Paragon-X: How do I generate test packets?

It is possible to use your Paragon-X to generate simple packet traffic for device testing. For high traffic levels or more configurability a dedicated traffic generator should be used.

The Test Packets feature allows you to configure the characteristics of the test traffic generated by Paragon-X in Tx+Rx Mode. Access the configuration window by clicking the Packet Generation button on the left of the GUI (if the button is not available, confirm the correct Operating Mode and Setup Interface settings have been selected).

Settings

The Restore Defaults button may be used at any time to revert all changes back to their default settings. Note that this also resets any values configured in the Packet Data table, so use it carefully...

Packet Size:   64 bytes

Utilization:      1.0%

Payload:          PRBS

Entry Format:  Hex


Packet Size

The packet size may be set to 64 bytes, 576 bytes or 1518 bytes.

Utilization

This configures the packet rate as a percentage of the maximum rate for the selected port interface type. The range is 0.1 to 100.0 in steps of 0.1

Signature

Displays an ASCII string containing the Calnex ID (Calnex01_) and the serial number of the Paragon-X generating the packets. This cannot be changed.

Payload

This parameter sets either a pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) or incrementing payload.

Packet Latency Calibration

Use of Test Packets is not restricted to the Jitter testing. This feature is not used within Jitter testing. It can be used to determine the transition time through a DUT between sending and receiving test packets.

Packet Data

Entry Format

The Entry Format box sets whether the values you enter in the packet data configuration table are binary or hexadecimal. One format selection is applied to all values.

Values may be entered for each byte independently, and for the fields listed below. You should select appropriate values to allow packets to pass through your device under test.

Ethernet II

Source MAC address

Destination MAC address

Ethertype

IP (v4)

DSCP

ECN

TTL

Protocol

Source address

Destination address

 Click Start to start generation of the configured test packet stream.

 Click Stop to stop test packet generation.