Benchmarking Terminology for Network Interconnection Devices
RFC 1242
Document | Type |
RFC - Informational
(July 1991; No errata)
Updated by RFC 6201
Was draft-ietf-bmwg-terms (bmwg WG)
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Author | Scott Bradner | ||
Last updated | 2013-03-02 | ||
Stream | IETF | ||
Formats | plain text html pdf htmlized bibtex | ||
Stream | WG state | (None) | |
Document shepherd | No shepherd assigned | ||
IESG | IESG state | RFC 1242 (Informational) | |
Consensus Boilerplate | Unknown | ||
Telechat date | |||
Responsible AD | (None) | ||
Send notices to | (None) |
Network Working Group S. Bradner, Editor Request for Comments: 1242 Harvard University July 1991 Benchmarking Terminology for Network Interconnection Devices Status of this Memo This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does not specify an Internet standard. Distribution of this memo is unlimited. Abstract This memo discusses and defines a number of terms that are used in describing performance benchmarking tests and the results of such tests. The terms defined in this memo will be used in additional memos to define specific benchmarking tests and the suggested format to be used in reporting the results of each of the tests. This memo is a product of the Benchmarking Methodology Working Group (BMWG) of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). 1. Introduction Vendors often engage in "specsmanship" in an attempt to give their products a better position in the marketplace. This usually involves much "smoke & mirrors" used to confuse the user. This memo and follow-up memos attempt to define a specific set of terminology and tests that vendors can use to measure and report the performance characteristics of network devices. This will provide the user comparable data from different vendors with which to evaluate these devices. 2. Definition format Term to be defined. (e.g., Latency) Definition: The specific definition for the term. Discussion: A brief discussion about the term, it's application and any restrictions on measurement procedures. Measurement units: The units used to report measurements of this term, if applicable. Benchmarking Methodology Working Group [Page 1] RFC 1242 Benchmarking Terminology July 1991 Issues: List of issues or conditions that effect this term. See Also: List of other terms that are relevant to the discussion of this term. 3. Term definitions 3.1 Back-to-back Definition: Fixed length frames presented at a rate such that there is the minimum legal separation for a given medium between frames over a short to medium period of time, starting from an idle state. Discussion: A growing number of devices on a network can produce bursts of back-to-back frames. Remote disk servers using protocols like NFS, remote disk backup systems like rdump, and remote tape access systems can be configured such that a single request can result in a block of data being returned of as much as 64K octets. Over networks like ethernet with a relatively small MTU this results in many fragments to be transmitted. Since fragment reassembly will only be attempted if all fragments have been received, the loss of even one fragment because of the failure of some intermediate network device to process enough continuous frames can cause an endless loop as the sender repetitively attempts to send its large data block. With the increasing size of the Internet, routing updates can span many frames, with modern routers able to transmit very quickly. Missing frames of routing information can produce false indications of unreachability. Tests of this parameter are intended to determine the extent of data buffering in the device. Measurement units: Number of N-octet frames in burst. Issues: See Also: Benchmarking Methodology Working Group [Page 2] RFC 1242 Benchmarking Terminology July 1991 3.2 Bridge Definition: A system which forwards data frames based on information in the data link layer. Discussion: Measurement units: n/a Issues: See Also: bridge/router (3.3) router (3.15) 3.3 bridge/router Definition: A bridge/router is a network device that can selectively function as a router and/or a bridge based on the protocol of a specific frame. Discussion: Measurement units: n/a Issues: See Also: bridge (3.2) router (3.15) 3.4 Constant Load Definition: Fixed length frames at a fixed interval time.Show full document text