Methods and devices for testing and monitoring high speed communication networks
First Claim
1. A traffic checker suitable for use in testing and evaluating aspects of a high speed communications network, the traffic checker comprising:
- a plurality of link connections;
a display; and
a plurality of components configured for communication with the plurality of link connections, the plurality of components being compatible with multiple protocols and comprising;
a monitor module, comprising;
a retimer configured to receive and retime a data signal by way of at least one of the link connections;
at least one monitor submodule with access to the both the data signal and the retimed data signal and configured to communicate with the display;
a timestamp submodule; and
a first log in communication with the at least one monitor submodule and the timestamp submodule, wherein errors identified in at least one of the retimed data signal or the data signal are filed in the first log and timestamped with the timestamp submodule; and
a test module in communication with the display and comprising;
a transmitter in communication with one of the link connections;
a compare engine;
a pattern memory in communication with the transmitter and the compare engine, wherein the transmitter transmits a particular test pattern from the pattern memory and wherein the compare engine determines an effect of the communications network on the test pattern;
a second log;
an error calculator in communication with the compare engine and with the second log; and
a timestamp module in communication with the second log.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods are disclosed for use in testing and evaluating aspects of a high speed communications network. In particular, a portable traffic checker for field use is provided that includes multiple sets of different types of communication links and is compatible with multiple protocols. One such traffic checker includes “test” and “monitor” modules having access to a data signal received by the traffic checker. The “test” module tests aspects of the communications network with a BER methodology, while the “monitor” module checks and reports on aspects of the data signal such as frame sizes, data rates, and data signal errors. Information obtained by the modules can be timestamped and stored in a log, and may also be uploaded through a communications port. Some information may also be displayed. Additionally, the traffic checker is switchable between the “test” and “monitor” modes and enables a user to select a data rate.
13 Citations
34 Claims
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1. A traffic checker suitable for use in testing and evaluating aspects of a high speed communications network, the traffic checker comprising:
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a plurality of link connections; a display; and a plurality of components configured for communication with the plurality of link connections, the plurality of components being compatible with multiple protocols and comprising; a monitor module, comprising; a retimer configured to receive and retime a data signal by way of at least one of the link connections; at least one monitor submodule with access to the both the data signal and the retimed data signal and configured to communicate with the display; a timestamp submodule; and a first log in communication with the at least one monitor submodule and the timestamp submodule, wherein errors identified in at least one of the retimed data signal or the data signal are filed in the first log and timestamped with the timestamp submodule; and a test module in communication with the display and comprising; a transmitter in communication with one of the link connections; a compare engine; a pattern memory in communication with the transmitter and the compare engine, wherein the transmitter transmits a particular test pattern from the pattern memory and wherein the compare engine determines an effect of the communications network on the test pattern; a second log; an error calculator in communication with the compare engine and with the second log; and a timestamp module in communication with the second log. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A traffic checker suitable for use in testing and evaluating aspects of a high speed communications network, the traffic checker comprising:
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a plurality of link connections; a display; and a plurality of components configured for communication with the plurality of link connections, the plurality of components being compatible with multiple protocols and comprising; a monitor module, configured to perform real time testing of the network on data signals that include both untimed and retimed data signals, comprising; a retimer configured to receive and transmit data signals by way of the link connections; a plurality of monitor submodules with access to the data signal and configured to communicate with the display, the plurality of monitor submodules comprising; a pair of frame size submodules; a pair of error check submodules; and a pair of data rate submodules; and a first timestamp submodule; and a first log in communication with the error check submodules and the first timestamp submodule, the first log including errors identified by the error check submodules; and a test module in communication with the display and comprising; a transmitter in communication with one of the link connections; a compare engine; a pattern memory in communication with the transmitter and the compare engine, wherein the transmitter transmits a particular test pattern from the pattern memory and wherein the compare engine determines an effect of the communications network on the test pattern; a second log; a BER calculator in communication with the compare engine and with the second log; and a second timestamp module in communication with the second log. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification