streams.

Use streams option will create a separate stream for each variation.

Signature filed is used to track the frames in term of streams, sequencing of packets and latency information.

Each analyzer can analyze up to 64000 streams.

Control plane statistics: data which is generated by CPU like ARP, ICMP,PPP

STC software and firmware version must match.

Single port reservation is possible in case of 10GE port or HM CM module having version > 3.3X otherwise ports are reserved in multiple of two.

Individual ARP request result can be viewed under port traffic and counters -> arp nd results.

In bound stream, by default traffic is port based. Port-based mode means traffic will be shared.

By default analyzer set to analyze everything but it's basically looking for the stream ID.

Analyzer preload is new feature added in 3.50 version. It has an ability to detect dead streams and will know what kind of traffic to expect.This option is enabled under stream block.

Command sequencer record mode is a new feature added in STC in 3.50 version.

We cannot record conditional loops in command seq record mode.

An analyzer can distinguish between duplicate frames.

Real-time results refresh in 1 sec

Histogram – bucket histogram mode means basic sequencing.

Results mode can be changed in settings as well as in result pane.

In histogram mode, the only support is latency.

Use streams is equivalent to traffic streams  in traffic wizard

Results are overwritten everytime you save the file though STC will ask for the popup option to do so.

Port analyzer default filter is stream ID.

PGA requires PGA base package license.

To run batch mode, we use custom test wizard

A single port can have 32K devices.

Can have 4000 stream blocks profiles per test.

Devices and routes can be mixed in single stream block or port.

Raw and bound stream blocks can be mixed in single test.

Each port can provide counts and rates for 32K streams

Advantage of lab server:
-one tcp connection only
-more session based on the number of user connected.
-for overnight test.

Use of raw streams block:
-to create bad traffic
-want to simply send traffic irrespective of destinations.

The default ToS/DiffServ on Raw Stream block is 00 while the Bound Stream block is C0.
All packets associated with one particular steam have a signature field with the same stream ID.
Signature field is 20 bytes

How to make DUT as dhcp server
Config t
# ip dhcp pool spirent
# network 1.1.1.0 255.255.255.0

R# show ip dhcp bindings
Clear ip dhcp binding *

Stc can be configured as dhcp client or server .
Dhcp client : cisco router
#int g0/2
Ip dhcp client class-id abc

OSpf config in DUT
Ospf :
Router ospf 1
Network 192.168.11.0 0.0.0.255 area 0
Network 192.168.12.0 0.0.0.255 area 0

Show ip route
Show ip ospf int
Show ip ospf neighbor

Bigger the frame size, more is the latency but there will be less no of drops since the router has to process fewer packets.

BGP config in DUT.
BGP :
Router bgp 100
Neighbor 1.1.1.2 remote as 200
Neighbor 2.2.2.2 remote as 300

Show ip route
Show ip bgp summary
Show ip bgp
Show ip bgpo neighbors

4 byte as no is used if there are many AS numbers.

2 management ports in present in 9U Chasis.

AC failure means power cable is not connected. DC failure means AC power is not converted into DC power. This could be a serious issue.

In avalanche you need to install the license in your pc for the application you are running.
In STC one time the only license need to be installed.

CPU 5002A modules: each  8 port act as individual port: 8 core : default profile is l4/l7
CM modules: there are 4 port groups. Each port groups contains 2 ports. default is stc . Need to install l4/l7 package
DX : 4 port groups : 10 Gbps*4 = 40 Gbps
DX2 is single slot with 32 ports.
CM – 1G – D4 == dual 4 ports. 2 port groups. Dual == optical + electrical

If you are running through wizards, capture is disabled, you need to run manually for capture but through script it is possible.

Simple raw traffic is called data traffic.
Anything with routing and other protocols is called: control traffic

RFC 2544: benchmarking for network interconnected devices. L2/L3 switches

RFC 2889: Benchmarking Methodology for LAN Switching devices

RFC 2889: Methodology for IP Multicast Benchmarking

Spirent TestCenter is fully interactive: Control and data plane parameters can be changed dynamically, and real-time feedback can be received. All tests can be saved as configuration files for simplified test automation.

There are two classes of Spirent TestCenter packages:
-The Base packages provide software for testing network protocols.
-The Test packages provide software for testing based on well-defined test methodologies that are either RFC-based standards or developed by Spirent in working with its customers

A complete list of cmd commands.

Append

The append command can be used by programs to open files in another directory as if they were located in the current directory.The append command is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Arp

The arp command is used to display or change entries in the ARP cache.

Assoc

The assoc command is used to display or change the file type associated with a particular file extension.

At

The at command is used to schedule commands and other programs to run at a specific date and time.

Attrib

The attrib command is used to change the attributes of a single file or a directory.

Auditpol

The auditpol command is used to display or change audit policies.

Bcdboot

The bcdboot command is used to copy boot files to the system partition and to create a new system BCD store.

Bcdedit

The bcdedit command is used to view or make changes to Boot Configuration Data.

Bdehdcfg

The bdehdcfg command is used to prepare a hard drive for BitLocker Drive Encryption.

Bitsadmin

The bitsadmin command is used to create, manage, and monitor download and upload jobs.

While the bitsadmin command is available in Windows 7, you should know that it is being phased out. The BITS PowerShell cmdlets should be used instead.

Bootcfg

The bootcfg command is used to build, modify, or view the contents of the boot.ini file, a hidden file that is used to identify in what folder, on which partition, and on which hard drive Windows is located.The bootcfg command was replaced by the bcdedit command beginning in Windows Vista. Bootcfg is still available in Windows 7 but it serves no real value since boot.ini is not used.

Bootsect

The bootsect command is used to configure the master boot code to one compatible with Windows 7 (BOOTMGR).The bootsect command is only available from the Command Prompt in System Recovery Options.

Break

The break command sets or clears extended CTRL+C checking on DOS systems.The break command is available in Windows 7 to provide compatibility with MS-DOS files but it has no effect in Windows 7 itself.

Cacls

The cacls command is used to display or change access control lists of files.Even though the cacls command is available in Windows 7, it's being phased out. Microsoft recommends that you use the icacls command instead.

Call

The call command is used to run a script or batch program from within another script or batch program.The call command has no effect outside of a script or batch file. In other words, running the call command at the Command Prompt will do nothing.

Cd

The Cd command is the shorthand version of the chdir command.

Certreq

The certreq command is used to perform various certification authority (CA) certificate functions.

Certutil

The certutil command is used to dump and display certification authority (CA) configuration information in addition to other CA functions.

Change

The change command changes various terminal server settings like install modes, COM port mappings, and logons.

Chcp

The chcp command displays or configures the active code page number.

Chdir

The chdir command is used to display the drive letter and folder that you are currently in. Chdir can also be used to change the drive and/or directory that you want to work in.

Chglogon

The chglogon command enables, disables, or drains terminal server session logins.Executing the chglogon command is the same as executing change logon.

Chgport

The chgport command can be used to display or change COM port mappings for DOS compatibility.Executing the chgport command is the same as executing change port.

Chgusr

The chgusr command is used to change the install mode for the terminal server.Executing the chgusr command is the same as executing change user.

Chkdsk

The chkdsk command, often referred to as check disk, is used to identify and correct certain hard drive errors.

Chkntfs

The chkntfs command is used to configure or display the checking of the disk drive during the Windows boot process.

Choice

The choice command is used within a script or batch program to provide a list of choices and return of the value of that choice to the program.

Cipher

The cipher command shows or changes the encryption status of files and folders on NTFS partitions.

Clip

The clip command is used to redirect the output from any command to the clipboard in Windows.

Cls

The cls command clears the screen of all previously entered commands and other text.

Cmd

The cmd command starts a new instance of the command interpreter.

Cmdkey

The cmdkey command is used to show, create, and remove stored user names and passwords.

Cmstp

The cmstp command installs or uninstalls a Connection Manager service profile.

Color

The color command is used to change the colors of the text and background within the Command Prompt window.

Command

The command command starts a new instance of the command.com command interpreter.The command command is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Comp

The comp command is used to compare the contents of two files or sets of files.

Compact

The compact command is used to show or change the compression state of files and directories on NTFS partitions.

Convert

The convert command is used to convert FAT or FAT32 formatted volumes to the NTFS format.

Cscript

The cscript command is used to execute scripts via Microsoft Script Host.The cscript command is most commonly used to manage printing from the command line with scripts like prncnfg.vbs, prndrvr.vbs, prnmngr.vbs, and others.

Date

The date command is used to show or change the current date.

Debug

The debug command starts Debug, a command line application used to test and edit programs.The debug command is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Defrag

The defrag command is used to defragment a drive you specify. The defrag command is the command line version of Microsoft's Disk Defragmenter.

Del

The del command is used to delete one or more files. The del command is the same as the erase command.

Diantz

The diantz command is used to losslessly compress one or more files. The diantz command is sometimes called Cabinet Maker.The diantz command is the same as the makecab command.

Dir

The dir command is used to display a list of files and folders contained inside the folder that you are currently working in. The dir command also displays other important information like the hard drive's serial number, the total number of files listed, their combined size, the total amount of free space left on the drive, and more.

Diskcomp

The diskcomp command is used to compare the contents of two floppy disks.

Diskcopy

The diskcopy command is used to copy the entire contents of one floppy disk to another.

Diskpart

The diskpart command is used to create, manage, and delete hard drive partitions.

Diskperf

The diskperf command is used to manage disk performance counters remotely.The diskperf command was useful for disk performance counter administration in Windows NT and 2000 but are permanently

enabled in Windows 7.

Diskraid

The diskraid command starts the DiskRAID tool which is used to manage and configure RAID arrays.

Dism

The dism command starts the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM). The DISM tool is used to manage features in Windows images.

Dispdiag

The dispdiag command is used to output a log of information about the display system.

Djoin

The djoin command is used to create a new computer account in a domain.

Doskey

The doskey command is used to edit command lines, create macros, and recall previously entered commands.

Dosx

The dosx command is used to start DOS Protected Mode Interface (DPMI), a special mode designed to give MS-DOS applications access to more than the normally allowed 640 KB.The dosx command is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7.The dosx command (and DPMI) is only available in Windows 7 to support older MS-DOS programs.

Driverquery

The driverquery command is used to show a list of all installed drivers.

Echo

The echo command is used to show messages, most commonly from within script or batch files. The echo command can also be used to turn the echoing feature on or off.

Edit

The edit command starts the MS-DOS Editor tool which is used to create and modify text files.The edit is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Edlin

The edlin command starts the Edlin tool which is used to create and modify text files from the command line.The edlin command is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Endlocal

The endlocal command is used to end the localization of environment changes inside a batch or script file.

Erase

The erase command is used to delete one or more files. The erase command is the same as the del command.

Esentutl

The esentutl command is used to manage Extensible Storage Engine databases.

Eventcreate

The eventcreate command is used to create a custom event in an event log.

Exe2Bin

The exe2bin command is used to convert a file of the EXE file type (executable file) to a binary file.The exe2bin command is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Exit

The exit command is used to end the Command Prompt session that you're currently working in.

Expand

The expand command is used to extract a single file or a group of files from a compressed file.

Extrac32

The extrac32 command is used to extract the files and folders contained in Microsoft Cabinet (CAB) files.The extrac32 command is actually a CAB extraction program for use by Internet Explorer but can be used to extract any Microsoft Cabinet file. Use the expand command instead of the extrac32 command if possible.

Fastopen

The fastopen command is used to add a program's hard drive location to a special list stored in memory, potentially improving the program's launch time by removing the need for MS-DOS to locate the application on the drive.The fastopen command is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7. Fastopen only exists in 32-bit versions of Windows 7 to support older MS-DOS files.

Fc

The fc command is used to compare two individual or sets of files and then show the differences between them.

Find

The find command is used to search for a specified text string in one or more files.

Findstr

The findstr command is used to find text string patterns in one or more files.

Finger

The finger command is used to return information about one or more users on a remote computer that's running the Finger service.

Fltmc

The fltmc command is used to load, unload, list, and otherwise manage Filter drivers.

For

The for command is used to run a specified command for each file in a set of files. The for command is most often used within a batch or script file.

Forfiles

The forfiles command selects one or more files to execute a specified command on. The forfiles command is most often used within a batch or script file.

Format

The format command is used to format a drive in the file system that you specify.Drive formatting is also available from Disk Management in Windows 7.

Fsutil

The fsutil command is used to perform various FAT and NTFS file system tasks like managing reparse points and sparse files, dismounting a volume, and extending a volume.

Ftp

The ftp command can used to transfer files to and from another computer. The remote computer must be operating as an FTP server.

Ftype

The ftype command is used to define a default program to open a specified file type.

Getmac

The getmac command is used to display the media access control (MAC) address of all the network controllers on a system.

Goto

The goto command is used in a batch or script file to direct the command process to a labeled line in the script.

Gpresult

The gpresult command is used to display Group Policy settings.

Gpupdate

The gpupdate command is used to update Group Policy settings.

Graftabl

The graftabl command is used to enable the ability of Windows to display an extended character set in graphics mode.The graftabl command is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Graphics

The graphics command is used to load a program that can print graphics.The graphics command is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Help

The help command provides more detailed information on other Command Prompt commands.

Hostname

The hostname command displays the name of the current host.

Hwrcomp

The hwrcomp command is used to compile custom dictionaries for handwriting recognition.

Hwrreg

The hwrreg command is used to install a previously compiled custom dictionary for handwriting recognition.

Icacls

The icacls command is used to display or change access control lists of files. The icacls command is an updated version of the cacls command.

If

The if command is used to perform conditional functions in a batch file.

Ipconfig

The ipconfig command is used to display detailed IP information for each network adapter utilizing TCP/IP. The ipconfig command can also be used to release and renew IP addresses on systems configured to receive them via a DHCP server.

Irftp

The irftp command is used to transmit files over an infrared link.

Iscsicli

The iscsicli command starts the Microsoft iSCSI Initiator, used to manage iSCSI.

Kb16

The kb16 command is used to support MS-DOS files that need to configure a keyboard for a specific language.The kb16 command is not available in 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

Klist

The klist command is used to list Kerberos service tickets. The klist command can also be used to purge Kerberos tickets.

Ksetup

The ksetup command is used to configure connections to a Kerberos server.

Ktmutil

The ktmutil command starts the Kernel Transaction Manager utility.