Spirent SmartBits System User manual
P/N 340-1087-001 REV A
SmartBits
Performance Analysis System
SmartBits System
Reference
February 2001
Spirent Communications of Calabasas1,Inc.
(800) 886-8842 Toll Free
(818) 676-2300 Phone
(818) 881-9154 FAX
Copyright 1993-2001 Spirent Communications of Calabasas, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The information contained in this document is the property of Spirent Communications, and is furnished for use by
recipient only for the purpose stated in the Software License Agreement accompanying the document. Except as per-
mitted by such License Agreement, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of Spirent Communications, Inc.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment
on the part of Spirent Communications. The information in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable,
however, Spirent Communications assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may
appear in the document.
Trademarks
AST II, ScriptCenter, SmartApplications, SmartBits, SmartCableModem,SmartFabric,SmartFlow,
SmartLib, SmartMetrics, SmartMulticastIP, SmartSignaling,SmartTCP, SmartVoIPQoS,
SmartWindow,SmartxDSL, TeraMetrics,andVASTare trademarks or registered trademarks of Spirent
Communications of Calabasas, Inc.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Warranty
Spirent Communications warrants to recipient that hardware which it supplies with this document (“Product”) will be
free from significant defects in materials and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of
delivery (the “Warranty Period”), under normal use and conditions.
Defective Product under warranty shall be, at Spirent Communications’ discretion, repaired or replaced or a credit
issued to recipient’s account for an amount equal to the price paid for such Product provided that: (a) such Product is
returned to Spirent Communications after first obtaining a return authorization number and shipping instructions,
freight prepaid, to Spirent Communications’ location in the United States; (b) recipient provide a written explanation of
the defect claimed; and (c) the claimed defect actually exists and was not caused by neglect, accident, misuse, improper
installation, improper repair, fire, flood, lightning, power surges, earthquake or alteration. Spirent Communications
will ship repaired Product to recipient, freight prepaid, within ten (10) working days after receipt of defective Product.
Except as otherwise stated, any claim on account of defective materials or for any other cause whatsoever will
conclusively be deemed waived by recipient unless written notice thereof is given to Spirent Communications within
the Warranty Period. Product will be subject to Spirent Communications’ standard tolerances for variations.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED, AND THE LIABILITY OF SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS INC., IF ANY, FOR
DAMAGES RELATING TO ANY ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE ACTUAL PRICE
PAID BY THE PURCHASER FOR SUCH PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT WILL SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS INC. BE
LIABLE FOR COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES, LOST PROFITS, OR ANY
SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY
THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE SALE AND/OR LICENSE OF PRODUCTS OR
SERVICES TO RECIPIENT EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY.
1. Formerly known as Netcom Systems, Inc.
ii SmartBits System Reference
SmartBits System Reference iii
Contents
Contents iii
About This Guide 1
Purpose ...................................................................... 2
Audience ..................................................................... 2
ManualContent................................................................ 2
Conventions .................................................................. 4
RelatedManuals ............................................................... 5
OnlineHelp................................................................... 5
HowtoContactUs.............................................................. 6
Chapter 1 Documentation and Website Overview 7
SmartBitsDocumentation........................................................ 8
SpirentCommunicationsWebsiteResources......................................... 9
DataSheetsandBrochures ................................................... 9
Technical Support Software, Firmware, and Documentation Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
TrainingClasses,Seminars,andConsultingServices............................... 9
TechnologyPapers,Articles,andApplicationNotes.............................. 11
SpirentCommunicationsUSGovernmentSolutions .............................. 11
WebsitesofIndustryLabPartners............................................. 11
Chapter 2 System Architecture 13
SmartBitsChassisModelsandCards.............................................. 14
SmartBits-200 ................................................................ 15
SmartBits-2000............................................................... 15
SmartBits-10 ............................................................. 16
SmartBits-600 ................................................................ 16
SmartBits-6000B.............................................................. 16
SummaryofSmartBitsSoftware.................................................. 17
CardArchitecture.............................................................. 18
TrafficGenerationandPerformanceAnalysis ....................................... 19
TraditionalCardsandTraffic ................................................ 20
SmartMetricsCardsandTraffic .............................................. 23
TeraMetricsCardsandTraffic................................................ 26
Contents
iv SmartBits System Reference
Chapter 3 Multiple Users Accessing a Chassis 27
Requirements for Multi-User Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
PreparingforMulti-UserOperation ............................................... 29
How Does the Multi-User Feature Work?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
In SmartWindow, with SMB-600 and SMB-6000B Multi-Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
InSmartWindow,withSMB-2000............................................ 33
InSmartFlow ............................................................ 34
InSmartCableModemTest.................................................. 36
InSmartxDSL............................................................ 37
Chapter 4 Maintenance and Upgrade Procedures 39
DownloadingNewFirmware .................................................... 40
AddingCardstoaSmartBitsChassis.............................................. 40
ConvertingtheSmartBitsChassis................................................. 40
ChangingChassisTimeout...................................................... 41
ChangingChassisFuses ........................................................ 41
Chapter 5 Core Software Applications 43
OverviewofCoreApplications................................................... 44
SmartWindow ................................................................ 45
SmartLib .................................................................... 47
SmartApplications............................................................. 48
Chapter 6 Optional Applications 51
SpecialFeatureSupport......................................................... 52
RequiredFirmwareVersions................................................. 52
Local Multiple Chassis Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
RemoteMultipleChassiswithGPS ............................................... 54
SmartSignaling ............................................................... 55
SmartMulticastIP.............................................................. 56
SmartxDSL .................................................................. 57
SmartFlow................................................................... 59
SmartVoIPQoS ............................................................... 61
AdvancedSwitchTestsforEthernet(ASTII) ....................................... 62
VirtualLANAdvancedSwitchTests(VAST)....................................... 64
SmartCableModemTest ........................................................ 65
ScriptCenter ................................................................. 67
SmartTCP ................................................................... 68
Contents
SmartBits System Reference v
Chapter 7 Sample Test Topologies 69
SampleDevicesandNetworkstoTest ............................................. 70
TestingCableModems ..................................................... 70
TestingFrameRelaySwitches ............................................... 70
TestingPacketoverSONETRouters .......................................... 71
TestingGigabitRouters .................................................... 72
TestingATM............................................................. 73
Chapter 8 Chassis Specifications 75
SMB-200/2000Specifications.................................................... 76
SMB-10................................................................. 77
SMB-6000/6000BSpecifications ................................................. 78
Chapter 9 Ethernet Cards 81
EthernetApplications .......................................................... 82
Minimum/MaximumFrameLengthsforEachCard................................... 84
FeatureSummaryof10/100MbpsCards........................................... 86
FeatureSummaryofGigabitCards................................................ 91
SmartCardsandModules........................................................ 94
LEDsonEthernetSmartCards/modules........................................ 94
GXSeriesSmartCards.......................................................... 96
LANSeriesModules........................................................... 98
LAN-3100AandLAN-3200ASeriesModules................................... 98
LAN-3101AModules..................................................... 100
LAN-3111AModule...................................................... 101
LAN-3201xSeriesModules................................................ 104
LAN-3300SeriesModules ................................................. 106
LAN-3710AModule...................................................... 108
MLSeriesSmartCards......................................................... 110
ML-5710ASmartCard..................................................... 110
ML-7710/7711SmartCards................................................. 111
STSeriesSmartCards ......................................................... 112
ST-6410SmartCards ..................................................... 112
SXSeriesSmartCards......................................................... 113
SX-7000SmartCards...................................................... 113
StandardEthernetFeatures..................................................... 114
GigabitFrameRateCalculation ................................................. 130
GigabitEthernetTesting,ClockTolerance......................................... 132
Chapter 10 Packet over SONET Modules 135
PacketoverSONET(POS)Applications .......................................... 136
Contents
vi SmartBits System Reference
PacketoverSONET(POS)ModuleTypes......................................... 137
PacketoverSONET(POS)LEDs................................................ 138
POS-3500/3502SeriesModules................................................. 139
POS-3504AsModule.......................................................... 141
Chapter 11 ATM Cards 143
ATMApplications............................................................ 144
ATMIntroduction............................................................ 145
ATMLEDs ................................................................. 146
ATMSmartCards............................................................. 148
ATMCellHeader ............................................................ 150
ATMAlarms................................................................ 151
ATMLineEventStatistics ..................................................... 155
ATMILMIParameters ........................................................ 157
ATMLANEParameters ....................................................... 158
ATMARPParameters......................................................... 159
ATMLineParameters......................................................... 160
Chapter 12 WAN Cards 163
WAN Applications........................................................... 164
FeatureSummaryofWANCards............................................ 165
WANLEDs................................................................. 166
WN-3405,WN-3415,WN-3420ASmartCards...................................... 168
WN-3441A, WN-3442A, WN-3445A
SmartCards ................................................................. 169
Chapter 13 Token Ring Cards 171
TokenRingApplications....................................................... 172
TokenRingLEDs ............................................................ 173
TokenRingCounters.......................................................... 174
TR-8405TokenRing4/16MbpsSmartCard........................................ 175
TokenRingOperationalDetail.................................................. 176
RingProtocolsUsedbytheTR-8405............................................. 185
Chapter 14 Fibre Channel Cards 189
FibreChannelModules........................................................ 190
FBC-3601A,FBC-3602AModules............................................... 191
FibreChannelLEDs .......................................................... 193
Contents
SmartBits System Reference vii
Appendix A RFCs and Standards Supported 195
Appendix B Auto Negotiation 197
GigabitFiberAutoNegotiation.................................................. 198
10/100/1000Mbps Copper Ethernet Auto Negotiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Auto Negotiation Priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
OperationAftertheAutoNegotiationProtocolCompletes ........................ 203
SummaryofMIIRegistersandBitDefinitions...................................... 204
Appendix C Certifications and EMI Compliance 211
Certifications................................................................ 212
SmartBitsCompliancewithCERequirements...................................... 213
Appendix D ToS Parameters 215
Appendix E SMB-600/6000B Cables and Connectors 221
EthernetCables.............................................................. 222
EthernetConnectors........................................................... 223
POSConnectors.............................................................. 226
FiberOpticCableSignals...................................................... 227
Multi-modeSCDuplextoSCDuplex ........................................ 227
Single-modeSCDuplextoSCDuplex ....................................... 228
SmartBits-to-GPS Receiver Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Appendix F SMB-200/2000 Cables and Connectors 231
EthernetCables.............................................................. 232
EthernetConnectors........................................................... 233
TokenRingCableandConnector................................................ 238
WANCablesandConnectors................................................... 239
ATMCablesandConnectors.................................................... 241
FiberOpticCableSignals...................................................... 244
Multi-modeSCDuplextoSCDuplex......................................... 244
Single-modeSCDuplextoSCDuplex........................................ 245
SmartBits-to-GPS Receiver Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Appendix G Serial Port Commands 247
OverviewoftheSerialCommandSet............................................. 248
SerialPortCommandSet ...................................................... 249
Glossary of Terms 253
FeaturesandTerminology...................................................... 254
Index 265
viii SmartBits System Reference
About This Guide
Purpose
2 SmartBits System Reference
Purpose
The SmartBits System Reference manual provides system architecture information, basic
product information, and specifications, with an emphasis on hardware usage.
Audience
This manual is designed for engineers and technicians who are familiar with PCs and have
a working knowledge of telecommunications devices and networks.
Manual Content
This manual contains the following chapters:
“About This Guide” Provides an overview of this manual.
Chapter 1, “Documentation
and Website Overview”
An overview of SmartBits documentation, related
manuals, website, training information and technical
support.
Chapter 2, “System
Architecture”
Detailed information on SmartBits chassis, software
applications, traffic generation, and performance
analysis.
Chapter 3, “Multiple Users
Accessing a Chassis”
Explains how to access a chassis, including multi-user
requirements, operation and features
Chapter 4, “Maintenance and
Upgrade Procedures”
Provides maintenance and upgrade procedures
including, downloading firmware, adding SmartCards/
modules, changing timeout and fuses, and converting
SmartCards/modules.
Chapter 5, “Core Software
Applications”
An overview of core applications for SmartWindow,
SmartLib, and SmartApplications.
Chapter 6, “Optional
Applications”
Provides a list of optional applications for the
SmartBits chassis.
Chapter 7, “Sample Test
Topologies”
Describes testing of sample devices and networks
including a summary of tests.
Chapter 8, “Chassis
Specifications”
Provides specification information for all SmartBits
chassis.
About This Guide
Manual Content
SmartBits System Reference 3
Chapter 9, “Ethernet Cards”Describes Ethernet card features, performance, and
methodology.
Chapter 10, “Packet over
SONET Modules”
Describes POS card features, performance, and
methodology.
Chapter 11, “ATM Cards”Describes ATM card features, performance, and
methodology.
Chapter 12, “WAN Cards”Describes WAN card features, performance, and
methodology.
Chapter 13, “Token Ring
Cards”
Describes Tokin Ring card features, performance, and
methodology.
Appendix A, “RFCs and
Standards Supported”
Describes RFCs and Standards supported by SmartBits
applications.
Appendix C, “Certifications
and EMI Compliance”
Describes safety and emission standards, FCC
statement, and EC requirements.
Appendix B, “Auto
Negotiation”
Defines auto negotiation as performed by SmartBits
systems and SmartCards/modules.
Appendix D, “ToS Paramet ers ”Describes type of service values.
Appendix E, “SMB-600/6000B
Cables and Connectors”
Describes the cable and connections features available
for the SMB-600/6000B
Appendix F, “SMB-200/2000
Cables and Connectors”
Describes the cable and connections features available
for the SMB-200/2000
Appendix G, “Serial Port
Commands”
Overview of the serial port command set.
“Glossary of Terms”Describes common features and terms used with
SmartBits chassis.
About This Guide
Conventions
4 SmartBits System Reference
Conventions
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
•Italics for parameter names, chapters, document names, areas within windows, and
words of emphasis.
•Bold for paths in procedures, any button, key, or tab being selected, menu options and
values within a field, and tab names.
•The terms DUT and device under test as well as SUT and system under test are used
interchangeably in this guide.
•Text you enter or input is shown in Courier.
•Directory and file names are shown in Helvetica.
•The terms packet and frame are used interchangeably.
•The terms “SmartCard”and “card”refer to the circuit boards used with the
SMB-200/2000 chassis. The term “module”refers to the circuit boards used with the
SMB-600/6000B chassis.
Notes, cautions, and other important user information are shown as follows:
Note: Includes related information and tips.
!Caution: Includes related precautions.
Important: Includes related important details.
Warning: Includes related warnings to prevent damage to equipment and or injury.
About This Guide
Related Manuals
SmartBits System Reference 5
Related Manuals
Additional manuals related to this Product Name Reference manual are listed below.
•SmartBits 200/2000 Installation Guide: Describes how to set up the IP address of a
SMB-200 or SMB-2000 chassis and perform a first-time installation.
•SmartBits 600/6000B Installation Guide: Describes how to set up the IP address of a
SMB- 600 or SMB-6000B chassis and perform a first-time installation.
•User guides supplied with both core and optional software applications.
Online Help
In each Product Name GUI application, you can access online Help in two ways:
•Press the F1 key in the window about which you wish information.
•From the menu bar, select Help >Contents to view the entire contents of the Help
file.
About This Guide
How to Contact Us
6 SmartBits System Reference
How to Contact Us
Technical support is available Monday through Friday between 07:00 and 18:00 Pacific
Standard Time.
To obtain technical support for any product, please contact our Technical Support
Department using any of the following methods:
Phone: +1 800.886.8842 (available in the U.S. and Canada)
+1 818.676.2589
Fax: +1 818.880.9154
E-mail: smartbits.support@spirentcom.com
In addition, the latest versions of application Help files, application notes, and software
and firmware updates are available on our website at:
http://www.spirentcom.com
Company Address
Spirent Communications of Calabasas
26750 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA 91302
USA
+1 818.676.2300
Chapter 1: Documentation and Website Overview
SmartBits Documentation
8 SmartBits System Reference
SmartBits Documentation
The user documentation for SmartBits Performance Analyzers is organized into manuals
included in multiple binders, on CD, and/or the Spirent Communications website at:
www. spirentcom.com
To keep pace in a fast-moving industry, the latest documentation for our new and
improved product family is available as follows:
Core manuals
All chassis orders ship with the following manuals on CD. The installation guides and this
System Reference manual are provided in hardcopy form:
•SmartBits 200/2000 Installation Guide.Provide initial installation and
troubleshooting procedures (for SMB-200/2000 chassis.
or
SmartBits 600/6000B Installation Guide.Provide initial installation and trouble-
shooting procedures (for SMB-600/6000B chassis).
•SmartWindow User Guide.Describes how to use SmartWindow –a versatile GUI
designed for custom testing.
•SmartApplications User Guide.Describes how to use SmartApplications –asetof
automated, tests based on RFC-1242 and RFC-2544.
•SmartApplications API Manual.Explains how to use the SmartApplications API
software –a set of canned scripts used to run SmartApplications tests.
•SmartLib User Guide and SmartLib Message Functions Guide.Explain how to
program using SmartLib –a comprehensive programming tool to meet unique
requirements or to streamline testing.
•SmartBits System Reference (this manual).
For the latest documentation for: Please refer to:
Software programs or versions The online help for the new program and/or
the revised user guide
Firmware Release notes under Support at the website
SmartCards/modules •Data sheets under Products at the website
•Online help for SmartWindow
Manuals Documentation area of the website
Chapter 1: Documentation and Website Overview
Spirent Communications Website Resources
SmartBits System Reference 9
Additional user guides
With any additional applications purchased, you will receive a user guide on the product’s
software CD.
Spirent Communications Website Resources
Please visit the Spirent Communications website at:
www. spirentcom.com
Located at this site are the latest product updates, technical tips and papers, technical
support information, enhanced firmware, updated documentation, and industry links.
The following website resources are only examples of the material at your fingertips.
Data Sheets and Brochures
A variety of data sheets and brochures are available on Spirent Communications chassis,
applications, and cards.
Technical Support Software, Firmware, and Documentation Updates
If you have SmartBits products and wish to upgrade your version or obtain the latest
firmware release, contact Spirent Communications Technical Support for the necessary
passwords and then download the desired files directly from our website.
Training Classes, Seminars, and Consulting Services
Spirent Communications offers a variety of technology-based and product-specific
courses and seminars. Consulting services are also available for custom work, such as
scripting.
SmartTraining
Through a combination of lecture and labs, students will learn how to use SmartBits
hardware and software. Our wide range of workshops can be customized for your needs.
SmartTraining courses focus on how to effectively use Spirent Communications hardware
and applications. Our programs provide a hands-on approach to learning products,
technology, and test methodologies. Through a variety of courses, we can provide your
organization with an entire training solution, or use individual courses to enhance your
technicians' skills.
Chapter 1: Documentation and Website Overview
Spirent Communications Website Resources
10 SmartBits System Reference
Services include but are not limited to:
•Spirent Communications Training Facilities
•On-site Training
•Portable Mini-Lab
•Program Customization
•Full Testing and Certification
•Train-the-Trainer Program
•Full Administrative Support
Course Offerings:
•TRN-301 "SmartLibrary Programming using Tcl"
•TRN-402 "How to Test Multi-Layer Devices and Networks"
•TRN-501 "How to Test QoS Devices and Networks"
•TRN-601 "How to Test ATM Devices and Networks"
Seminars
Check our website regularly to find out about upcoming events. Past seminars have
focused on the following topics:
•Multi Layer Switch Testing & Analysis. For developers, service providers, and
major enterprises.
•Broadband Test and Analysis. Includes information on xDSL, Cable Modem, and
AT M .
•Voice over IP. Explains voice over IP technology and introduces the SmartVoIPQoS
product.
SmartConsulting
Expert technical consultants are available and offer specialized assistance in performing
tests and analyzing the data to get optimum results from your equipment or network.
SmartConsulting focuses on high value-added services that provide an immediate return
for your investment. These services are ideal when specialized expertise is needed, time is
limited, or internal resources are unavailable. Our goal is to provide custom software
applications development and support tailored to meet the specific needs of your projects.
SmartConsulting provides access to applications developers with the ability to work
directly on-site with you. These time-saving services can be tailored to meet your exact
needs.
Chapter 1: Documentation and Website Overview
Spirent Communications Website Resources
SmartBits System Reference 11
Services include, but are not limited to:
•Custom Application and Script Development
•Test Methodology Development
•SmartLab Testing
•On-site Support and Training
•SmartLibrary Training
•Phone Support
•ISO-9000 Compliance Testing Application Design
Technology Papers, Articles, and Application Notes
In addition to white papers and application notes, links to hot topics and key industry
magazines, such as those listed below, are readily available at our website:
•Spirent Communications Introduces World’s First 10 Gigabit Ethernet Product.
•Spirent Communications Introduces First Network Performance Analysis Solution for
Storage Area Networks (SANs).
•Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Performance Analysis.
•GX-1420B (Most Innovative Award –InternetWeek).
•SmartVoIPQoS (Internet Telephony Product of the Year). Feature on VoIP and the
performance of data quality Quality of Service (QoS).
•Tera Met ri cs (Best of Show Award at Networld + Interop).
Spirent Communications US Government Solutions
Spirent Communications is pleased to announce product availability through GSA
contract # GS-35S-4550G held by Management Systems Designers, Inc., our partner
holding GSA Schedules. Once you have selected the Spirent Communications products
you want, order them from MSD.
Websites of Industry Lab Partners
To see outstanding examples of Spirent Communications products creating benchmark
test data, explore the following websites as well:
•Centennial Networking Labs (www.cnl.ncsu.edu)
•ZD Labs (Morrisville, NC)( www.zdlabs.com)
•The Tolly Group (www.tolly.com)
•University of New Hampshire (www.iol.unh.edu)
Chapter 1: Documentation and Website Overview
Spirent Communications Website Resources
12 SmartBits System Reference
•Network Computing Magazine (www.nwc.com)
•NSTL (www.nstl.com)
•Network Test (www.networktest.com)
•Government Computing News (www.gcn.com)
Table of contents
