Hardware

Click here to view Summary of Infrastructure at WAN-in-Lab.

WAN-in-Lab hardware includes a dynamically reconfigurable array of Cisco routers and ONSs interconnected using a Calient MEMS optical switch plus several spools of optical fibre.

As well as providing some flexibility in topology, the MEMS switch allows the delay between routers to be varied, up to a total of over 120ms delay at 2.5Gbps, equivalent to trans-Atlantic distances.

There are also two free BSD servers configured as DummyNets to provide longer delays, equivalent to Trans-Pacific or satellite delays. In 2008, additional servers and an Anue network emulator were added to WiL.

WAN-in-Lab also has several Linux servers connected to the routers via copper GbE links, or 10GbE optical links. The Linux servers are used to generate and receive data, or act as software routers for investigating AQM algorithms.

The topology, traffic delays and running of WAN-in-Lab are being developed to allow flexible remote access. The inclusion of a console server, allows remote control of WAN-in-Lab hardware via a web interface. Also the optical switch allows remote control of optical fibre interconnects.

WAN-in-Lab is also connected to the UltraLight testbed.

Software

WAN-in-Lab is currently running on custom management software, although it may eventually use existing infrastructure management tools. The Harpoon traffic generator is currently installed.

Details & Updates for Users

Users needing to know specific details of the hardware are invited to contact

WAN-in-Lab wiki is available for users to view technical notes and add additional documentation on WAN-in-Lab hardware and software.

Users can also use standard tools such as tcpdump, iperf, ping and Web100.