OpenFlow-enabled
networks open up many possibilities for development through software defined
networking (SDN), where the network control plane is accessible through an
application programming interface (API). This area is gaining a lot of
momentum as large enterprise such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Yahoo
seek the vendor-neutral network programmability enabled by decoupling their
control- and data-planes.
Ixia’s
OpenFlow test capabilities include OpenFlow emulation in IxNetwork and an
OpenFlow conformance test suite in IxANVL. Leveraging its hardware-based
traffic generation with new control-plane capability, IxNetwork can now emulate
an OpenFlow controller to modify flow table entries and then generate traffic
to test the forwarding. For testing switch protocol conformance, IxANVL will
have a new suite of OpenFlow v1.0 testing that includes testing cases for Open
Networking Foundation (ONF) certification in alignment with the OF-Test 1.0
specification that is currently being finalized. Protocol conformance is
important to not only ensure compatibility in a multi-vendor environment, but
to pursue ONF certification.
Development
of the OpenFlow standard is managed by the ONF. The OpenFlow protocol has found its way into many
vendors’ physical Ethernet routers and switches, virtual switches, and access
points and continues to evolve under the guidance of the ONF.
Ixia
is the Chair for the Testing-Interop Working Group, which planned and managed
the first ever ONF interoperability event last month at Ixia’s iSimCity lab in
Santa Clara, CA. This event was open to all ONF member companies and
focused on the v1.0 standard. The white paper and technical document will be
available on the ONF opennetworking.org website.
“Testing
tools are critical to helping to ensure protocol conformance and optimal
performance,” said Dan Pitt Executive Director at ONF. “ONF member companies
continually strive to ensure that their customers have access to products that
keep pace with innovative new technologies and standards.”
“Ixia’s
commitment to open standards will help accelerate the adoption of SDN and
creation of innovative solutions by ensuring high conformance to the OpenFlow
protocol,” said Isabelle Guis, Vice President of Outbound Marketing at Big
Switch Networks. “This is part of Big Switch Networks' open SDN architecture
and we are excited to participate in a demonstration of OpenFlow-enabled
technology in Ixia’s Interop booth.”
“OpenFlow
is an exciting new lower-layer technology that enables software-defined
networking and will cause significant change the way networks are controlled,”
said Michael Haugh, Senior Product Line Manager, at Ixia. “As operators
implement OpenFlow, they’ll need test tools like Ixia’s to validate their
hybrid networks, ensuring a smooth transition to SDN.”
About
Ixia
Ixia provides the industry’s most comprehensive converged IP testing solution – from the wireless edge to the Internet core. Network equipment manufacturers, service providers, enterprises, and government agencies use Ixia’s industry-leading test and simulation platforms to design and validate a broad range of wired, Wi-Fi, and 3G/LTE networking equipment and networks. Ixia’s solutions create real-world conditions by emulating a full range of high-scaling networking protocols and generating media-rich application traffic to validate performance,conformance, and security of cloud, core, data center, wireless, and multiplay networks. For more information, visit www.ixiacom.com.
Ixia provides the industry’s most comprehensive converged IP testing solution – from the wireless edge to the Internet core. Network equipment manufacturers, service providers, enterprises, and government agencies use Ixia’s industry-leading test and simulation platforms to design and validate a broad range of wired, Wi-Fi, and 3G/LTE networking equipment and networks. Ixia’s solutions create real-world conditions by emulating a full range of high-scaling networking protocols and generating media-rich application traffic to validate performance,conformance, and security of cloud, core, data center, wireless, and multiplay networks. For more information, visit www.ixiacom.com.