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 a path in a network comprising:
at least one pair of devices coupled via said path;
at least one test packet generator coupled to said path comprising:
a scheduler to determine when a test packet is to be created; and
a packet creator to create the test packet to be transmitted on said path;
wherein said scheduler uses an amount of credits to determine when the test packet is to be created; and
wherein said amount of credits are decremented each time a non-test packet is transmitted on the path.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the credits are incremented periodically.
3. A method for testing a network path between two devices comprising:
determining, based on an amount of credits, when a test packet is to be generated; and
generating and transmitting said test packet on said path; and
wherein said amount of credits are decremented each time a non-test packet is transmitted on the path.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said test packet is transmitted when said amount of credits is greater than a size of said test packet.
5. The method of claim 3 further comprising adjusting said amount of credits when the test packet is transmitted.
6. The method of claim 3 further comprising periodically incrementing the amount of credits.