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
Experiment Levels
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:
- - 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
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Experiment Software |
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LAN Trainer Shell |
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Provides a menu-driven interface |
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'C' library |
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Programming interface to the NIU |
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Stand-alone programs |
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Stand-alone programs for observation experiments. Source
code provided for study and analysis |
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Saving |
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Saving of experiment results to a file |
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Display |
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Display of experiment activities in the application
window, wherever applicable |
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Hardware |
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Network Emulator Unit (NEU) |
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Data rates |
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8, 16, 32, 64,128, 256, 512Kbps, 1Mbps |
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Topology |
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Bus, Ring, Star |
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Delay |
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0..15 bits between each pair of nodes |
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Error Generators : (between one
pair of nodes) |
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Bit Error - 0 to 10-6
Frame Error - 0 to 10-5 |
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Nodes |
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6 nodes per NEU (3 PCs can be connected per
NEU. Each PC acts as 2 nodes) |
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NEUs can be cascaded to emulate larger networks |
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Network Interface Unit (NIU) |
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PC plug-in card |
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ISA bus/PCI bus |
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MAC Layer support |
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ALOHA, CSMA, CSMA /CD,
Token Bus, Token Ring |
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Nodes |
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2 nodes per NIU |
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*Specifications subject to change without notice
Top of Page
System Requirements
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PC |
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Pentium or higher
One ISA slot required
32MB RAM |
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Operating System |
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Windows 98SE/Windows 2000 Pro/Server |
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Number of PCs |
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2 to 3 |
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Visual C++ compiler |
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V5.0 or above |
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Ordering Information
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Standard Configuration - LAN-T |
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Item |
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Qty |
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Network Emulator Unit (NEU) |
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1 |
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Network Interface Unit (NIU) |
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3 |
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Equipment software with libraries and source code |
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Experiment manual |
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NEUs & NIUs can be purchased in additional quantities |
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Ordering Information |
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Item |
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Part # |
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LAN Trainer |
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LAN-T |
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Network Emulator Unit |
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LAN-T NEU |
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Network Interface Unit |
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LAN-T NIU |
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