Main Features
Simulator 3 provides a realistic simulation of the delays and latency found on satellite and other WAN links. Used for pre-deployment testing or training, it provides a low cost alternative to using real satellite or WAN links and provides much greater testing consistency.
Simulator 3 can create a network environment which represents to the connected devices all the environmental issues that a typical satcom network will present – satellite network delay or latency, occasional increases in bit errors and in the IP world of today, restricted QoS and packet loss. Network attached devices such as routers, multiplexers, data cryptos and codecs can all benefit from testing within a controlled environment before live deployment over satellite.
The unit operates in one of two modes – serial or IP – and the user can switch between modes easily.
Simulating a serial WAN
In serial mode, it can create a serial link up to 5.12Mbps , injecting delays of up to 10 seconds from end to end. Into this emulated link, the Simulator 3 can also be programmed to insert error levels or inject occasional bit or burst errors. The system can also allow engineers to fake a clock failure to examine the network recovery time.
Simulating an IP WAN
In IP mode, the Simulator 3 can create – on a user's bench – an emulated network link similar to those presented by IP-based satellite networks. In this environment, bandwidth restrictions , latency and occasional packet loss are common place, but it is the role of the Simulator 3 to provide engineers a controlled environment to fine tune the configuration of the IP devices attached. Not only is satellite delay an issue affecting TCP/IP traffic, but bandwidth bottlenecks, packet re-sequencing and packet duplication are common problems affecting the efficiency of a network deployed application.
The Simulator 3 is presented with one IP port at either end, and one serial port at either end. Further IP ports can be added to create a multi-port environment, and the unit is configured – like all other Vocality products – using the serial interface. Serial Simulation Mode is available on all units. IP Simulation Mode requires a Feature Key to operate. |
