Re: Test Lab Best Practices

[Brad Dreisbach <bradd () us ntt net>]

On Thu, Sep 28, 2023 at 10:14:24AM -0400, Kenneth Vedder wrote:
> Hello NANOG,
>
> We have been struggling with firmware bugs from a specific router vendor. I
> am looking to set up a test lab of our core network and a few remote site
> routers.  Protocols would include SR-MPLS, ISIS, EVPN MPLS and L3VPN with a
> little OSPF sprinkled in. I'd be grateful for any tips or resources anyone
> has that might cover testing strategies and/or best practices.

if you are just testing control plane features the virtualized stuff works
well. i personally use vrnetlab.

if you are trying to test hw features and use actual hardware:
remote controlled power
optical cross connect boxes(calient/telescent)
if you are testing optical stuff with distance limitation something like a
timbercon spool
ixia/spirent

-b