What is the relationship between Open Traffic Generator data models, snappi and Ixia-c?
The Open Traffic Generator data models describe a vendor neutral data models and APIs for test traffic generation. The models are based on OpenAPI v3. Ixia-c is a traffic generator that complies with these APIs. snappi is a Pythonic client library that can be used to write tests that run against Ixia-c.
The following two diagrams illustrate this relationship.
Where can I find a tutorial on snappi?
The Hello snappi tutorial is a good starting point to get familiar with snappi.
How to use other non-Python clients?
TODO: Fill in details here.
What version of the Open Traffic Generator spec does Ixia-c implement?
Ixia-c implements version v0.12.5 of the Open Traffic Generator Data Model. You can view the model here.
How to find version of Open Traffic Generator spec implemented by Ixia-c?
Open Traffic Generator Data Model can be accessed from any browser by pointing it to (https://<controller-host-ip>/docs/openapi.json). The info section contains the version of the Open Traffic Generator Data Model implemented by the KENG controller.
What do packets look like?
Ixia packet testers utilize a proprietary flow-tracking technique which involves inserting a special instrumentation header into the packet. It is inserted after the last valid protocol header ie, in the payload.
The fields in this header are:
- a signature which servers as marker to indicate start of header
- a PGID or port group id field to distinguish between different flows
- a 32 bit sequence number that can be used to detect packet re-ordering
- a 32 bit timestamp that can be used to measure one-way latency
How do I disable packet instrumentation?
According to the Open Traffic Generator data model packet instrumentation is enabled by default on all the flows. It is not possible to disable it at the moment. An update to the data model that allows the end user to disable instrumentation is in the process of being merged into the main branch and will be submitted in the coming weeks. Ixia-c will implement it at that point.
Does Ixia-c calculate packet checksums? If so, which ones?
Yes, the Ixia-c traffic-engine automatically calculates the Ethernet FCS, IPv4, TCP and UDP checksums. The traffic-engine is capable of calculating four checksums (in each packet). TODO: verify.
What layer1 settings does Ixia-c utilize?
The only layer1 setting that is used by the Ixia-c traffic engine is speed. This setting is used to help convert flow rate specified as percentage line-rate into packets/second (pps) and to ensure that proper inter-packet-gaps are used.
What is the purpose of the layer1 setting speed?
To calculate packets/second (pps) when the flow rate is specified as percentage line-rate and to ensure proper inter-packet-gaps.
What is Application Usage Reporter?
The app-usage-reporter container collects and uploads to the Keysight cloud some basic telemetry information from the KENG controller. This information helps Keysight improve the controller by focusing on the features that are being used by end users.
What information does Application Usage Reporter collect?
The Application Usage Reporter collects configuration related information like the number of ports in a test, number of flows configured, number of values used in a pattern. TODO: Need to give an exhaustive list.
Does Application Usage Reporter collect any personally identifiable information?
No. The Application Usage Reporter does NOT collect any personally identifiable information like username, hostname, email address, etc.
Does Application Usage Reporter save my IP address?
No.
Can I disable Application Usage Reporter? If so, how?
Yes, the Application Usage Reporter can be disabled. Refer to the Deployment Parameters section in the Deployment Guide.
What are the limitations of the free version of Ixia-c?
The free version of KENG controller supports up to 4 ports in one session and the Ixia-c traffic-engine is limited to running over raw sockets.
What are the differences between the commercial and the free version of Ixia-c?
The following table highlights the differences between the commercial and the free version of Ixia-c.
| Capability | Ixia-c Free | Ixia-c Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| # of Ports | 4 | Unlimited |
| Traffic Engine - Raw | Supported | Supported |
| Traffic Engine - DPDK PCI | Not Supported | Supported |
| Support | Slack Channel | Keysight Support |
How do I purchase the commercial version of Ixia-c?
Contact your Keysight Sales Rep or reach out to us here.
How do I view KENG controller logs?
Use docker logs to view the controller log.
What is the message "App usage reporting service is down" in KENG controller log?
This message indicates that the app-usage-reporter container is not reachable from the KENG controller. This does NOT affect KENG controller's normal operation. Refer to Deployment Parameters for more details on how to override the default location for the app-usage-reporter or how to disable it all together.