Sentinel: How do I use Sentinel captures as Paragon-X Impairment Patterns?

After making a PTP measurement with Sentinel, it is possible to load the captured Packet Delay Variation data as an impairment pattern in Paragon-X, meaning, for example, that it is possible to ‘replay’ network conditions back in the lab to test equipment behaviour and perform further analysis.

The process to do this is below.

Sentinel Capture

1. Make a PTP measurement with Sentinel and save it to the instrument.

2. Transfer the files from the Sentinel:

   1. The files required are the PDV captures: xxxx_FWD_PDV.dset and xxxx_REV_PDV.dset.

   2. The FWD file is the PDV for T1 (Sync) Messages. The REV file is the PDV for T4( Delay Request) messages.

   3. The captures can be transferred off the Sentinel using the procedure here:https://calnexsolutions.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/KB/pages/2130030

Create Paragon-X PDV Replay Files

1. Open CAT and load the Sentinel capture file(s)

2. Navigate to “Select Metrics” and check the “PDV” measurements:

   Open

   

3. Navigate to “Export”. Choose the message type (Sync or Delay Req) ensure the “PDV” data is selected, select “PDV Replay” from the drop-down menu and press “Export Data”.

   Open

   

4. Repeat for the other message type if required.

5. When the file has been exported it can be viewed and transferred as required.

Replay on Paragon-X

To apply the PDV delays:

• Start the Paragon-X session connecting to the DUT to be tested

1. Non MSE Mode

• Set up the impairment filters using the following steps

• Select Flow - Capture Packets

• Run Flow Wizard

  • Identify message type to impair

  • Close window

• Select Add Impairments/Delay 

• Ensure it is set to Enabled and Variable Delay Insertion is enabled

• You need to select which Port to apply the PDV, for forward select Port 1, for reverse select Port 2

• When the Port is selected choose User Defined, click on Import and select the PDV file you exported from CAT.

• To start the PDV replay press the Start Impairments button at the foot of the page

2. MSE Mode

• press the Add Impairments/Delays button

   

• select Flow Filter to set the message Filter:

Selecting Sync will mean that delays will be applied to Master 1 Tx and Delay Request will be applied to Master 1 Rx.

• Enable Master 1 Tx Delay or Master 1 Rx Delay as required

• Select User Defined and press Import to load the PDV file you exported from CAT

• Press the Impairments button at the foot of the display to start the PDV replay