The Benchmark LAN-T is a hardware and software based LAN trainer. Emulation of nodes, topologies and so on, are implemented in a combination of hardware, firmware and software to emulate a real network environment. All network layers can be implemented through the software. This arrangement gives the user more freedom to try out and study the behaviour of various protocols and layers of networks.

Click on the links below for detailed information on the Benchmark LAN-T Trainer.

Features
Experiments
Specifications
System Requirements
Ordering Information

Features

• Comprehensive set of experiments to observe and measure the behaviour of several LAN protocols:
  • - MAC layers: ALOHA, CSMA, CSMA/CD, Token Bus, Token Ring, Star
  • - Data Link Layers: Stop-and-Wait and various window protocols for reliable data transfer
  • - Connection management
  • - Application layer - FTP
• User configurable data rates - 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512kbps and 1Mbps
• Generation of bit errors and frame errors between nodes - up to 10^-6
• Variable Network size - up to six nodes with each NEU. NEUs can be cascaded to increase the network size
• Emulation of two nodes by each PC - halves the number of PCs required
• User configurable delays between nodes - emulates the propagation delay in real networks, 0 to 15bit delay
• Allows experimentation using the software provided; source code included for better understanding and modifying, as suggested in exercises under each topic in the manual.
• Software allows changing of key parameters that dictate network behaviour
• Inter-packet delay (average packet arrival time) - configurable in milliseconds.
• Menu driven user interface to experiments
  • - Acts as a shell to all experiments and avoids user programming the user interface and main window
  • - Allows user to concentrate only on the algorithm
• Comprehensive manual - suitable for both lab instruction as well as self-study, requiring minimal involvement on the part of the lab staff
• Each topic has the following sections:
  • - Program development: explains the protocol under study with examples and gives FSM and psuedo codes where ever necessary
  • - Trying out: gives step-by-step instructions to measure and observe the explained concept by running the stand alone experiments that comes with the bundled software.
  • - Notes: gives useful information and other network parameter values.
  • - Exercises: additional exercises for in-depth understanding. Involves user writing/modifying the source codes.

Experiments

Level 1
• Observation and measurement of various network protocols (step-by-step instructions are given in the manual):
  • - Packet transmission on a point-to-point link
  • - Measure of throughput for the following MAC Layer protocols by varying the offered load - changing IPD, packet length, data transmission rate, bit delay, introducing bit errors, frame errors, Token Holding time (THT) depending on protocol:
    • - ALOHA
    • - CSMA
    • - CSMA/CD
  • - Token Bus
  • - Token Ring
  • - Measurement of throughput and the effect of bit errors for the following DLL protocols (also called Reliable Transfer Protocols) - varying the timeout period, introducing bit errors and frame errors
  • - Stop-and-wait
  • - Sliding window - Go-back-N
• Other possible topics of interest that can be implemented by users are:
  • - Star topology - throughput measurement
  • - Connection management - 2-way handshake
  • - Sliding Window - jumping window

Level 2
• Implementation:
  • - Implement and test various protocols on one node by writing actual code while the experiment software is run on the other nodes. The program development is explained in detail in the manual. Data structures, FSM, pseudo-code - wherever necessary - are provided. Exercises given at the end of each topic listed above may be tried

Level 3
• Projects:
  • - Projects involving several layers of network software, including application layers, are possible to implement with the LAN-T. (The user may have to workout the detailed specification and implementation.)
    • - FTP (bundled with the Experiment software)
    • - Routing in a Mesh WAN
    • - Network Management
    • - Remote Procedure calls
    • - Talk Program
    • - Distributed database
    • - A sample Web

Specifications

	Experiment Software
	LAN Trainer Shell		Provides a menu-driven interface
	'C' library		Programming interface to the NIU
	Stand-alone programs		Stand-alone programs for observation experiments. Source code provided for study and analysis
	Saving		Saving of experiment results to a file
	Display		Display of experiment activities in the application window, wherever applicable
	Hardware
	Network Emulator Unit (NEU)
	Data rates		8, 16, 32, 64,128, 256, 512Kbps, 1Mbps
	Topology		Bus, Ring, Star
	Delay		0..15 bits between each pair of nodes
	Error Generators : (between one pair of nodes)		Bit Error - 0 to 10-6 Frame Error - 0 to 10-5
	Nodes		6 nodes per NEU (3 PCs can be connected per NEU. Each PC acts as 2 nodes)
	NEUs can be cascaded to emulate larger networks
	Network Interface Unit (NIU)
	PC plug-in card		ISA bus/PCI bus
	MAC Layer support		ALOHA, CSMA, CSMA /CD, Token Bus, Token Ring
	Nodes		2 nodes per NIU

System Requirements

	PC		Pentium or higher One ISA slot required 32MB RAM
	Operating System		Windows 98SE/Windows 2000 Pro/Server
	Number of PCs		2 to 3
	Visual C++ compiler		V5.0 or above

Ordering Information

	Standard Configuration - LAN-T
	Item		Qty
	Network Emulator Unit (NEU)		1
	Network Interface Unit (NIU)		3
	Equipment software with libraries and source code
	Experiment manual
			NEUs & NIUs can be purchased in additional quantities
	Ordering Information
	Item		Part #
	LAN Trainer		LAN-T
	Network Emulator Unit		LAN-T NEU
	Network Interface Unit		LAN-T NIU