RFC Benchmark Test Overview

Vendors use a benchmark test to measure and report the performance characteristics of network devices. A user can then evaluate network devices from different vendors by comparing the benchmark test results.

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has defined benchmark test requirements in the following specifications:

• RFC 2544 (Benchmarking Methodology for Network Interconnect Devices)

  Defines reliable, repeatable methods for evaluating Layer 2 and Layer 3 switch performance

• RFC 2889 (Benchmarking Methodology for LAN Switching Devices)

  Defines reliable, repeatable methods for evaluating Layer 2 switch performance

• RFC 3918 (Benchmarking Methodology for IP Multicast)

  Defines reliable, repeatable methods for evaluating multicast IP forwarding performance

• RFC 5180 (Benchmarking Methodology for IPv6)

  Defines reliable, repeatable methods for measuring the performance of networks with IPv6 traffic.

• RFC 6349 (Framework for TCP Throughput Testing)

  Defines reliable, repeatable methods for measuring end-to-end TCP Throughput in a managed IP network.

• RFC 8239 (Data Center Benchmarking Methodology)

  Defines reliable, repeatable methods for measuring physical network equipment in the data center.

Refer to the IETF website at http://www.ietf.org for more information. The Spirent TestCenter wizard for each benchmark test provides a link to the appropriate IETF specification.

• Spirent TestCenter RFC 2544 with VLAN Network Device Benchmark Test Package with RFC 5180 option
• Spirent TestCenter RFC 2889 with VLAN Switching Benchmark Test Package
• Spirent TestCenter RFC 3918 Benchmark Test Package
• Spirent TestCenter RFC 6349 Benchmark Test Package
• Spirent TestCenter RFC 8239 Benchmark Test Package
• Spirent TestCenter Data Center Bridging Test Package: Switching Fabric Test
• Spirent TestCenter Data Center Bridging Test Package: Priority Flow Control Test

The Command Sequencer can be used to customize RFC tests by adding interim steps such as enabling/disabling capture or starting/stopping routers.