System for testing ethernet paths and links without impacting non-test traffic
A system for testing Ethernet paths or links without adversely impacting non-test traffic. The system includes a test traffic generator that includes a scheduler that determines when a new test packet is generated. The test traffic generator includes a packet creator that builds a test packet and a transmitter for transmitting the test packet via the Ethernet path or link. The packet creator sends the test packet to the transmitter. The traffic generator includes a transmit credit block coupled to the transmitter or to the scheduler. The transmit credit block stores an amount of credits representing a number of bytes that are available to transmit and decrements the amount each time a non-test packet is communicated via the Ethernet path or link.
1. A system for testing an Ethernet path in a network comprising:
at least one pair of Ethernet devices coupled via an Ethernet path for transmitting non-test packets on said Ethernet path; and
at least one test packet generator coupled to said Ethernet path comprising:
a transmit credit block for storing an amount of credits representing a number of bytes that are available to transmit;
a scheduler to determine when a test packet is to be created; and
a packet creator to create one or more test packet to be transmitted on said Ethernet path.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said amount of credits are decremented by said transmit credit block each time a non-test packet is transmitted on the Ethernet path.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the credits are incremented periodically.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the test packet generator includes an Ethernet port, and wherein the test packet generator is connected to the Ethernet path via the Ethernet port.
5. A method for testing Ethernet paths in a network comprising:
transmitting non-test packets on said Ethernet path between at least one pair of Ethernet devices coupled via said Ethernet path;
storing an amount of credits representing a number of bytes;
determining when a test packet is to be generated based on said amount of credits;
generating and transmitting said test packet on said Ethernet path when said amount of credits is greater than a size of said test packet; and
adjusting said amount of credits.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said adjusting said amount of credits comprises:
decrementing the amount of credits by said size of the test packet.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein said adjusting said amount of credits comprises:
periodically incrementing the amount of credits.