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| -rw-r--r-- | docs/ietf_draft/draft-vsperf-bmwg-vswitch-opnfv-00.xml | 907 | ||||
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| -rw-r--r-- | docs/installation.rst | 68 | ||||
| -rwxr-xr-x | docs/quickstart.md | 118 | ||||
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| -rw-r--r-- | docs/vswitchperf_ltd.rst | 1931 |
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diff --git a/docs/NEWS.md b/docs/NEWS.md deleted file mode 100644 index 618dbebb..00000000 --- a/docs/NEWS.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,45 +0,0 @@ -#July 2015 - -## New - -* PVP deployment scenario testing using vhost-user as guest access method - * Verified on CentOS7 and Fedora 20 - * Requires QEMU 2.2.0 and DPDK 2.0 - - -#May 2015 - -This is the initial release of a re-designed version of the software based on -community feedback. This initial release supports only the Phy2Phy deployment -scenario and the LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio test - both described -in the OPNFV vswitchperf 'CHARACTERIZE VSWITCH PERFORMANCE FOR TELCO NFV USE -CASES LEVEL TEST DESIGN'. The intention is that more test cases will follow -once the community has digested the initial release. - -## New - -* Performance testing with continuous stream -* Vanilla OVS support added. - * Support for non-DPDK OVS build. - * Build and installation support through Makefile will be added via - next patch(Currently it is possible to manually build ovs and - setting it in vsperf configuration files). - * PvP scenario is not yet implemented. -* CentOS7 support - * Verified on CentOS7 - * Install & Quickstart documentation - -* Implementation of LTD.Scalability.RFC2544.0PacketLoss testcase -* Better support for mixing tests types with Deployment Scenarios -* Re-work based on community feedback of TOIT - * Framework support for other vSwitches - * Framework support for non-Ixia traffic generators - * Framework support for different VNFs -* Python3 -* Support for biDirectional functionality for ixnet interface - -## Missing - -* Report generation is currently disabled -* xmlunit output is currently disabled -* VNF support. diff --git a/docs/NEWS.rst b/docs/NEWS.rst new file mode 100644 index 00000000..223d3c8a --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/NEWS.rst @@ -0,0 +1,56 @@ +August 2015 +=========== +New +--- +- Backport and enhancement of reporting +- PVP deployment scenario testing using vhost-cuse as guest access method + +July 2015 +========= +New +--- +- PVP deployment scenario testing using vhost-user as guest access method + - Verified on CentOS7 and Fedora 20 + - Requires QEMU 2.2.0 and DPDK 2.0 + +May 2015 +======== + +This is the initial release of a re-designed version of the software +based on community feedback. This initial release supports only the +Phy2Phy deployment scenario and the +LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio test - both described in the +OPNFV vswitchperf 'CHARACTERIZE VSWITCH PERFORMANCE FOR TELCO NFV USE +CASES LEVEL TEST DESIGN'. The intention is that more test cases will +follow once the community has digested the initial release. + +New +--- + +- Performance testing with continuous stream +- Vanilla OVS support added. + + - Support for non-DPDK OVS build. + - Build and installation support through Makefile will be added via + next patch(Currently it is possible to manually build ovs and + setting it in vsperf configuration files). + - PvP scenario is not yet implemented. + +- CentOS7 support +- Verified on CentOS7 +- Install & Quickstart documentation + +- Better support for mixing tests types with Deployment Scenarios +- Re-work based on community feedback of TOIT +- Framework support for other vSwitches +- Framework support for non-Ixia traffic generators +- Framework support for different VNFs +- Python3 +- Support for biDirectional functionality for ixnet interface + +Missing +------- + +- Report generation is currently disabled +- xmlunit output is currently disabled +- VNF support. diff --git a/docs/ietf_draft/draft-vsperf-bmwg-vswitch-opnfv-00.xml b/docs/ietf_draft/draft-vsperf-bmwg-vswitch-opnfv-00.xml new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d8351957 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/ietf_draft/draft-vsperf-bmwg-vswitch-opnfv-00.xml @@ -0,0 +1,907 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?> +<!DOCTYPE rfc SYSTEM "rfc2629.dtd"> +<?rfc toc="yes"?> +<?rfc tocompact="yes"?> +<?rfc tocdepth="3"?> +<?rfc tocindent="yes"?> +<?rfc symrefs="yes"?> +<?rfc sortrefs="yes"?> +<?rfc comments="yes"?> +<?rfc inline="yes"?> +<?rfc compact="yes"?> +<?rfc subcompact="no"?> +<rfc category="info" docName="draft-vsperf-bmwg-vswitch-opnfv-00" + ipr="trust200902"> + <front> + <title abbrev="Benchmarking vSwitches">Benchmarking Virtual Switches in + OPNFV</title> + + <author fullname="Maryam Tahhan" initials="M." surname="Tahhan"> + <organization>Intel</organization> + + <address> + <postal> + <street/> + + <city/> + + <region/> + + <code/> + + <country/> + </postal> + + <phone/> + + <facsimile/> + + <email>maryam.tahhan@intel.com</email> + + <uri/> + </address> + </author> + + <author fullname="Billy O'Mahony" initials="B." surname="O'Mahony"> + <organization>Intel</organization> + + <address> + <postal> + <street/> + + <city/> + + <region/> + + <code/> + + <country/> + </postal> + + <phone/> + + <facsimile/> + + <email>billy.o.mahony@intel.com</email> + + <uri/> + </address> + </author> + + <author fullname="Al Morton" initials="A." surname="Morton"> + <organization>AT&T Labs</organization> + + <address> + <postal> + <street>200 Laurel Avenue South</street> + + <city>Middletown,</city> + + <region>NJ</region> + + <code>07748</code> + + <country>USA</country> + </postal> + + <phone>+1 732 420 1571</phone> + + <facsimile>+1 732 368 1192</facsimile> + + <email>acmorton@att.com</email> + + <uri>http://home.comcast.net/~acmacm/</uri> + </address> + </author> + + <date day="3" month="July" year="2015"/> + + <abstract> + <t>This memo describes the progress of the Open Platform for NFV (OPNFV) + project on virtual switch performance "VSWITCHPERF". This project + intends to build on the current and completed work of the Benchmarking + Methodology Working Group in IETF, by referencing existing literature. + The Benchmarking Methodology Working Group has traditionally conducted + laboratory characterization of dedicated physical implementations of + internetworking functions. Therefore, this memo begins to describe the + additional considerations when virtual switches are implemented in + general-purpose hardware. The expanded tests and benchmarks are also + influenced by the OPNFV mission to support virtualization of the "telco" + infrastructure.</t> + </abstract> + + <note title="Requirements Language"> + <t>The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", + "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this + document are to be interpreted as described in <xref + target="RFC2119">RFC 2119</xref>.</t> + + <t/> + </note> + </front> + + <middle> + <section title="Introduction"> + <t>Benchmarking Methodology Working Group (BMWG) has traditionally + conducted laboratory characterization of dedicated physical + implementations of internetworking functions. The Black-box Benchmarks + of Throughput, Latency, Forwarding Rates and others have served our + industry for many years. Now, Network Function Virtualization (NFV) has + the goal to transform how internetwork functions are implemented, and + therefore has garnered much attention.</t> + + <t>This memo describes the progress of the Open Platform for NFV (OPNFV) + project on virtual switch performance characterization, "VSWITCHPERF". + This project intends to build on the current and completed work of the + Benchmarking Methodology Working Group in IETF, by referencing existing + literature. For example, currently the most referenced RFC is <xref + target="RFC2544"/> (which depends on <xref target="RFC1242"/>) and + foundation of the benchmarking work in OPNFV is common and strong.</t> + + <t>See + https://wiki.opnfv.org/characterize_vswitch_performance_for_telco_nfv_use_cases + for more background, and the OPNFV website for general information: + https://www.opnfv.org/</t> + + <t>The authors note that OPNFV distinguishes itself from other open + source compute and networking projects through its emphasis on existing + "telco" services as opposed to cloud-computing. There are many ways in + which telco requirements have different emphasis on performance + dimensions when compared to cloud computing: support for and transfer of + isochronous media streams is one example.</t> + + <t>Note also that the move to NFV Infrastructure has resulted in many + new benchmarking initiatives across the industry, and the authors are + currently doing their best to maintain alignment with many other + projects, and this Internet Draft is evidence of the efforts.</t> + </section> + + <section title="Scope"> + <t>The primary purpose and scope of the memo is to inform BMWG of + work-in-progress that builds on the body of extensive literature and + experience. Additionally, once the initial information conveyed here is + received, this memo may be expanded to include more detail and + commentary from both BMWG and OPNFV communities, under BMWG's chartered + work to characterize the NFV Infrastructure (a virtual switch is an + important aspect of that infrastructure).</t> + </section> + + <section title="Benchmarking Considerations"> + <t>This section highlights some specific considerations (from <xref + target="I-D.ietf-bmwg-virtual-net"/>)related to Benchmarks for virtual + switches. The OPNFV project is sharing its present view on these areas, + as they develop their specifications in the Level Test Design (LTD) + document.</t> + + <section title="Comparison with Physical Network Functions"> + <t>To compare the performance of virtual designs and implementations + with their physical counterparts, identical benchmarks are needed. + BMWG has developed specifications for many network functions this memo + re-uses existing benchmarks through references, and expands them + during development of new methods. A key configuration aspect is the + number of parallel cores required to achieve comparable performance + with a given physical device, or whether some limit of scale was + reached before the cores could achieve the comparable level.</t> + + <t>It's unlikely that the virtual switch will be the only application + running on the SUT, so CPU utilization, Cache utilization, and Memory + footprint should also be recorded for the virtual implementations of + internetworking functions.</t> + </section> + + <section title="Continued Emphasis on Black-Box Benchmarks"> + <t>External observations remain essential as the basis for Benchmarks. + Internal observations with fixed specification and interpretation will + be provided in parallel to assist the development of operations + procedures when the technology is deployed.</t> + </section> + + <section title="New Configuration Parameters"> + <t>A key consideration when conducting any sort of benchmark is trying + to ensure the consistency and repeatability of test results. When + benchmarking the performance of a vSwitch there are many factors that + can affect the consistency of results, one key factor is matching the + various hardware and software details of the SUT. This section lists + some of the many new parameters which this project believes are + critical to report in order to achieve repeatability.</t> + + <t>Hardware details including:</t> + + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t>Platform details</t> + + <t>Processor details</t> + + <t>Memory information (type and size)</t> + + <t>Number of enabled cores</t> + + <t>Number of cores used for the test</t> + + <t>Number of physical NICs, as well as their details + (manufacturer, versions, type and the PCI slot they are plugged + into)</t> + + <t>NIC interrupt configuration</t> + + <t>BIOS version, release date and any configurations that were + modified</t> + + <t>CPU microcode level</t> + + <t>Memory DIMM configurations (quad rank performance may not be + the same as dual rank) in size, freq and slot locations</t> + + <t>PCI configuration parameters (payload size, early ack + option...)</t> + + <t>Power management at all levels (ACPI sleep states, processor + package, OS...)</t> + </list>Software details including:</t> + + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t>OS parameters and behavior (text vs graphical no one typing at + the console on one system)</t> + + <t>OS version (for host and VNF)</t> + + <t>Kernel version (for host and VNF)</t> + + <t>GRUB boot parameters (for host and VNF)</t> + + <t>Hypervisor details (Type and version)</t> + + <t>Selected vSwitch, version number or commit id used</t> + + <t>vSwitch launch command line if it has been parameterised</t> + + <t>Memory allocation to the vSwitch</t> + + <t>which NUMA node it is using, and how many memory channels</t> + + <t>DPDK or any other SW dependency version number or commit id + used</t> + + <t>Memory allocation to a VM - if it's from Hugpages/elsewhere</t> + + <t>VM storage type: snapshot/independent persistent/independent + non-persistent</t> + + <t>Number of VMs</t> + + <t>Number of Virtual NICs (vNICs), versions, type and driver</t> + + <t>Number of virtual CPUs and their core affinity on the host</t> + + <t>Number vNIC interrupt configuration</t> + + <t>Thread affinitization for the applications (including the + vSwitch itself) on the host</t> + + <t>Details of Resource isolation, such as CPUs designated for + Host/Kernel (isolcpu) and CPUs designated for specific processes + (taskset). - Test duration. - Number of flows.</t> + </list></t> + + <t>Test Traffic Information:<list style="symbols"> + <t>Traffic type - UDP, TCP, IMIX / Other</t> + + <t>Packet Sizes</t> + + <t>Deployment Scenario</t> + </list></t> + + <t/> + </section> + + <section title="Flow classification"> + <t>Virtual switches group packets into flows by processing and + matching particular packet or frame header information, or by matching + packets based on the input ports. Thus a flow can be thought of a + sequence of packets that have the same set of header field values or + have arrived on the same port. Performance results can vary based on + the parameters the vSwitch uses to match for a flow. The recommended + flow classification parameters for any vSwitch performance tests are: + the input port, the source IP address, the destination IP address and + the ethernet protocol type field. It is essential to increase the flow + timeout time on a vSwitch before conducting any performance tests that + do not measure the flow setup time. Normally the first packet of a + particular stream will install the flow in the virtual switch which + adds an additional latency, subsequent packets of the same flow are + not subject to this latency if the flow is already installed on the + vSwitch.</t> + </section> + + <section title="Benchmarks using Baselines with Resource Isolation"> + <t>This outline describes measurement of baseline with isolated + resources at a high level, which is the intended approach at this + time.</t> + + <t><list style="numbers"> + <t>Baselines: <list style="symbols"> + <t>Optional: Benchmark platform forwarding capability without + a vswitch or VNF for at least 72 hours (serves as a means of + platform validation and a means to obtain the base performance + for the platform in terms of its maximum forwarding rate and + latency). <figure> + <preamble>Benchmark platform forwarding + capability</preamble> + + <artwork align="right"><![CDATA[ __ + +--------------------------------------------------+ | + | +------------------------------------------+ | | + | | | | | + | | Simple Forwarding App | | Host + | | | | | + | +------------------------------------------+ | | + | | NIC | | | + +---+------------------------------------------+---+ __| + ^ : + | | + : v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+]]></artwork> + + <postamble/> + </figure></t> + + <t>Benchmark VNF forwarding capability with direct + connectivity (vSwitch bypass, e.g., SR/IOV) for at least 72 + hours (serves as a means of VNF validation and a means to + obtain the base performance for the VNF in terms of its + maximum forwarding rate and latency). The metrics gathered + from this test will serve as a key comparison point for + vSwitch bypass technologies performance and vSwitch + performance. <figure align="right"> + <preamble>Benchmark VNF forwarding capability</preamble> + + <artwork><![CDATA[ __ + +--------------------------------------------------+ | + | +------------------------------------------+ | | + | | | | | + | | VNF | | | + | | | | | + | +------------------------------------------+ | | + | | Passthrough/SR-IOV | | Host + | +------------------------------------------+ | | + | | NIC | | | + +---+------------------------------------------+---+ __| + ^ : + | | + : v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+]]></artwork> + + <postamble/> + </figure></t> + + <t>Benchmarking with isolated resources alone, with other + resources (both HW&SW) disabled Example, vSw and VM are + SUT</t> + + <t>Benchmarking with isolated resources alone, leaving some + resources unused</t> + + <t>Benchmark with isolated resources and all resources + occupied</t> + </list></t> + + <t>Next Steps<list style="symbols"> + <t>Limited sharing</t> + + <t>Production scenarios</t> + + <t>Stressful scenarios</t> + </list></t> + </list></t> + </section> + </section> + + <section title="VSWITCHPERF Specification Summary"> + <t>The overall specification in preparation is referred to as a Level + Test Design (LTD) document, which will contain a suite of performance + tests. The base performance tests in the LTD are based on the + pre-existing specifications developed by BMWG to test the performance of + physical switches. These specifications include:</t> + + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t><xref target="RFC2544"/> Benchmarking Methodology for Network + Interconnect Devices</t> + + <t><xref target="RFC2889"/> Benchmarking Methodology for LAN + Switching</t> + + <t><xref target="RFC6201"/> Device Reset Characterization</t> + + <t><xref target="RFC5481"/> Packet Delay Variation Applicability + Statement</t> + </list></t> + + <t/> + + <t>In addition to this, the LTD also re-uses the terminology defined + by:</t> + + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t><xref target="RFC2285"/> Benchmarking Terminology for LAN + Switching Devices</t> + + <t><xref target="RFC5481"/> Packet Delay Variation Applicability + Statement</t> + </list></t> + + <t/> + + <t>Specifications to be included in future updates of the LTD + include:<list style="symbols"> + <t><xref target="RFC3918"/> Methodology for IP Multicast + Benchmarking</t> + + <t><xref target="RFC4737"/> Packet Reordering Metrics</t> + </list></t> + + <t>As one might expect, the most fundamental internetworking + characteristics of Throughput and Latency remain important when the + switch is virtualized, and these benchmarks figure prominently in the + specification.</t> + + <t>When considering characteristics important to "telco" network + functions, we must begin to consider additional performance metrics. In + this case, the project specifications have referenced metrics from the + IETF IP Performance Metrics (IPPM) literature. This means that the <xref + target="RFC2544"/> test of Latency is replaced by measurement of a + metric derived from IPPM's <xref target="RFC2679"/>, where a set of + statistical summaries will be provided (mean, max, min, etc.). Further + metrics planned to be benchmarked include packet delay variation as + defined by <xref target="RFC5481"/> , reordering, burst behaviour, DUT + availability, DUT capacity and packet loss in long term testing at + Throughput level, where some low-level of background loss may be present + and characterized.</t> + + <t>Tests have been (or will be) designed to collect the metrics + below:</t> + + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t>Throughput Tests to measure the maximum forwarding rate (in + frames per second or fps) and bit rate (in Mbps) for a constant load + (as defined by RFC1242) without traffic loss.</t> + + <t>Packet and Frame Delay Distribution Tests to measure average, min + and max packet and frame delay for constant loads.</t> + + <t>Packet Delay Tests to understand latency distribution for + different packet sizes and over an extended test run to uncover + outliers.</t> + + <t>Scalability Tests to understand how the virtual switch performs + as the number of flows, active ports, complexity of the forwarding + logic’s configuration… it has to deal with + increases.</t> + + <t>Stream Performance Tests (TCP, UDP) to measure bulk data transfer + performance, i.e. how fast systems can send and receive data through + the switch.</t> + + <t>Control Path and Datapath Coupling Tests, to understand how + closely coupled the datapath and the control path are as well as the + effect of this coupling on the performance of the DUT (example: + delay of the initial packet of a flow).</t> + + <t>CPU and Memory Consumption Tests to understand the virtual + switch’s footprint on the system, usually conducted as + auxiliary measurements with benchmarks above. They include: CPU + utilization, Cache utilization and Memory footprint.</t> + </list></t> + + <t>Future/planned test specs include:<list style="symbols"> + <t>Request/Response Performance Tests (TCP, UDP) which measure the + transaction rate through the switch.</t> + + <t>Noisy Neighbour Tests, to understand the effects of resource + sharing on the performance of a virtual switch.</t> + </list>The flexibility of deployment of a virtual switch within a + network means that the BMWG IETF existing literature needs to be used to + characterize the performance of a switch in various deployment + scenarios. The deployment scenarios under consideration include:</t> + + <t><figure> + <preamble>Physical port to virtual switch to physical + port</preamble> + + <artwork><![CDATA[ __ + +--------------------------------------------------+ | + | +--------------------+ | | + | | | | | + | | v | | Host + | +--------------+ +--------------+ | | + | | phy port | vSwitch | phy port | | | + +---+--------------+------------+--------------+---+ __| + ^ : + | | + : v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+]]></artwork> + </figure></t> + + <t><figure> + <preamble>Physical port to virtual switch to VNF to virtual switch + to physical port</preamble> + + <artwork><![CDATA[ __ + +---------------------------------------------------+ | + | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | | Application | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | ^ : | | + | | | | | Guest + | : v | | + | +---------------+ +---------------+ | | + | | logical port 0| | logical port 1| | | + +---+---------------+-----------+---------------+---+ __| + ^ : + | | + : v __ + +---+---------------+----------+---------------+---+ | + | | logical port 0| | logical port 1| | | + | +---------------+ +---------------+ | | + | ^ : | | + | | | | | Host + | : v | | + | +--------------+ +--------------+ | | + | | phy port | vSwitch | phy port | | | + +---+--------------+------------+--------------+---+ __| + ^ : + | | + : v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+]]></artwork> + </figure><figure> + <preamble>Physical port to virtual switch to VNF to virtual switch + to VNF to virtual switch to physical port</preamble> + + <artwork><![CDATA[ __ + +----------------------+ +----------------------+ | + | Guest 1 | | Guest 2 | | + | +---------------+ | | +---------------+ | | + | | Application | | | | Application | | | + | +---------------+ | | +---------------+ | | + | ^ | | | ^ | | | + | | v | | | v | | Guests + | +---------------+ | | +---------------+ | | + | | logical ports | | | | logical ports | | | + | | 0 1 | | | | 0 1 | | | + +---+---------------+--+ +---+---------------+--+__| + ^ : ^ : + | | | | + : v : v _ + +---+---------------+---------+---------------+--+ | + | | 0 1 | | 3 4 | | | + | | logical ports | | logical ports | | | + | +---------------+ +---------------+ | | + | ^ | ^ | | | Host + | | |-----------------| v | | + | +--------------+ +--------------+ | | + | | phy ports | vSwitch | phy ports | | | + +---+--------------+----------+--------------+---+_| + ^ : + | | + : v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+]]></artwork> + </figure><figure> + <preamble>Physical port to virtual switch to VNF</preamble> + + <artwork><![CDATA[ __ + +---------------------------------------------------+ | + | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | | Application | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | ^ | | + | | | | Guest + | : | | + | +---------------+ | | + | | logical port 0| | | + +---+---------------+-------------------------------+ __| + ^ + | + : __ + +---+---------------+------------------------------+ | + | | logical port 0| | | + | +---------------+ | | + | ^ | | + | | | | Host + | : | | + | +--------------+ | | + | | phy port | vSwitch | | + +---+--------------+------------ -------------- ---+ __| + ^ + | + : + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+]]></artwork> + </figure><figure> + <preamble>VNF to virtual switch to physical port</preamble> + + <artwork><![CDATA[ __ + +---------------------------------------------------+ | + | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | | Application | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | : | | + | | | | Guest + | v | | + | +---------------+ | | + | | logical port | | | + +-------------------------------+---------------+---+ __| + : + | + v __ + +------------------------------+---------------+---+ | + | | logical port | | | + | +---------------+ | | + | : | | + | | | | Host + | v | | + | +--------------+ | | + | vSwitch | phy port | | | + +-------------------------------+--------------+---+ __| + : + | + v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+]]></artwork> + </figure><figure> + <preamble>VNF to virtual switch to VNF</preamble> + + <artwork><![CDATA[ __ + +----------------------+ +----------------------+ | + | Guest 1 | | Guest 2 | | + | +---------------+ | | +---------------+ | | + | | Application | | | | Application | | | + | +---------------+ | | +---------------+ | | + | | | | ^ | | + | v | | | | | Guests + | +---------------+ | | +---------------+ | | + | | logical ports | | | | logical ports | | | + | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | + +---+---------------+--+ +---+---------------+--+__| + : ^ + | | + v : _ + +---+---------------+---------+---------------+--+ | + | | 1 | | 1 | | | + | | logical ports | | logical ports | | | + | +---------------+ +---------------+ | | + | | ^ | | Host + | L-----------------+ | | + | | | + | vSwitch | | + +------------------------------------------------+_|]]></artwork> + </figure></t> + </section> + + <section title="3x3 Matrix Coverage"> + <t>This section organizes the many existing test specifications into the + "3x3" matrix (introduced in <xref target="I-D.ietf-bmwg-virtual-net"/>). + Because the LTD specification ID names are quite long, this section is + organized into lists for each occupied cell of the matrix (not all are + occupied, also the matrix has grown to 3x4 to accommodate scale + metrics).</t> + + <t>The tests listed below assess the activation of paths in the data + plane, rather than the control plane.</t> + + <t>(Editor's Note: a complete list of tests is available here: + https://wiki.opnfv.org/wiki/vswitchperf_test_spec_review )</t> + + <section title="Speed of Activation"> + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t>Throughput.RFC2889.AddressLearningRate</t> + + <t>Throughput.RFC2889.AddressCachingCapacity</t> + + <t>PacketLatency.InitialPacketProcessingLatency</t> + + <t/> + </list></t> + </section> + + <section title="Reliability of Activation"> + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t>Throughput.RFC2544.SystemRecoveryTime</t> + + <t>Throughput.RFC2544.ResetTime</t> + </list></t> + </section> + + <section title="Scale of Activation"> + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t>Throughput.RFC2889.AddressCachingCapacity</t> + + <t/> + </list></t> + </section> + + <section title="Speed of Operation"> + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t>Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRate</t> + + <t>Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRateFrameModification</t> + + <t>Throughput.RFC2544.BackToBackFrames</t> + + <t>Throughput.RFC2889.ForwardingRate</t> + + <t>Throughput.RFC2889.ForwardPressure</t> + + <t>Throughput.RFC2889.BroadcastFrameForwarding</t> + + <t>RFC2889 Broadcast Frame Latency test</t> + </list></t> + </section> + + <section title="Accuracy of Operation"> + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t>Throughput.RFC2889.ErrorFramesFiltering</t> + + <t/> + </list></t> + </section> + + <section title="Reliability of Operation"> + <t><list style="symbols"> + <t>Throughput.RFC2544.Soak</t> + + <t>Throughput.RFC2544.SoakFrameModification</t> + + <t/> + </list></t> + </section> + + <section title="Summary"> + <t><figure> + <artwork><![CDATA[|------------------------------------------------------------------------| +| | | | | | +| | SPEED | ACCURACY | RELIABILITY | SCALE | +| | | | | | +|------------------------------------------------------------------------| +| | | | | | +| Activation | X | | X | X | +| | | | | | +|------------------------------------------------------------------------| +| | | | | | +| Operation | X | X | X | | +| | | | | | +|------------------------------------------------------------------------| +| | | | | | +| De-activation | | | | | +| | | | | | +|------------------------------------------------------------------------|]]></artwork> + </figure></t> + </section> + </section> + + <section title="Security Considerations"> + <t>Benchmarking activities as described in this memo are limited to + technology characterization of a Device Under Test/System Under Test + (DUT/SUT) using controlled stimuli in a laboratory environment, with + dedicated address space and the constraints specified in the sections + above.</t> + + <t>The benchmarking network topology will be an independent test setup + and MUST NOT be connected to devices that may forward the test traffic + into a production network, or misroute traffic to the test management + network.</t> + + <t>Further, benchmarking is performed on a "black-box" basis, relying + solely on measurements observable external to the DUT/SUT.</t> + + <t>Special capabilities SHOULD NOT exist in the DUT/SUT specifically for + benchmarking purposes. Any implications for network security arising + from the DUT/SUT SHOULD be identical in the lab and in production + networks.</t> + </section> + + <section anchor="IANA" title="IANA Considerations"> + <t>No IANA Action is requested at this time.</t> + </section> + + <section title="Acknowledgements"> + <t>The authors acknowledge</t> + </section> + </middle> + + <back> + <references title="Normative References"> + <?rfc ?> + + <?rfc include="reference.RFC.2119"?> + + <?rfc include="reference.RFC.2330"?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.2544'?> + + <?rfc include="reference.RFC.2679"?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.2680'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.3393'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.3432'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.2681'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.5905'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.4689'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.4737'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.5357'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.2889'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.3918'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.6201'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.2285'?> + + <reference anchor="NFV.PER001"> + <front> + <title>Network Function Virtualization: Performance and Portability + Best Practices</title> + + <author fullname="ETSI NFV" initials="" surname=""> + <organization/> + </author> + + <date month="June" year="2014"/> + </front> + + <seriesInfo name="Group Specification" + value="ETSI GS NFV-PER 001 V1.1.1 (2014-06)"/> + + <format type="PDF"/> + </reference> + </references> + + <references title="Informative References"> + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.1242'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.5481'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.6049'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.6248'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.RFC.6390'?> + + <?rfc include='reference.I-D.ietf-bmwg-virtual-net'?> + </references> + </back> +</rfc> diff --git a/docs/TCLServerProperties.png b/docs/images/TCLServerProperties.png Binary files differindex 682de7c5..682de7c5 100644 --- a/docs/TCLServerProperties.png +++ b/docs/images/TCLServerProperties.png diff --git a/docs/installation.md b/docs/installation.md deleted file mode 100755 index 708de953..00000000 --- a/docs/installation.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,61 +0,0 @@ -# Installing toit - -The test suite requires Python 3.3 and relies on a number of other packages. These need to be installed for the test suite to function. -To install Python 3.3 in CentOS 7, an additional repository, Software Collections (see https://www.softwarecollections.org/en/scls/rhscl/python33) should be enabled. - -Install the requirements as specified below. - ---- -## Enable Software Collections (SCL) - -```bash -yum -y install scl-utils -yum -y install https://www.softwarecollections.org/en/scls/rhscl/python33/epel-7-x86_64/download/rhscl-python33-epel-7-x86_64.noarch.rpm -``` - -## System packages - -There are a number of packages that must be installed using `yum`. These can be installed like so: - -```bash -yum -y --exclude=python33-mod_wsgi* install python33-* pciutils -``` - ---- - -## Python 3 Packages - -To avoid file permission errors and Python version issues, use virtualenv to create an isolated environment with Python3. -The required Python 3 packages can be found in the `requirements.txt` file in the root of the test suite. -They can be installed in your virtual environment like so: - -```bash -scl enable python33 bash -# Create virtual environment -virtualenv vsperfenv -cd vsperfenv -source bin/activate -pip install -r requirements.txt -``` - -You need to activate the virtual environment every time you start a new shell session. -To activate, simple run: - -```bash -scl enable python33 bash -cd vsperfenv -source bin/activate -``` - ---- - -# Working Behind a Proxy - -If you're behind a proxy, you'll likely want to configure this before running any of the above. For example: - -```bash -export http_proxy=proxy.mycompany.com:123 -export https_proxy=proxy.mycompany.com:123 -``` - ---- diff --git a/docs/installation.rst b/docs/installation.rst new file mode 100644 index 00000000..e9a3d115 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/installation.rst @@ -0,0 +1,68 @@ +Installing toit +=============== + +The test suite requires Python 3.3 and relies on a number of other +packages. These need to be installed for the test suite to function. To +install Python 3.3 in CentOS 7, an additional repository, Software +Collections (see +https://www.softwarecollections.org/en/scls/rhscl/python33) should be +enabled. + +Install the requirements as specified below. + +Enable Software Collections (SCL) +--------------------------------- + + .. code-block:: console + + yum -y install scl-utils + yum -y install https://www.softwarecollections.org/en/scls/rhscl/python33/epel-7-x86_64/download/rhscl-python33-epel-7-x86_64.noarch.rpm + +System packages +----------------- +There are a number of packages that must be installed using `yum`. These can be installed like so: + + .. code-block:: console + + yum -y --exclude=python33-mod_wsgi* install python33-* pciutils + + +Python 3 Packages +----------------- + +To avoid file permission errors and Python version issues, use +virtualenv to create an isolated environment with Python3. The required +Python 3 packages can be found in the ``requirements.txt`` file in the +root of the test suite. They can be installed in your virtual +environment like so: + + .. code-block:: bash + + scl enable python33 bash + # Create virtual environment + virtualenv vsperfenv + cd vsperfenv + source bin/activate + pip install -r requirements.txt + +You need to activate the virtual environment every time you start a new +shell session. To activate, simple run: + +.. code:: bash + + scl enable python33 bash + cd vsperfenv + source bin/activate + +-------------- + +Working Behind a Proxy +====================== + +If you're behind a proxy, you'll likely want to configure this before +running any of the above. For example: + + .. code:: bash + + export http_proxy=proxy.mycompany.com:123 + export https_proxy=proxy.mycompany.com:123 diff --git a/docs/quickstart.md b/docs/quickstart.md deleted file mode 100755 index b6cc3242..00000000 --- a/docs/quickstart.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,118 +0,0 @@ -# Getting Started with 'vsperf' - -## Hardware Requirements -VSPERF requires the following hardware to run tests: IXIA traffic generator (IxNetwork), a machine that runs the IXIA client software and a CentOS Linux release 7.1.1503 (Core) host. - -## vSwitch Requirements -The vSwitch must support Open Flow 1.3 or greater. - -## Installation - -Follow the [installation instructions] to install. - -## IXIA Setup -###On the CentOS 7 system -You need to install IxNetworkTclClient$(VER_NUM)Linux.bin.tgz. - -### On the IXIA client software system -Find the IxNetwork TCL server app (start -> All Programs -> IXIA -> IxNetwork -> IxNetwork_$(VER_NUM) -> IxNetwork TCL Server) - - Right click on IxNetwork TCL Server, select properties - - Under shortcut tab in the Target dialogue box make sure there is the argument "-tclport xxxx" where xxxx is your port number (take note of this port number you will need it for the 10_custom.conf file). -  - - Hit Ok and start the TCL server application - -## Cloning and building src dependencies -In order to run VSPERF, you will need to download DPDK and OVS. You can do this manually and build them in a preferred location, or you could use vswitchperf/src. The vswitchperf/src directory contains makefiles that will allow you to clone and build the libraries that VSPERF depends on, such as DPDK and OVS. To clone and build simply: - -```bash -cd src -make -``` - -VSPERF can be used with OVS without DPDK support. In this case you have to specify path to the kernel sources by WITH_LINUX parameter: - -```bash -cd src -make WITH_LINUX=/lib/modules/`uname -r`/build -``` - -To build DPDK and OVS for PVP testing, use: - -```bash -make VHOST_USER=y -``` - -To delete a src subdirectory and its contents to allow you to re-clone simply use: - -```bash -make cleanse -``` - -## Configure the `./conf/10_custom.conf` file - -The supplied `10_custom.conf` file must be modified, as it contains configuration items for which there are no reasonable default values. - -The configuration items that can be added is not limited to the initial contents. Any configuration item mentioned in any .conf file in `./conf` directory can be added and that item will be overridden by the custom -configuration value. - -## Using a custom settings file - -Alternatively a custom settings file can be passed to `vsperf` via the `--conf-file` argument. - -```bash -./vsperf --conf-file <path_to_settings_py> ... -``` - -Note that configuration passed in via the environment (`--load-env`) or via another command line argument will override both the default and your custom configuration files. This "priority hierarchy" can be described like so (1 = max priority): - -1. Command line arguments -2. Environment variables -3. Configuration file(s) - ---- - -## Executing tests -Before running any tests make sure you have root permissions by adding the following line to /etc/sudoers: -``` -username ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL -``` -username in the example above should be replaced with a real username. - -To list the available tests: - -```bash -./vsperf --list-tests -``` - -To run a group of tests, for example all tests with a name containing -'RFC2544': - -```bash -./vsperf --conf-file=user_settings.py --tests="RFC2544" -``` - -To run all tests: - -```bash -./vsperf --conf-file=user_settings.py -``` - -Some tests allow for configurable parameters, including test duration (in -seconds) as well as packet sizes (in bytes). - -```bash -./vsperf --conf-file user_settings.py - --tests RFC2544Tput - --test-param "rfc2544_duration=10;packet_sizes=128" -``` - -For all available options, check out the help dialog: - -```bash -./vsperf --help -``` - ---- - -[installation instructions]: installation.md - diff --git a/docs/quickstart.rst b/docs/quickstart.rst new file mode 100644 index 00000000..5c5b7625 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/quickstart.rst @@ -0,0 +1,184 @@ +Getting Started with 'vsperf' +============================= + +Hardware Requirements +--------------------- + +VSPERF requires the following hardware to run tests: IXIA traffic +generator (IxNetwork), a machine that runs the IXIA client software and +a CentOS Linux release 7.1.1503 (Core) host. + +vSwitch Requirements +-------------------- + +The vSwitch must support Open Flow 1.3 or greater. + +Installation +------------ + +Follow the `installation instructions <installation.md>`__ to install. + +IXIA Setup +---------- + +On the CentOS 7 system +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + +You need to install IxNetworkTclClient$(VER\_NUM)Linux.bin.tgz. + +On the IXIA client software system +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + +Find the IxNetwork TCL server app (start -> All Programs -> IXIA -> +IxNetwork -> IxNetwork\_$(VER\_NUM) -> IxNetwork TCL Server) + +Right click on IxNetwork TCL Server, select properties - Under shortcut tab in +the Target dialogue box make sure there is the argument "-tclport xxxx" +where xxxx is your port number (take note of this port number you will +need it for the 10\_custom.conf file). + +|Alt text| + +Hit Ok and start the TCL server application + +Cloning and building src dependencies +------------------------------------- + +In order to run VSPERF, you will need to download DPDK and OVS. You can +do this manually and build them in a preferred location, or you could +use vswitchperf/src. The vswitchperf/src directory contains makefiles +that will allow you to clone and build the libraries that VSPERF depends +on, such as DPDK and OVS. To clone and build simply: + + .. code-block:: console + + cd src + make + +VSPERF can be used with OVS without DPDK support. In this case you have +to specify path to the kernel sources by WITH\_LINUX parameter: + + .. code-block:: console + + cd src + make WITH_LINUX=/lib/modules/`uname -r`/build + +To build DPDK and OVS for PVP testing with vhost_user as the guest access +method, use: + + .. code-block:: console + + make VHOST_USER=y + +To delete a src subdirectory and its contents to allow you to re-clone simply +use: + + .. code-block:: console + + make clobber + +Configure the ``./conf/10_custom.conf`` file +-------------------------------------------- + +The supplied ``10_custom.conf`` file must be modified, as it contains +configuration items for which there are no reasonable default values. + +The configuration items that can be added is not limited to the initial +contents. Any configuration item mentioned in any .conf file in +``./conf`` directory can be added and that item will be overridden by +the custom configuration value. + +Using a custom settings file +---------------------------- + +Alternatively a custom settings file can be passed to ``vsperf`` via the +``--conf-file`` argument. + + .. code-block:: console + + ./vsperf --conf-file <path_to_settings_py> ... + +Note that configuration passed in via the environment (``--load-env``) +or via another command line argument will override both the default and +your custom configuration files. This "priority hierarchy" can be +described like so (1 = max priority): + +1. Command line arguments +2. Environment variables +3. Configuration file(s) + +-------------- + +Executing tests +--------------- + +Before running any tests make sure you have root permissions by adding +the following line to /etc/sudoers: + + .. code-block:: console + + username ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL + +username in the example above should be replaced with a real username. + +To list the available tests: + + .. code-block:: console + + ./vsperf --list-tests + +To run a group of tests, for example all tests with a name containing +'RFC2544': + + .. code-block:: console + + ./vsperf --conf-file=user_settings.py --tests="RFC2544" + +To run all tests: + + .. code-block:: console + + ./vsperf --conf-file=user_settings.py + +Some tests allow for configurable parameters, including test duration +(in seconds) as well as packet sizes (in bytes). + +.. code:: bash + + ./vsperf --conf-file user_settings.py + --tests RFC2544Tput + --test-param "rfc2544_duration=10;packet_sizes=128" + +For all available options, check out the help dialog: + + .. code-block:: console + + ./vsperf --help + + +GOTCHAs: +-------- + +OVS with DPDK and QEMU +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +If you encounter the following error: "before (last 100 chars): +'-path=/dev/hugepages,share=on: unable to map backing store for +hugepages: Cannot allocate memory\r\n\r\n" with the PVP deployment +scenario, check the amount of hugepages on your system: + +.. code:: bash + + cat /proc/meminfo | grep HugePages + + +By default the vswitchd is launched with 1Gb of memory, to change +this, modify --socket-mem parameter in conf/02_vswitch.conf to allocate +an appropriate amount of memory: + +.. code:: bash + + VSWITCHD_DPDK_ARGS = ['-c', '0x4', '-n', '4', '--socket-mem 1024,0'] + +-------------- + +.. |Alt text| image:: images/TCLServerProperties.png diff --git a/docs/vswitchperf_ltd.rst b/docs/vswitchperf_ltd.rst new file mode 100644 index 00000000..7eaba009 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/vswitchperf_ltd.rst @@ -0,0 +1,1931 @@ +CHARACTERIZE VSWITCH PERFORMANCE FOR TELCO NFV USE CASES LEVEL TEST DESIGN +========================================================================== + +.. contents:: Table of Contents + +1. Introduction +=============== + +The objective of the OPNFV project titled +**“Characterize vSwitch Performance for Telco NFV Use Cases”**, is to +evaluate a virtual switch to identify its suitability for a Telco +Network Function Virtualization (NFV) environment. The intention of this +Level Test Design (LTD) document is to specify the set of tests to carry +out in order to objectively measure the current characteristics of a +virtual switch in the Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure +(NFVI) as well as the test pass criteria. The detailed test cases will +be defined in `Section 2 <#DetailsOfTheLevelTestDesign>`__, preceded by +the `Document identifier <#DocId>`__ and the `Scope <#Scope>`__. + +This document is currently in draft form. + +1.1. Document identifier +------------------------ + +The document id will be used to uniquely +identify versions of the LTD. The format for the document id will be: +OPNFV\_vswitchperf\_LTD\_ver\_NUM\_MONTH\_YEAR\_STATUS, where by the +status is one of: draft, reviewed, corrected or final. The document id +for this version of the LTD is: +OPNFV\_vswitchperf\_LTD\_ver\_1.6\_Jan\_15\_DRAFT. + +1.2. Scope +---------- + +The main purpose of this project is to specify a suite of +performance tests in order to objectively measure the current packet +transfer characteristics of a virtual switch in the NFVI. The intent of +the project is to facilitate testing of any virtual switch. Thus, a +generic suite of tests shall be developed, with no hard dependencies to +a single implementation. In addition, the test case suite shall be +architecture independent. + +The test cases developed in this project shall not form part of a +separate test framework, all of these tests may be inserted into the +Continuous Integration Test Framework and/or the Platform Functionality +Test Framework - if a vSwitch becomes a standard component of an OPNFV +release. + +1.3. References +--------------- + +* `RFC 1242 Benchmarking Terminology for Network Interconnection + Devices <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1242.txt>`__ +* `RFC 2544 Benchmarking Methodology for Network Interconnect + Devices <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2544.txt>`__ +* `RFC 2285 Benchmarking Terminology for LAN Switching + Devices <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2285.txt>`__ +* `RFC 2889 Benchmarking Methodology for LAN Switching + Devices <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2889.txt>`__ +* `RFC 3918 Methodology for IP Multicast + Benchmarking <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3918.txt>`__ +* `RFC 4737 Packet Reordering + Metrics <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc4737.txt>`__ +* `RFC 5481 Packet Delay Variation Applicability + Statement <http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc5481.txt>`__ +* `RFC 6201 Device Reset + Characterization <http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6201>`__ + +2. Details of the Level Test Design +=================================== + +This section describes the features to be tested (`cf. 2.1 +<#FeaturesToBeTested>`__), the test approach (`cf. 2.2 <#Approach>`__); +it also identifies the sets of test cases or scenarios (`cf. 2.3 +<#TestIdentification>`__) along with the pass/fail criteria (`cf. 2.4 +<#PassFail>`__) and the test deliverables (`cf. 2.5 <#TestDeliverables>`__). + +2.1. Features to be tested +-------------------------- + +Characterizing virtual switches (i.e. Device Under Test (DUT) in this document) +includes measuring the following performance metrics: + +- **Throughput** as defined by `RFC1242 + <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1242.txt>`__: The maximum rate at which + **none** of the offered frames are dropped by the DUT. The maximum frame + rate and bit rate that can be transmitted by the DUT without any error + should be recorded. Note there is an equivalent bit rate and a specific + layer at which the payloads contribute to the bits. Errors and + improperly formed frames or packets are dropped. +- **Packet delay** introduced by the DUT and its cumulative effect on + E2E networks. Frame delay can be measured equivalently. +- **Packet delay variation**: measured from the perspective of the + VNF/application. Packet delay variation is sometimes called "jitter". + However, we will avoid the term "jitter" as the term holds different + meaning to different groups of people. In this document we will + simply use the term packet delay variation. The preferred form for this + metric is the PDV form of delay variation defined in `RFC5481 + <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc5481.txt>`__. +- **Packet loss** (within a configured waiting time at the receiver): All + packets sent to the DUT should be accounted for. +- **Burst behaviour**: measures the ability of the DUT to buffer packets. +- **Packet re-ordering**: measures the ability of the device under test to + maintain sending order throughout transfer to the destination. +- **Packet correctness**: packets or Frames must be well-formed, in that + they include all required fields, conform to length requirements, pass + integrity checks, etc. +- **Availability and capacity** of the DUT i.e. when the DUT is fully “up” + and connected: + + - Includes power consumption of the CPU (in various power states) and + system. + - Includes CPU utilization. + - Includes the number of NIC interfaces supported. + - Includes headroom of VM workload processing cores (i.e. available + for applications). + + +2.2. Approach +============== + +In order to determine the packet transfer characteristics of a virtual +switch, the tests will be broken down into the following categories: + +2.2.1 Test Categories +---------------------- +- **Throughput Tests** to measure the maximum forwarding rate (in + frames per second or fps) and bit rate (in Mbps) for a constant load + (as defined by `RFC1242 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1242.txt>`__) + without traffic loss. +- **Packet and Frame Delay Tests** to measure average, min and max + packet and frame delay for constant loads. +- **Stream Performance Tests** (TCP, UDP) to measure bulk data transfer + performance, i.e. how fast systems can send and receive data through + the switch. +- **Request/Response Performance** Tests (TCP, UDP) the measure the + transaction rate through the switch. +- **Packet Delay Tests** to understand latency distribution for + different packet sizes and over an extended test run to uncover + outliers. +- **Scalability Tests** to understand how the virtual switch performs + as the number of flows, active ports, complexity of the forwarding + logic's configuration... it has to deal with increases. +- **Control Path and Datapath Coupling** Tests, to understand how + closely coupled the datapath and the control path are as well as the + effect of this coupling on the performance of the DUT. +- **CPU and Memory Consumption Tests** to understand the virtual + switch’s footprint on the system, this includes: + + * CPU utilization + * Cache utilization + * Memory footprint + * Time To Establish Flows Tests. + +- **Noisy Neighbour Tests**, to understand the effects of resource + sharing on the performance of a virtual switch. + +**Note:** some of the tests above can be conducted simultaneously where +the combined results would be insightful, for example Packet/Frame Delay +and Scalability. + +2.2.2 Deployment Scenarios +-------------------------- +The following represents possible deployments which can help to +determine the performance of both the virtual switch and the datapath +into the VNF: + +Physical port → vSwitch → physical port +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + .. code-block:: console + + _ + +--------------------------------------------------+ | + | +--------------------+ | | + | | | | | + | | v | | Host + | +--------------+ +--------------+ | | + | | phy port | vSwitch | phy port | | | + +---+--------------+------------+--------------+---+ _| + ^ : + | | + : v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+ + + +Physical port → vSwitch → VNF → vSwitch → physical port +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + .. code-block:: console + + _ + +---------------------------------------------------+ | + | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | | Application | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | ^ : | | + | | | | | Guest + | : v | | + | +---------------+ +---------------+ | | + | | logical port 0| | logical port 1| | | + +---+---------------+-----------+---------------+---+ _| + ^ : + | | + : v _ + +---+---------------+----------+---------------+---+ | + | | logical port 0| | logical port 1| | | + | +---------------+ +---------------+ | | + | ^ : | | + | | | | | Host + | : v | | + | +--------------+ +--------------+ | | + | | phy port | vSwitch | phy port | | | + +---+--------------+------------+--------------+---+ _| + ^ : + | | + : v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+ + + +Physical port → vSwitch → VNF → vSwitch → VNF → vSwitch → physical port +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + + .. code-block:: console + + _ + +----------------------+ +----------------------+ | + | Guest 1 | | Guest 2 | | + | +---------------+ | | +---------------+ | | + | | Application | | | | Application | | | + | +---------------+ | | +---------------+ | | + | ^ | | | ^ | | | + | | v | | | v | | Guests + | +---------------+ | | +---------------+ | | + | | logical ports | | | | logical ports | | | + | | 0 1 | | | | 0 1 | | | + +---+---------------+--+ +---+---------------+--+ _| + ^ : ^ : + | | | | + : v : v _ + +---+---------------+---------+---------------+--+ | + | | 0 1 | | 3 4 | | | + | | logical ports | | logical ports | | | + | +---------------+ +---------------+ | | + | ^ | ^ | | | Host + | | L-----------------+ v | | + | +--------------+ +--------------+ | | + | | phy ports | vSwitch | phy ports | | | + +---+--------------+----------+--------------+---+ _| + ^ : ^ : + | | | | + : v : v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+ + + +Physical port → vSwitch → VNF +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + + .. code-block:: console + + _ + +---------------------------------------------------+ | + | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | | Application | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | ^ | | + | | | | Guest + | : | | + | +---------------+ | | + | | logical port 0| | | + +---+---------------+-------------------------------+ _| + ^ + | + : _ + +---+---------------+------------------------------+ | + | | logical port 0| | | + | +---------------+ | | + | ^ | | + | | | | Host + | : | | + | +--------------+ | | + | | phy port | vSwitch | | + +---+--------------+------------ -------------- ---+ _| + ^ + | + : + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+ + +VNF → vSwitch → physical port +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + + .. code-block:: console + + _ + +---------------------------------------------------+ | + | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | | Application | | | + | +-------------------------------------------+ | | + | : | | + | | | | Guest + | v | | + | +---------------+ | | + | | logical port | | | + +-------------------------------+---------------+---+ _| + : + | + v _ + +------------------------------+---------------+---+ | + | | logical port | | | + | +---------------+ | | + | : | | + | | | | Host + | v | | + | +--------------+ | | + | vSwitch | phy port | | | + +-------------------------------+--------------+---+ _| + : + | + v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+ + +VNF → vSwitch → VNF → vSwitch +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + + .. code-block:: console + + _ + +-------------------------+ +-------------------------+ | + | Guest 1 | | Guest 2 | | + | +-----------------+ | | +-----------------+ | | + | | Application | | | | Application | | | + | +-----------------+ | | +-----------------+ | | + | : | | ^ | | + | | | | | | | Guest + | v | | : | | + | +---------------+ | | +---------------+ | | + | | logical port 0| | | | logical port 0| | | + +-----+---------------+---+ +---+---------------+-----+ _| + : ^ + | | + v : _ + +----+---------------+------------+---------------+-----+ | + | | port 0 | | port 1 | | | + | +---------------+ +---------------+ | | + | : ^ | | + | | | | | Host + | +--------------------+ | | + | | | + | vswitch | | + +-------------------------------------------------------+ _| + +HOST 1(Physical port → virtual switch → VNF → virtual switch → +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Physical port) → HOST 2(Physical port → virtual switch → VNF → +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +virtual switch → Physical port) +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + + .. code-block:: console + + + +--------------------------------------------+ +------------------------------------------+ + | +---------------------------------+ | | +--------------------------------+ | + | | Application | | | | Application | | + | +----------------------------+----+ | | +-------------------------+------+ | + | ^ | | | ^ | | + | | v | | | v | + | +------------------+ +------------------+ | | +------------------+ +----------------+ | + | | Logical port 0 | | Logical port 1 | | | | Logical port 0 | | Logical port 1 | | + +-+------------------+--+------------------+-+ +-+------------------+--+----------------+-+ + ^ | ^ | + | | | | + | v | v + +-+------------------+--+------------------+-+ +-+------------------+--+----------------+-+ + | | Logical port 0 | | Logical port 1 | | | | Logical port 0 | | Logical port 1 | | + | +------------------+ +------------------+ | | +------------------+ +----------------+ | + | ^ | | | ^ | | + | | | | | | | | + | | vswitch v | | | vswitch v | + | +--------+---------+ +------------------+ | | +------------------+ +----------------+ | + | | phy port | | phy port | | | | phy port | | phy port | | + +-+------------------+--+------------------+-+ +-+------------------+--+----------------+-+ + ^ | ^ | + | | | | + | ------------------------ v + +-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ + +**Note:** For tests where the traffic generator and/or measurement +receiver are implemented on VM and connected to the virtual switch +through vNIC, the issues of shared resources and interactions between +the measurement devices and the device under test must be considered. + +2.2.3 General Methodology: +-------------------------- +To establish the baseline performance of the virtual switch, tests would +initially be run with a simple workload in the VNF (the recommended +simple workload VNF would be `DPDK <http://www.dpdk.org/>`__'s testpmd +application forwarding packets in a VM or vloop\_vnf a simple kernel +module that forwards traffic between two network interfaces inside the +virtualized environment while bypassing the networking stack). +Subsequently, the tests would also be executed with a real Telco +workload running in the VNF, which would exercise the virtual switch in +the context of higher level Telco NFV use cases, and prove that its +underlying characteristics and behaviour can be measured and validated. +Suitable real Telco workload VNFs are yet to be identified. + +2.2.3.1 Default Test Parameters +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + +The following list identifies the default parameters for suite of +tests: + +- Reference application: Simple forwarding or Open Source VNF. +- Frame size (bytes): 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1280, 1518, 2K, 4k OR + Packet size based on use-case (e.g. RTP 64B, 256B). +- Reordering check: Tests should confirm that packets within a flow are + not reordered. +- Duplex: Unidirectional / Bidirectional. Default: Full duplex with + traffic transmitting in both directions, as network traffic generally + does not flow in a single direction. By default the data rate of + transmitted traffic should be the same in both directions, please + note that asymmetric traffic (e.g. downlink-heavy) tests will be + mentioned explicitly for the relevant test cases. +- Number of Flows: Default for non scalability tests is a single flow. + For scalability tests the goal is to test with maximum supported + flows but where possible will test up to 10 Million flows. Start with + a single flow and scale up. By default flows should be added + sequentially, tests that add flows simultaneously will explicitly + call out their flow addition behaviour. Packets are generated across + the flows uniformly with no burstiness. +- Traffic Types: UDP, SCTP, RTP, GTP and UDP traffic. +- Deployment scenarios are: +- Physical → virtual switch → physical. +- Physical → virtual switch → VNF → virtual switch → physical. +- Physical → virtual switch → VNF → virtual switch → VNF → virtual + switch → physical. +- Physical → virtual switch → VNF. +- VNF → virtual switch → Physical. +- VNF → virtual switch → VNF. + +Tests MUST have these parameters unless otherwise stated. **Test cases +with non default parameters will be stated explicitly**. + +**Note**: For throughput tests unless stated otherwise, test +configurations should ensure that traffic traverses the installed flows +through the switch, i.e. flows are installed and have an appropriate +time out that doesn't expire before packet transmission starts. + +2.2.3.2 Flow Classification +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + +Virtual switches classify packets into flows by processing and matching +particular header fields in the packet/frame and/or the input port where +the packets/frames arrived. The vSwitch then carries out an action on +the group of packets that match the classification parameters. Thus a +flow is considered to be a sequence of packets that have a shared set of +header field values or have arrived on the same port and have the same +action applied to them. Performance results can vary based on the +parameters the vSwitch uses to match for a flow. The recommended flow +classification parameters for L3 vSwitch performance tests are: the +input port, the source IP address, the destination IP address and the +Ethernet protocol type field. It is essential to increase the flow +time-out time on a vSwitch before conducting any performance tests that +do not measure the flow set-up time. Normally the first packet of a +particular flow will install the flow in the vSwitch which adds an +additional latency, subsequent packets of the same flow are not subject +to this latency if the flow is already installed on the vSwitch. + +2.2.3.3 Test Priority +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + +Tests will be assigned a priority in order to determine which tests +should be implemented immediately and which tests implementations +can be deferred. + +Priority can be of following types: - Urgent: Must be implemented +immediately. - High: Must be implemented in the next release. - Medium: +May be implemented after the release. - Low: May or may not be +implemented at all. + +2.2.3.4 SUT Setup +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + +The SUT should be configured to its "default" state. The +SUT's configuration or set-up must not change between tests in any way +other than what is required to do the test. All supported protocols must +be configured and enabled for each test set up. + +2.2.3.4.1 Port Configuration +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + +The DUT should be configured with n ports where +n is a multiple of 2. Half of the ports on the DUT should be used as +ingress ports and the other half of the ports on the DUT should be used +as egress ports. Where a DUT has more than 2 ports, the ingress data +streams should be set-up so that they transmit packets to the egress +ports in sequence so that there is an even distribution of traffic +across ports. For example, if a DUT has 4 ports 0(ingress), 1(ingress), +2(egress) and 3(egress), the traffic stream directed at port 0 should +output a packet to port 2 followed by a packet to port 3. The traffic +stream directed at port 1 should also output a packet to port 2 followed +by a packet to port 3. + +2.2.3.4.2 Frame Formats +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + +Frame formats Layer 2 (data link layer) protocols +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +- Ethernet II + + .. code-block:: console + + +---------------------+--------------------+-----------+ + | Ethernet Header | Payload | Check Sum | + +---------------------+--------------------+-----------+ + |_____________________|____________________|___________| + 14 Bytes 46 - 1500 Bytes 4 Bytes + +Layer 3 (network layer) protocols +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + +- IPv4 + + .. code-block:: console + + +---------------------+--------------------+--------------------+-----------+ + | Ethernet Header | IP Header | Payload | Check Sum | + +---------------------+--------------------+--------------------+-----------+ + |_____________________|____________________|____________________|___________| + 14 Bytes 20 bytes 26 - 1480 Bytes 4 Bytes + +- IPv6 + + .. code-block:: console + + +---------------------+--------------------+--------------------+-----------+ + | Ethernet Header | IP Header | Payload | Check Sum | + +---------------------+--------------------+--------------------+-----------+ + |_____________________|____________________|____________________|___________| + 14 Bytes 40 bytes 26 - 1460 Bytes 4 Bytes + +Layer 4 (transport layer) protocols +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + - TCP + - UDP + - SCTP + + .. code-block:: console + + +---------------------+--------------------+-----------------+--------------------+-----------+ + | Ethernet Header | IP Header | Layer 4 Header | Payload | Check Sum | + +---------------------+--------------------+-----------------+--------------------+-----------+ + |_____________________|____________________|_________________|____________________|___________| + 14 Bytes 40 bytes 20 Bytes 6 - 1460 Bytes 4 Bytes + +Layer 5 (application layer) protocols ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + - RTP + - GTP + + .. code-block:: console + + +---------------------+--------------------+-----------------+--------------------+-----------+ + | Ethernet Header | IP Header | Layer 4 Header | Payload | Check Sum | + +---------------------+--------------------+-----------------+--------------------+-----------+ + |_____________________|____________________|_________________|____________________|___________| + 14 Bytes 20 bytes 20 Bytes Min 6 Bytes 4 Bytes + + +2.2.3.4.3 Packet Throughput +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ +There is a difference between an Ethernet frame, +an IP packet, and a UDP datagram. In the seven-layer OSI model of +computer networking, packet refers to a data unit at layer 3 (network +layer). The correct term for a data unit at layer 2 (data link layer) is +a frame, and at layer 4 (transport layer) is a segment or datagram. + +Important concepts related to 10GbE performance are frame rate and +throughput. The MAC bit rate of 10GbE, defined in the IEEE standard 802 +.3ae, is 10 billion bits per second. Frame rate is based on the bit rate +and frame format definitions. Throughput, defined in IETF RFC 1242, is +the highest rate at which the system under test can forward the offered +load, without loss. + +The frame rate for 10GbE is determined by a formula that divides the 10 +billion bits per second by the preamble + frame length + inter-frame +gap. + +The maximum frame rate is calculated using the minimum values of the +following parameters, as described in the IEEE 802 .3ae standard: + +- Preamble: 8 bytes \* 8 = 64 bits +- Frame Length: 64 bytes (minimum) \* 8 = 512 bits +- Inter-frame Gap: 12 bytes (minimum) \* 8 = 96 bits + +Therefore, Maximum Frame Rate (64B Frames) += MAC Transmit Bit Rate / (Preamble + Frame Length + Inter-frame Gap) += 10,000,000,000 / (64 + 512 + 96) += 10,000,000,000 / 672 += 14,880,952.38 frame per second (fps) + +2.2.3.4.4 System isolation and validation +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + +A key consideration when conducting any sort of benchmark is trying to +ensure the consistency and repeatability of test results between runs. +When benchmarking the performance of a virtual switch there are many +factors that can affect the consistency of results. This section +describes these factors and the measures that can be taken to limit +their effects. In addition, this section will outline some system tests +to validate the platform and the VNF before conducting any vSwitch +benchmarking tests. + +System Isolation +++++++++++++++++ +When conducting a benchmarking test on any SUT, it is essential to limit +(and if reasonable, eliminate) any noise that may interfere with the +accuracy of the metrics collected by the test. This noise may be +introduced by other hardware or software (OS, other applications), and +can result in significantly varying performance metrics being collected +between consecutive runs of the same test. In the case of characterizing +the performance of a virtual switch, there are a number of configuration +parameters that can help increase the repeatability and stability of +test results, including: + +- OS/GRUB configuration: + + - maxcpus = n where n >= 0; limits the kernel to using 'n' + processors. Only use exactly what you need. + - isolcpus: Isolate CPUs from the general scheduler. Isolate all + CPUs bar one which will be used by the OS. + - use taskset to affinitize the forwarding application and the VNFs + onto isolated cores. VNFs and the vSwitch should be allocated + their own cores, i.e. must not share the same cores. vCPUs for the + VNF should be affinitized to individual cores also. + - Limit the amount of background applications that are running and + set OS to boot to runlevel 3. Make sure to kill any unnecessary + system processes/daemons. + - Only enable hardware that you need to use for your test – to + ensure there are no other interrupts on the system. + - Configure NIC interrupts to only use the cores that are not + allocated to any other process (VNF/vSwitch). + +- NUMA configuration: Any unused sockets in a multi-socket system + should be disabled. +- CPU pinning: The vSwitch and the VNF should each be affinitized to + separate logical cores using a combination of maxcpus, isolcpus and + taskset. +- BIOS configuration: BIOS should be configured for performance where + an explicit option exists, sleep states should be disabled, any + virtualization optimization technologies should be enabled, and + hyperthreading should also be enabled. + +System Validation ++++++++++++++++++ +System validation is broken down into two sub-categories: Platform +validation and VNF validation. The validation test itself involves +verifying the forwarding capability and stability for the sub-system +under test. The rationale behind system validation is two fold. Firstly +to give a tester confidence in the stability of the platform or VNF that +is being tested; and secondly to provide base performance comparison +points to understand the overhead introduced by the virtual switch. + +* Benchmark platform forwarding capability: This is an OPTIONAL test + used to verify the platform and measure the base performance (maximum + forwarding rate in fps and latency) that can be achieved by the + platform without a vSwitch or a VNF. The following diagram outlines + the set-up for benchmarking Platform forwarding capability: + + .. code-block:: console + + __ + +--------------------------------------------------+ | + | +------------------------------------------+ | | + | | | | | + | | l2fw or DPDK L2FWD app | | Host + | | | | | + | +------------------------------------------+ | | + | | NIC | | | + +---+------------------------------------------+---+ __| + ^ : + | | + : v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+ + +* Benchmark VNF forwarding capability: This test is used to verify + the VNF and measure the base performance (maximum forwarding rate in + fps and latency) that can be achieved by the VNF without a vSwitch. + The performance metrics collected by this test will serve as a key + comparison point for NIC passthrough technologies and vSwitches. VNF + in this context refers to the hypervisor and the VM. The following + diagram outlines the set-up for benchmarking VNF forwarding + capability: + + .. code-block:: console + + __ + +--------------------------------------------------+ | + | +------------------------------------------+ | | + | | | | | + | | VNF | | | + | | | | | + | +------------------------------------------+ | | + | | Passthrough/SR-IOV | | Host + | +------------------------------------------+ | | + | | NIC | | | + +---+------------------------------------------+---+ __| + ^ : + | | + : v + +--------------------------------------------------+ + | | + | traffic generator | + | | + +--------------------------------------------------+ + + +Methodology to benchmark Platform/VNF forwarding capability +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + +The recommended methodology for the platform/VNF validation and +benchmark is: - Run `RFC2889 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2289.txt>`__ +Maximum Forwarding Rate test, this test will produce maximum +forwarding rate and latency results that will serve as the +expected values. These expected values can be used in +subsequent steps or compared with in subsequent validation tests. - +Transmit bidirectional traffic at line rate/max forwarding rate +(whichever is higher) for at least 72 hours, measure throughput (fps) +and latency. - Note: Traffic should be bidirectional. - Establish a +baseline forwarding rate for what the platform can achieve. - Additional +validation: After the test has completed for 72 hours run bidirectional +traffic at the maximum forwarding rate once more to see if the system is +still functional and measure throughput (fps) and latency. Compare the +measure the new obtained values with the expected values. + +**NOTE 1**: How the Platform is configured for its forwarding capability +test (BIOS settings, GRUB configuration, runlevel...) is how the +platform should be configured for every test after this + +**NOTE 2**: How the VNF is configured for its forwarding capability test +(# of vCPUs, vNICs, Memory, affinitization…) is how it should be +configured for every test that uses a VNF after this. + +2.2.4 RFCs for testing switch performance +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + +The starting point for defining the suite of tests for benchmarking the +performance of a virtual switch is to take existing RFCs and standards +that were designed to test their physical counterparts and adapting them +for testing virtual switches. The rationale behind this is to establish +a fair comparison between the performance of virtual and physical +switches. This section outlines the RFCs that are used by this +specification. + +RFC 1242 Benchmarking Terminology for Network Interconnection +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ +Devices RFC 1242 defines the terminology that is used in describing +performance benchmarking tests and their results. Definitions and +discussions covered include: Back-to-back, bridge, bridge/router, +constant load, data link frame size, frame loss rate, inter frame gap, +latency, and many more. + +RFC 2544 Benchmarking Methodology for Network Interconnect Devices +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ +RFC 2544 outlines a benchmarking methodology for network Interconnect +Devices. The methodology results in performance metrics such as latency, +frame loss percentage, and maximum data throughput. + +In this document network “throughput” (measured in millions of frames +per second) is based on RFC 2544, unless otherwise noted. Frame size +refers to Ethernet frames ranging from smallest frames of 64 bytes to +largest frames of 4K bytes. + +Types of tests are: + +1. Throughput test defines the maximum number of frames per second + that can be transmitted without any error. + +2. Latency test measures the time required for a frame to travel from + the originating device through the network to the destination device. + Please note that RFC2544 Latency measurement will be superseded with + a measurement of average latency over all successfully transferred + packets or frames. + +3. Frame loss test measures the network’s + response in overload conditions - a critical indicator of the + network’s ability to support real-time applications in which a + large amount of frame loss will rapidly degrade service quality. + +4. Burst test assesses the buffering capability of a switch. It + measures the maximum number of frames received at full line rate + before a frame is lost. In carrier Ethernet networks, this + measurement validates the excess information rate (EIR) as defined in + many SLAs. + +5. System recovery to characterize speed of recovery from an overload + condition. + +6. Reset to characterize speed of recovery from device or software + reset. This type of test has been updated by `RFC6201 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc6201.txt>`__ as such, + the methodology defined by this specification will be that of RFC 6201. + +Although not included in the defined RFC 2544 standard, another crucial +measurement in Ethernet networking is packet delay variation. The +definition set out by this specification comes from +`RFC5481 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc5481.txt>`__. + +RFC 2285 Benchmarking Terminology for LAN Switching Devices +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ +RFC 2285 defines the terminology that is used to describe the +terminology for benchmarking a LAN switching device. It extends RFC +1242 and defines: DUTs, SUTs, Traffic orientation and distribution, +bursts, loads, forwarding rates, etc. + +RFC 2889 Benchmarking Methodology for LAN Switching +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ +RFC 2889 outlines a benchmarking methodology for LAN switching, it +extends RFC 2544. The outlined methodology gathers performance +metrics for forwarding, congestion control, latency, address handling +and finally filtering. + +RFC 3918 Methodology for IP Multicast Benchmarking +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ +RFC 3918 outlines a methodology for IP Multicast benchmarking. + +RFC 4737 Packet Reordering Metrics +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ +RFC 4737 describes metrics for identifying and counting re-ordered +packets within a stream, and metrics to measure the extent each +packet has been re-ordered. + +RFC 5481 Packet Delay Variation Applicability Statement +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ +RFC 5481 defined two common, but different forms of delay variation +metrics, and compares the metrics over a range of networking +circumstances and tasks. The most suitable form for vSwitch +benchmarking is the "PDV" form. + +RFC 6201 Device Reset Characterization +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ +RFC 6201 extends the methodology for characterizing the speed of +recovery of the DUT from device or software reset described in RFC +2544. + +2.2.5 Details of the Test Report +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + +There are a number of parameters related to the system, DUT and tests +that can affect the repeatability of a test results and should be +recorded. In order to minimise the variation in the results of a test, +it is recommended that the test report includes the following information: + +- Hardware details including: + + - Platform details. + - Processor details. + - Memory information (see below) + - Number of enabled cores. + - Number of cores used for the test. + - Number of physical NICs, as well as their details (manufacturer, + versions, type and the PCI slot they are plugged into). + - NIC interrupt configuration. + - BIOS version, release date and any configurations that were + modified. + +- Software details including: + + - OS version (for host and VNF) + - Kernel version (for host and VNF) + - GRUB boot parameters (for host and VNF). + - Hypervisor details (Type and version). + - Selected vSwitch, version number or commit id used. + - vSwitch launch command line if it has been parameterised. + - Memory allocation to the vSwitch – which NUMA node it is using, + and how many memory channels. + - Where the vswitch is built from source: compiler details including + versions and the flags that were used to compile the vSwitch. + - DPDK or any other SW dependency version number or commit id used. + - Memory allocation to a VM - if it's from Hugpages/elsewhere. + - VM storage type: snapshot/independent persistent/independent + non-persistent. + - Number of VMs. + - Number of Virtual NICs (vNICs), versions, type and driver. + - Number of virtual CPUs and their core affinity on the host. + - Number vNIC interrupt configuration. + - Thread affinitization for the applications (including the vSwitch + itself) on the host. + - Details of Resource isolation, such as CPUs designated for + Host/Kernel (isolcpu) and CPUs designated for specific processes + (taskset). + +- Memory Details + + - Total memory + - Type of memory + - Used memory + - Active memory + - Inactive memory + - Free memory + - Buffer memory + - Swap cache + - Total swap + - Used swap + - Free swap + +- Test duration. +- Number of flows. +- Traffic Information: + + - Traffic type - UDP, TCP, IMIX / Other. + - Packet Sizes. + +- Deployment Scenario. + +**Note**: Tests that require additional parameters to be recorded will +explicitly specify this. + +2.3. Test identification +------------------------ +2.3.1 Throughput tests +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The following tests aim to determine the maximum forwarding rate that +can be achieved with a virtual switch. The list is not exhaustive but +should indicate the type of tests that should be required. It is +expected that more will be added. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC 2544 X% packet loss ratio Throughput and Latency Test + + **Prerequisite Test**: N/A + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + This test determines the DUT's maximum forwarding rate with X% traffic + loss for a constant load (fixed length frames at a fixed interval time). + The default loss percentages to be tested are: - X = 0% - X = 10^-7% + + Note: Other values can be tested if required by the user. + + The selected frame sizes are those previously defined under `Default + Test Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__. The test can also be used to + determine the average latency of the traffic. + + Under the `RFC2544 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2544.txt>`__ + test methodology, the test duration will + include a number of trials; each trial should run for a minimum period + of 60 seconds. A binary search methodology must be applied for each + trial to obtain the final result. + + **Expected Result**: At the end of each trial, the presence or absence + of loss determines the modification of offered load for the next trial, + converging on a maximum rate, or + `RFC2544 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2544.txt>`__ Throughput with X% loss. + The Throughput load is re-used in related + `RFC2544 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2544.txt>`__ tests and other + tests. + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The maximum forwarding rate in Frames Per Second (FPS) and Mbps of + the DUT for each frame size with X% packet loss. + - The average latency of the traffic flow when passing through the DUT + (if testing for latency, note that this average is different from the + test specified in Section 26.3 of + `RFC2544 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2544.txt>`__). + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatioFrameModification +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC 2544 X% packet loss Throughput and Latency Test with + packet modification + + **Prerequisite Test**: N/A + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + This test determines the DUT's maximum forwarding rate with X% traffic + loss for a constant load (fixed length frames at a fixed interval time). + The default loss percentages to be tested are: - X = 0% - X = 10^-7% + + Note: Other values can be tested if required by the user. + + The selected frame sizes are those previously defined under `Default + Test Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__. The test can also be used to + determine the average latency of the traffic. + + Under the `RFC2544 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2544.txt>`__ + test methodology, the test duration will + include a number of trials; each trial should run for a minimum period + of 60 seconds. A binary search methodology must be applied for each + trial to obtain the final result. + + During this test, the DUT must perform the following operations on the + traffic flow: + + - Perform packet parsing on the DUT's ingress port. + - Perform any relevant address look-ups on the DUT's ingress ports. + - Modify the packet header before forwarding the packet to the DUT's + egress port. Packet modifications include: + + - Modifying the Ethernet source or destination MAC address. + - Modifying/adding a VLAN tag. (**Recommended**). + - Modifying/adding a MPLS tag. + - Modifying the source or destination ip address. + - Modifying the TOS/DSCP field. + - Modifying the source or destination ports for UDP/TCP/SCTP. + - Modifying the TTL. + + **Expected Result**: The Packet parsing/modifications require some + additional degree of processing resource, therefore the + `RFC2544 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2544.txt>`__ + Throughput is expected to be somewhat lower than the Throughput level + measured without additional steps. The reduction is expected to be + greatest on tests with the smallest packet sizes (greatest header + processing rates). + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The maximum forwarding rate in Frames Per Second (FPS) and Mbps of + the DUT for each frame size with X% packet loss and packet + modification operations being performed by the DUT. + - The average latency of the traffic flow when passing through the DUT + (if testing for latency, note that this average is different from the + test specified in Section 26.3 of + `RFC2544 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2544.txt>`__). + - The `RFC5481 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc5481.txt>`__ + PDV form of delay variation on the traffic flow, + using the 99th percentile. + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.Profile +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC 2544 Throughput and Latency Profile + + **Prerequisite Test**: N/A + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + This test reveals how throughput and latency degrades as the offered + rate varies in the region of the DUT's maximum forwarding rate as + determined by LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio (0% Packet Loss). + For example it can be used to determine if the degradation of throughput + and latency as the offered rate increases is slow and graceful or sudden + and severe. + + The selected frame sizes are those previously defined under `Default + Test Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__. + + The offered traffic rate is described as a percentage delta with respect + to the DUT's maximum forwarding rate as determined by + LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLoss Ratio (0% Packet Loss case). A delta + of 0% is equivalent to an offered traffic rate equal to the maximum + forwarding rate; A delta of +50% indicates an offered rate half-way + between the maximum forwarding rate and line-rate, whereas a delta of + -50% indicates an offered rate of half the maximum rate. Therefore the + range of the delta figure is natuarlly bounded at -100% (zero offered + traffic) and +100% (traffic offered at line rate). + + The following deltas to the maximum forwarding rate should be applied: + + - -50%, -10%, 0%, +10% & +50% + + **Expected Result**: For each packet size a profile should be produced + of how throughput and latency vary with offered rate. + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The forwarding rate in Frames Per Second (FPS) and Mbps of the DUT + for each delta to the maximum forwarding rate and for each frame + size. + - The average latency for each delta to the maximum forwarding rate and + for each frame size. + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + - Any failures experienced (for example if the vSwitch crashes, stops + processing packets, restarts or becomes unresponsive to commands) + when the offered load is above Maximum Throughput MUST be recorded + and reported with the results. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.SystemRecoveryTime +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC 2544 System Recovery Time Test + + **Prerequisite Test** LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to determine the length of time it takes the DUT + to recover from an overload condition for a constant load (fixed length + frames at a fixed interval time). The selected frame sizes are those + previously defined under `Default Test Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__, + traffic should be sent to the DUT under normal conditions. During the + duration of the test and while the traffic flows are passing though the + DUT, at least one situation leading to an overload condition for the DUT + should occur. The time from the end of the overload condition to when + the DUT returns to normal operations should be measured to determine + recovery time. Prior to overloading the DUT, one should record the + average latency for 10,000 packets forwarded through the DUT. + + The overload condition SHOULD be to transmit traffic at a very high + frame rate to the DUT (150% of the maximum 0% packet loss rate as + determined by LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio or line-rate + whichever is lower), for at least 60 seconds, then reduce the frame rate + to 75% of the maximum 0% packet loss rate. A number of time-stamps + should be recorded: - Record the time-stamp at which the frame rate was + reduced and record a second time-stamp at the time of the last frame + lost. The recovery time is the difference between the two timestamps. - + Record the average latency for 10,000 frames after the last frame loss + and continue to record average latency measurements for every 10,000 + frames, when latency returns to within 10% of pre-overload levels record + the time-stamp. + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics collected** + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The length of time it takes the DUT to recover from an overload + condition. + - The length of time it takes the DUT to recover the average latency to + pre-overload conditions. + + **Deployment scenario**: + + - Physical → virtual switch → physical. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.BackToBackFrames +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC2544 Back To Back Frames Test + + **Prerequisite Test**: N + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to characterize the ability of the DUT to + process back-to-back frames. For each frame size previously defined + under `Default Test Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__, a burst of traffic + is sent to the DUT with the minimum inter-frame gap between each frame. + If the number of received frames equals the number of frames that were + transmitted, the burst size should be increased and traffic is sent to + the DUT again. The value measured is the back-to-back value, that is the + maximum burst size the DUT can handle without any frame loss. + + **Expected Result**: + + Tests of back-to-back frames with physical devices have produced + unstable results in some cases. All tests should be repeated in multiple + test sessions and results stability should be examined. + + **Metrics collected** + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The back-to-back value, which is the the number of frames in the + longest burst that the DUT will handle without the loss of any + frames. + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + + **Deployment scenario**: + + - Physical → virtual switch → physical. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.Soak +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC 2889 X% packet loss Throughput Soak Test + + **Prerequisite Test** LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to understand the Throughput stability over an + extended test duration in order to uncover any outliers. To allow for an + extended test duration, the test should ideally run for 24 hours or, if + this is not possible, for at least 6 hours. For this test, each frame + size must be sent at the highest Throughput with X% packet loss, as + determined in the prerequisite test. The default loss percentages to be + tested are: - X = 0% - X = 10^-7% + + Note: Other values can be tested if required by the user. + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - Throughput stability of the DUT. + + - This means reporting the number of packets lost per time interval + and reporting any time intervals with packet loss. The + `RFC2889 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2289.txt>`__ + Forwarding Rate shall be measured in each interval. + An interval of 60s is suggested. + + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + - The `RFC5481 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc5481.txt>`__ + PDV form of delay variation on the traffic flow, + using the 99th percentile. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.SoakFrameModification +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC 2889 Throughput Soak Test with Frame Modification + + **Prerequisite Test**: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatioFrameModification (0% Packet Loss) + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to understand the throughput stability over an + extended test duration in order to uncover any outliers. To allow for an + extended test duration, the test should ideally run for 24 hours or, if + this is not possible, for at least 6 hour. For this test, each frame + size must be sent at the highest Throughput with 0% packet loss, as + determined in the prerequisite test. + + During this test, the DUT must perform the following operations on the + traffic flow: + + - Perform packet parsing on the DUT's ingress port. + - Perform any relevant address look-ups on the DUT's ingress ports. + - Modify the packet header before forwarding the packet to the DUT's + egress port. Packet modifications include: + + - Modifying the Ethernet source or destination MAC address. + - Modifying/adding a VLAN tag (**Recommended**). + - Modifying/adding a MPLS tag. + - Modifying the source or destination ip address. + - Modifying the TOS/DSCP field. + - Modifying the source or destination ports for UDP/TCP/SCTP. + - Modifying the TTL. + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - Throughput stability of the DUT. + + - This means reporting the number of packets lost per time interval + and reporting any time intervals with packet loss. The + `RFC2889 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2289.txt>`__ + Forwarding Rate shall be measured in each interval. + An interval of 60s is suggested. + + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + - The `RFC5481 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc5481.txt>`__ PDV form of delay variation on the traffic flow, + using the 99th percentile. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC6201.ResetTime +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC 6201 Reset Time Test + + **Prerequisite Test**: N/A + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to determine the length of time it takes the DUT + to recover from a reset. + + Two reset methods are defined - planned and unplanned. A planned reset + requires stopping and restarting the virtual switch by the usual + 'graceful' method defined by it's documentation. An unplanned reset + requires simulating a fatal internal fault in the virtual switch - for + example by using kill -SIGKILL on a Linux environment. + + Both reset methods SHOULD be exercised. + + For each frame size previously defined under `Default Test + Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__, traffic should be sent to the DUT under + normal conditions. During the duration of the test and while the traffic + flows are passing through the DUT, the DUT should be reset and the Reset + time measured. The Reset time is the total time that a device is + determined to be out of operation and includes the time to perform the + reset and the time to recover from it (cf. `RFC6201 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc6201.txt>`__). + + `RFC6201 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc6201.txt>`__ defines two methods to measure the Reset time: + - Frame-Loss Method: which requires the monitoring of the number of + lost frames and calculates the Reset time based on the number of + frames lost and the offered rate according to the following + formula: + + .. code-block:: console + + Frames_lost (packets) + Reset_time = ------------------------------------- + Offered_rate (packets per second) + + - Timestamp Method: which measures the time from which the last frame + is forwarded from the DUT to the time the first frame is forwarded + after the reset. This involves time-stamping all transmitted frames + and recording the timestamp of the last frame that was received prior + to the reset and also measuring the timestamp of the first frame that + is received after the reset. The Reset time is the difference between + these two timestamps. + + According to `RFC6201 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc6201.txt>`__ the choice of method depends on the test + tool's capability; the Frame-Loss method SHOULD be used if the test tool + supports: - Counting the number of lost frames per stream. - + Transmitting test frame despite the physical link status. + + whereas the Timestamp method SHOULD be used if the test tool supports: - + Timestamping each frame. - Monitoring received frame's timestamp. - + Transmitting frames only if the physical link status is up. + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics collected** + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: - Average Reset + Time over the number of trials performed. + + Results of this test should include the following information: - The + reset method used. - Throughput in Fps and Mbps. - Average Frame Loss + over the number of trials performed. - Average Reset Time in + milliseconds over the number of trials performed. - Number of trials + performed. - Protocol: IPv4, IPv6, MPLS, etc. - Frame Size in Octets - + Port Media: Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), etc. - Port Speed: 10 + Gbps, 40 Gbps etc. - Interface Encapsulation: Ethernet, Ethernet VLAN, + etc. + + **Deployment scenario**: + + - Physical → virtual switch → physical. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.MaxForwardingRate +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC2889 Forwarding Rate Test + + **Prerequisite Test**: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + This test measures the DUT's Max Forwarding Rate when the Offered Load + is varied between the throughput and the Maximum Offered Load for fixed + length frames at a fixed time interval. The selected frame sizes are + those previously defined under `Default Test + Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__. The throughput is the maximum offered + load with 0% frame loss (measured by the prerequisite test), and the + Maximum Offered Load (as defined by + `RFC2285 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2285.txt>`__) is *"the highest + number of frames per second that an external source can transmit to a + DUT/SUT for forwarding to a specified output interface or interfaces"*. + + Traffic should be sent to the DUT at a particular rate (TX rate) + starting with TX rate equal to the throughput rate. The rate of + successfully received frames at the destination counted (in FPS). If the + RX rate is equal to the TX rate, the TX rate should be increased by a + fixed step size and the RX rate measured again until the Max Forwarding + Rate is found. + + The trial duration for each iteration should last for the period of time + needed for the system to reach steady state for the frame size being + tested. Under `RFC2889 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2289.txt>`__ + (Sec. 5.6.3.1) test methodology, the test + duration should run for a minimum period of 30 seconds, regardless + whether the system reaches steady state before the minimum duration + ends. + + **Expected Result**: According to + `RFC2889 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2289.txt>`__ The Max Forwarding Rate + is the highest forwarding rate of a DUT taken from an iterative set of + forwarding rate measurements. The iterative set of forwarding rate + measurements are made by setting the intended load transmitted from an + external source and measuring the offered load (i.e what the DUT is + capable of forwarding). If the Throughput == the Maximum Offered Load, + it follows that Max Forwarding Rate is equal to the Maximum Offered + Load. + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The Max Forwarding Rate for the DUT for each packet size. + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.ForwardPressure +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC2889 Forward Pressure Test + + **Prerequisite Test**: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.MaxForwardingRate + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to determine if the DUT transmits frames with an + inter-frame gap that is less than 12 bytes. This test overloads the DUT + and measures the output for forward pressure. Traffic should be + transmitted to the DUT with an inter-frame gap of 11 bytes, this will + overload the DUT by 1 byte per frame. The forwarding rate of the DUT + should be measured. + + **Expected Result**: The forwarding rate should not exceed the maximum + forwarding rate of the DUT collected by + LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.MaxForwardingRate. + + **Metrics collected** + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - Forwarding rate of the DUT in FPS or Mbps. + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + + **Deployment scenario**: + + - Physical → virtual switch → physical. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.AddressCachingCapacity +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC2889 Address Caching Capacity Test + + **Prerequisite Test**: N/A + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + Please note this test is only applicable to switches that are capable of + MAC learning. The aim of this test is to determine the address caching + capacity of the DUT for a constant load (fixed length frames at a fixed + interval time). The selected frame sizes are those previously defined + under `Default Test Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__. + + In order to run this test the aging time, that is the maximum time the + DUT will keep a learned address in its flow table, and a set of initial + addresses, whose value should be >= 1 and <= the max number supported by + the implementation must be known. Please note that if the aging time is + configurable it must be longer than the time necessary to produce frames + from the external source at the specified rate. If the aging time is + fixed the frame rate must be brought down to a value that the external + source can produce in a time that is less than the aging time. + + Learning Frames should be sent from an external source to the DUT to + install a number of flows. The Learning Frames must have a fixed + destination address and must vary the source address of the frames. The + DUT should install flows in its flow table based on the varying source + addresses. Frames should then be transmitted from an external source at + a suitable frame rate to see if the DUT has properly learned all of the + addresses. If there is no frame loss and no flooding, the number of + addresses sent to the DUT should be increased and the test is repeated + until the max number of cached addresses supported by the DUT + determined. + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - Number of cached addresses supported by the DUT. + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + + **Deployment scenario**: + + - Physical → virtual switch → physical. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.AddressLearningRate +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC2889 Address Learning Rate Test + + **Prerequisite Test**: LTD.Memory.RFC2889.AddressCachingCapacity + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + Please note this test is only applicable to switches that are capable of + MAC learning. The aim of this test is to determine the rate of address + learning of the DUT for a constant load (fixed length frames at a fixed + interval time). The selected frame sizes are those previously defined + under `Default Test Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__, traffic should be + sent with each IPv4/IPv6 address incremented by one. The rate at which + the DUT learns a new address should be measured. The maximum caching + capacity from LTD.Memory.RFC2889.AddressCachingCapacity should be taken + into consideration as the maximum number of addresses for which the + learning rate can be obtained. + + **Expected Result**: It may be worthwhile to report the behaviour when + operating beyond address capacity - some DUTS may be more friendly to + new addresses than others. + + **Metrics collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The address learning rate of the DUT. + + **Deployment scenario**: + + - Physical → virtual switch → physical. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.ErrorFramesFiltering +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC2889 Error Frames Filtering Test + + **Prerequisite Test**: N/A + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to determine whether the DUT will propagate any + erroneous frames it receives or whether it is capable of filtering out + the erroneous frames. Traffic should be sent with erroneous frames + included within the flow at random intervals. Illegal frames that must + be tested include: - Oversize Frames. - Undersize Frames. - CRC Errored + Frames. - Dribble Bit Errored Frames - Alignment Errored Frames + + The traffic flow exiting the DUT should be recorded and checked to + determine if the erroneous frames where passed through the DUT. + + **Expected Result**: Broken frames are not passed! + + **Metrics collected** + + No Metrics are collected in this test, instead it determines: + + - Whether the DUT will propagate erroneous frames. + - Or whether the DUT will correctly filter out any erroneous frames + from traffic flow with out removing correct frames. + + **Deployment scenario**: + + - Physical → virtual switch → physical. + +Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.BroadcastFrameForwarding +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC2889 Broadcast Frame Forwarding Test + + **Prerequisite Test**: N + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to determine the maximum forwarding rate of the + DUT when forwarding broadcast traffic. For each frame previously defined + under `Default Test Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__, the traffic should + be set up as broadcast traffic. The traffic throughput of the DUT should + be measured. + + The test should be conducted with at least 4 physical ports on the DUT. + The number of ports used MUST be recorded. + + As broadcast involves forwarding a single incoming packet to several + destinations, the latency of a single packet is defined as the average + of the latencies for each of the broadcast destinations. + + The incoming packet is transmitted on each of the other physical ports, + it is not transmitted on the port on which it was received. The test MAY + be conducted using different broadcasting ports to uncover any + performance differences. + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The forwarding rate of the DUT when forwarding broadcast traffic. + - The minimum, average & maximum packets latencies observed. + + **Deployment scenario**: + + - Physical → virtual switch 3x physical. + +2.3.2 Packet Latency tests +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +These tests will measure the store and forward latency as well as the packet +delay variation for various packet types through the virtual switch. The +following list is not exhaustive but should indicate the type of tests +that should be required. It is expected that more will be added. + +Test ID: LTD.PacketLatency.InitialPacketProcessingLatency +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: Initial Packet Processing Latency + + **Prerequisite Test**: N/A + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + In some virtual switch architectures, the first packets of a flow will + take the system longer to process than subsequent packets in the flow. + This test determines the latency for these packets. The test will + measure the latency of the packets as they are processed by the + flow-setup-path of the DUT. There are two methods for this test, a + recommended method and a nalternative method that can be used if it is + possible to disable the fastpath of the virtual switch. + + Recommended method: This test will send 64,000 packets to the DUT, each + belonging to a different flow. Average packet latency will be determined + over the 64,000 packets. + + Alternative method: This test will send a single packet to the DUT after + a fixed interval of time. The time interval will be equivalent to the + amount of time it takes for a flow to time out in the virtual switch + plus 10%. Average packet latency will be determined over 1,000,000 + packets. + + This test is intended only for non-learning switches; For learning + switches use RFC2889. + + For this test, only unidirectional traffic is required. + + **Expected Result**: The average latency for the initial packet of all + flows should be greater than the latency of subsequent traffic. + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - Average latency of the initial packets of all flows that are + processed by the DUT. + + **Deployment scenario**: + + - Physical → Virtual Switch → Physical. + +Test ID: LTD.PacketDelayVariation.RFC3393.Soak +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: Packet Delay Variation Soak Test + + **Prerequisite Tests**: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio (0% Packet Loss) + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to understand the distribution of packet delay + variation for different frame sizes over an extended test duration and + to determine if there are any outliers. To allow for an extended test + duration, the test should ideally run for 24 hours or, if this is not + possible, for at least 6 hour. For this test, each frame size must be + sent at the highest possible throughput with 0% packet loss, as + determined in the prerequisite test. + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The packet delay variation value for traffic passing through the DUT. + - The `RFC5481 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc5481.txt>`__ + PDV form of delay variation on the traffic flow, + using the 99th percentile, for each 60s interval during the test. + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + +2.3.3 Scalability tests +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The general aim of these tests is to understand the impact of large flow +table size and flow lookups on throughput. The following list is not +exhaustive but should indicate the type of tests that should be required. +It is expected that more will be added. + +Test ID: LTD.Scalability.RFC2544.0PacketLoss +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC 2544 0% loss Scalability throughput test + + **Prerequisite Test**: + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to measure how throughput changes as the number + of flows in the DUT increases. The test will measure the throughput + through the fastpath, as such the flows need to be installed on the DUT + before passing traffic. + + For each frame size previously defined under `Default Test + Parameters <#DefaultParams>`__ and for each of the following number of + flows: + + - 1,000 + - 2,000 + - 4,000 + - 8,000 + - 16,000 + - 32,000 + - 64,000 + - Max supported number of flows. + + The maximum 0% packet loss throughput should be determined in a manner + identical to LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio. + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The maximum number of frames per second that can be forwarded at the + specified number of flows and the specified frame size, with zero + packet loss. + +Test ID: LTD.MemoryBandwidth.RFC2544.0PacketLoss.Scalability +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC 2544 0% loss Memory Bandwidth Scalability test + + **Prerequisite Tests**: + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to understand how the DUT's performance is + affected by cache sharing and memory bandwidth between processes. + + During the test all cores not used by the vSwitch should be running a + memory intensive application. This application should read and write + random data to random addresses in unused physical memory. The random + nature of the data and addresses is intended to consume cache, exercise + main memory access (as opposed to cache) and exercise all memory buses + equally. Furthermore: - the ratio of reads to writes should be recorded. + A ratio of 1:1 SHOULD be used. - the reads and writes MUST be of + cache-line size and be cache-line aligned. - in NUMA architectures + memory access SHOULD be local to the core's node. Whether only local + memory or a mix of local and remote memory is used MUST be recorded. - + the memory bandwidth (reads plus writes) used per-core MUST be recorded; + the test MUST be run with a per-core memory bandwidth equal to half the + maximum system memory bandwidth divided by the number of cores. The test + MAY be run with other values for the per-core memory bandwidth. - the + test MAY also be run with the memory intensive application running on + all cores. + + Under these conditions the DUT's 0% packet loss throughput is determined + as per LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio. + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The DUT's 0% packet loss throughput in the presence of cache sharing and memory bandwidth between processes. + +2.3.5 Coupling between control path and datapath Tests +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The following tests aim to determine how tightly coupled the datapath +and the control path are within a virtual switch. The following list +is not exhaustive but should indicate the type of tests that should be +required. It is expected that more will be added. + +Test ID: LTD.CPDPCouplingFlowAddition +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: Control Path and Datapath Coupling + + **Prerequisite Test**: + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to understand how exercising the DUT's control + path affects datapath performance. + + Initially a certain number of flow table entries are installed in the + vSwitch. Then over the duration of an RFC2544 throughput test + flow-entries are added and removed at the rates specified below. No + traffic is 'hitting' these flow-entries, they are simply added and + removed. + + The test MUST be repeated with the following initial number of + flow-entries installed: - < 10 - 1000 - 100,000 - 10,000,000 (or the + maximum supported number of flow-entries) + + The test MUST be repeated with the following rates of flow-entry + addition and deletion per second: - 0 - 1 (i.e. 1 addition plus 1 + deletion) - 100 - 10,000 + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - The maximum forwarding rate in Frames Per Second (FPS) and Mbps of + the DUT. + - The average latency of the traffic flow when passing through the DUT + (if testing for latency, note that this average is different from the + test specified in Section 26.3 of + `RFC2544 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2544.txt>`__). + - CPU and memory utilization may also be collected as part of this + test, to determine the vSwitch's performance footprint on the system. + + **Deployment scenario**: + + - Physical → virtual switch → physical. + +2.3.4 CPU and memory consumption +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The following tests will profile a virtual switch's CPU and memory +utilization under various loads and circumstances. The following +list is not exhaustive but should indicate the type of tests that +should be required. It is expected that more will be added. + +Test ID: LTD.CPU.RFC2544.0PacketLoss +^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + **Title**: RFC 2544 0% Loss Compute Test + + **Prerequisite Test**: + + **Priority**: + + **Description**: + + The aim of this test is to understand the overall performance of the + system when a CPU intensive application is run on the same DUT as the + Virtual Switch. For each frame size, an + LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio (0% Packet Loss) test should be + performed. Throughout the entire test a CPU intensive application should + be run on all cores on the system not in use by the Virtual Switch. For + NUMA system only cores on the same NUMA node are loaded. + + It is recommended that stress-ng be used for loading the non-Virtual + Switch cores but any stress tool MAY be used. + + **Expected Result**: + + **Metrics Collected**: + + The following are the metrics collected for this test: + + - CPU utilization of the cores running the Virtual Switch. + - The number of identity of the cores allocated to the Virtual Switch. + - The configuration of the stress tool (for example the command line + parameters used to start it.) + +2.3.9 Summary List of Tests +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +1. Throughput tests + + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatio + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.PacketLossRatioFrameModification + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.Profile + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.SystemRecoveryTime + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2544.BackToBackFrames + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.Soak + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.SoakFrameModification + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC6201.ResetTime + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.MaxForwardingRate + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.ForwardPressure + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.AddressCachingCapacity + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.AddressLearningRate + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.ErrorFramesFiltering + - Test ID: LTD.Throughput.RFC2889.BroadcastFrameForwarding + +2. Packet Latency tests + + - Test ID: LTD.PacketLatency.InitialPacketProcessingLatency + - Test ID: LTD.PacketDelayVariation.RFC3393.Soak + +3. Scalability tests + + - Test ID: LTD.Scalability.RFC2544.0PacketLoss + - Test ID: LTD.MemoryBandwidth.RFC2544.0PacketLoss.Scalability + +4. Coupling between control path and datapath Tests + + - Test ID: LTD.CPDPCouplingFlowAddition + +5. CPU and memory consumption + + - Test ID: LTD.CPU.RFC2544.0PacketLoss |
