Withthe networking industry rapidly moving to an all-IP infrastructurethere is an urgent need for test systems that test theinfrastructure, evaluating and validating its performance, accuracyand reliability. Testing must encompass networks, devices,applications and services. Therefore, test systems that do IPperformancetestinghavebecome essential for service providers, network and converged serviceproviders, original equipment manufacturers, governments, andenterprises. Moreover, a powerful test system can address IPnetwork assessment,IPservice verificationand IPtest automation.

Thereis no arguing that quality is essential any business enterprise. Thisresults in pressure on network equipment manufacturers, serviceproviders and enterprises to deliver products which are superior inquality, reliability, operability and performance. But, to achieve?utility grade? quality, network products must be thoroughlytested and validated.

Acomprehensive test system tests a variety of functions, includingvideo, voice, content aware handling, security, applicationperformance, routing, switching, wireless, broadband access, and soon. When implemented on a single testing platform, most testingconcerns can be addressed economically.

Thetest systems that are now available in the market provide highlyaccurate emulations of network and application traffic that test IPnetwork devices and systems to their fullest. These systems utilize awide range of industry-standard interfaces, including Ethernet,SONET, ATM and wireless connectivity interface to network devices.

So,whatever performance and compatibility issues that may arise with theuse of networking technology can be mitigated to a great extent withthe help of an effective test system. It not only reduces riskassociated with IP-based networks, services and devices, but can alsoimprove quality as well as performance.