BBN Technologies

Scalable, Accurate Network Emulation for Validation & Testing

Traditional tools for testing and evaluating large scale networks rely on behavioral models and other simulated implementations, so they cannot always accurately predict the performance of the actual network software. The other alternative, physical testbeds, are more accurate but are costly and time-consuming to construct, especially for large networks. In contrast, the K-Node Testbed delivers an accurate, software-only solution that is both cost-effective and flexible. It integrates the actual deployed software with a high-fidelity representation of the environment, enabling performance measurements and behavioral analysis throughout the development process.

The K-Node Difference

• Accurate, cost-effective performance prediction
• Early analysis and assessment of actual network code and applications
• More reliable than simulation code
• Less expensive and time consuming than physical testbeds
• Accommodates attached host computers to assess network impacts on their distributed applications.
• Comprehensive view of entire network
• Detailed view of individual link and node behavior
• Scalable to 100s of nodes

BBN’s K-Node Testbed lets designers analyze and assess a proposed network approach or topology early in the development process using the same code and applications that will run on the real network. By eliminating the uncertainty associated with simulation code and the costs and time associated with physical testbeds while connecting live hardware, with resident applications, to virtual nodes, K-Node allows for accurate and cost-effective evaluation and debugging.

Easy to Use

The K-Node user interface provides a comprehensive view of the entire network but also allows users to examine details about individual node or link attributes and performance.

Easy Implementation

K-Node is available as either a turnkey, supported solution, or as a hosted solution requiring no set up or hardware investment for users. K-Node runs on any off-the shelf-PC connected via 10/10 0base T Ethernets.  

Easy Scenario Creation

Users create the desired scenarios in a user-friendly GUI. The GUI’s Mobile Link Simulator makes it easy to construct scenarios and control variables. Users can specify node type, behavior, and location.

Reliable Scenario Execution

• The Node Emulators let users observe and interact with virtual nodes in real time. The Node Emulators accept traffic from both internal traffic generators and “live” applications and implement the complete set of functions provided by the WNW protocol in the JTRS node.
• The Dynamic Link Emulator includes tools to emulate the effects of mobility and geographic distance on link performance during test execution.
• eal-time Visualization tools display the network topology and status and allow users to interact with the emulated nodes in real time.

Comprehensive Data Analysis

Once the experiment is complete, the users can access both graphic and text tools to display, document, and analyze the results. These tools collect the data generated by the emulated nodes, including comprehensive performance statistics to support documentation, after action analysis, and planning.