InterNetwork puts all layers to the test

In the arts, imitation is the highest form of flattery. In technology they call it emulation. And in complex data networks, emulation is the highest form of testing. Start-up test company interNetwork began to flatter the end user recently with new emulation capabilities that reproduce traffic loads for testing across Layers 2 through 7.

Providing simultaneous testing of all protocols including DHCP over ATM and L2TP, and the ability to pass application layer traffic over PPPoX (which the company claims is a first), lets interNetwork emulate end users so carriers and equipment manufacturers can test network and equipment performance under real-world conditions.

“We are trying to move the paradigm of testing. It’s easy to tell if a box passes the test, but you haven’t been able to test the quality of the experience--until now,” said Sterling Pratz, vice president of corporate development at interNetwork.

The company’s smartTest (version 2.3.1) software-based test solution can run pre-configured tests from a laptop as well as configure test scenarios on the fly with a user-customizable reporting engine. Tests can be set up using a set-up wizard.

The ability to test PPPoX with real traffic allows quality of service measurements on services such as video, MP3 and virtual private networking. Another significant new feature is the ability to deploy interNetwork’s test solution on a laptop. That gives field technicians the ability to verify system configurations and compare lab performance to field performance.

“One thing carriers have been talking about for years, but are just now starting to do something about, is deliver higher quality services with faster deliver. And quality is important now because people can charge for it,” Pratz said.

The San Francisco and Wiesbaden, Germany-based start-up names Bell Nexxia, net.com and Nortel Networks among its customers.