IxNetwork - Interacting with embedded Test Composer Scripts

Summary: Qualisystems provides two methods for interacting with TestComposer Scripts, one being via the IxNetwork Library and the other via the Test Composer Library.

A. IxNetwork Library - The IxNetwork library enables users to make use of IxNetwork functionality from within TestShell applications. TestComposer is a plugin integrated into IxNetwork that permits the creation of complex multi-step test scripts. A TestComposer script is saved as part of an IxNetwork configuration (ixncfg) and can be accessed while running this configuration file from TestShell Studio.

B. Test Composer Library - The Test Composer Library enables users to run TCP files designed in TestConductor from TestShell Studio.

This article will focus on calling a TestComposer script as part of an IxNetwork configuration (ixncfg) from TestShell Studio (option A). 

Step 1: Create an IxNetwork configuration (ixncfg) file and implement the desired procedure in the TestComposer view as part of IxNetwork application. The typical design of an IxNetwork configuration (ixncfg) file includes the desired ports, protocols, and traffic items. In order to define the TestComposer procedure, choose the automation tab, and click the TestComposer view.

In the example below you will find a simple IxNetwork configuration with two physical ports, IPv4 protocol, and Layer 3 traffic generated from port 1 towards port 2. The ports in this example are physically looped. Also in this example we have a TestComposer procedure which simulates the action of bringing down the link on port 1, waiting 10 seconds, then linking port 1 back up. The TestComposer procedure can be as simple as this or very complex.

Step 2: Verify the test and procedure run as desired in IxNetwork. First start protocols and look for a green indication to verify that the protocols are up. Next, start traffic and verify that the traffic runs as expected by viewing statistics or via the Tx/Rx Traffic Item indication.

Lastly, click the "main procedure" button in IxNetwork and verify that the desired procedure is run. You should see the status changing at the bottom of the screen when the procedure is run and you should also see the Traffic Items Tx/Rx go to zero transmit rate during the time that port 1 is shut down.

Step 3: After you are satisfied with your IxNetwork configuration, create a Studio test which performs the same actions as described above.

a. Load Configuration File
b. Start Protocols
c. Start Traffic
d. Run the IxNetwork TCL command "exec start [ixNet getRoot]testComposer" to start the TestComposer script embedded in the IxNetwork configuration (ixncfg) file.
e. Stop Traffic
f. Stop Protocols
g. Get Statistics (if desired).

Please find the example 5.1 Studio Test, 7.12 IxNetwork configuration file, and demo movie attached.