RFC 1944 (rfc1944) - Page 2 of 30
Benchmarking Methodology for Network Interconnect Devices
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 1944 Benchmarking Methodology May 1996
2. Real world
In producing this document the authors attempted to keep in mind the
requirement that apparatus to perform the described tests must
actually be built. We do not know of "off the shelf" equipment
available to implement all of the tests but it is our opinion that
such equipment can be constructed.
3. Tests to be run
There are a number of tests described in this document. Not all of
the tests apply to all types of devices under test (DUTs). Vendors
should perform all of the tests that can be supported by a specific
type of product. The authors understand that it will take a
considerable period of time to perform all of the recommended tests
nder all of the recommended conditions. We believe that the results
are worth the effort. Appendix A lists some of the tests and
conditions that we believe should be included for specific cases.
4. Evaluating the results
Performing all of the recommended tests will result in a great deal
of data. Much of this data will not apply to the evaluation of the
devices under each circumstance. For example, the rate at which a
router forwards IPX frames will be of little use in selecting a
router for an environment that does not (and will not) support that
protocol. Evaluating even that data which is relevant to a
particular network installation will require experience which may not
be readily available. Furthermore, selection of the tests to be run
and evaluation of the test data must be done with an understanding of
generally accepted testing practices regarding repeatability,
variance and statistical significance of small numbers of trials.
5. Requirements
In this document, the words that are used to define the significance
of each particular requirement are capitalized. These words are:
* "MUST" This word, or the words "REQUIRED" and "SHALL" mean that
the item is an absolute requirement of the specification.
* "SHOULD" This word or the adjective "RECOMMENDED" means that there
may exist valid reasons in particular circumstances to ignore this
item, but the full implications should be understood and the case
carefully weighed before choosing a different course.
* "MAY" This word or the adjective "OPTIONAL" means that this item
is truly optional. One vendor may choose to include the item because
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