Network latency testing

摘要

In general, techniques are described that may allow a network element to analyze the performance of a network without using external equipment external to the network. In one example, a method includes injecting a plurality of data units onto the network, forwarding the plurality of data units around the network loop, injecting at least one timing data unit on to the network, forwarding the at least one timing data unit around the network loop, and determining at least one latency statistic correlated to the at least one characteristic of the forwarded plurality of data units.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
configuring a network loop on a network having at least two network elements; injecting, using a first one of the at least two network elements on the network, a plurality of data units onto the network, wherein the plurality of data units comprises a first plurality of data units and a second plurality of data units, wherein each of the first plurality of data units comprises a first characteristic and each of the second plurality of data units comprises a second characteristic; forwarding, using each of the at least two network elements on the network, the plurality of data units around the network loop at a first rate, wherein each of the plurality of data units comprises at least one characteristic; injecting, using the first one of the at least two network elements on the network, at least one timing data unit on to the network loop; forwarding, using each of the at least two network elements on the network, the at least one timing data unit around the network loop; and determining, based on the at least one timing data unit, at least one latency statistic correlated to the at least one characteristic of the forwarded plurality of data units by at least one of the at least two network elements, wherein determining the at least one latency statistic comprises determining a first latency statistic correlated to the first characteristic of the forwarded plurality of data units and a second latency statistic correlated to the second characteristic of the forwarded plurality of data units.