SNA and TCP/IP Testing Application Notes
What are SDTF and ITF?
What are SDTF and ITF used for?
Who uses SDTF and ITF?
What are SDTF and ITF?
SDTF (SNA Development Test Facility) and ITF (Internetworking Test Facility)
are automated PC-based SNA and TCP/IP network testing tools designed to evaluate
and increase product quality. The SDTF and ITF tests are used to conduct
conformance/validation, functionality and load/stress performance testing. Ready
to run tests are available for: 3270, 5250, RJE, APPC, APPN, TN3270E, TN3287,
and TN5250, and an open API allows easy development of custom tests. Tests may
use SDLC, LAN (Token Ring or Ethernet), X.25, SLIP or PPP communication links.
What are SDTF and ITF used for?
Product Developers can design, debug, and test SNA and TCP/IP products right at
their own desk by having immediate access to host functions using a PC. They can
validate the transport protocol (SDLC), the network protocol (SNA Stack), and
application specific protocols (IND$FILE, TN3270X).
Evaluate products before purchase and new releases before deployment.
Evaluate functionality and performance of products being considered for OEM
distribution.
Can easily perform component and system testing without having to have host
system connection capabilities. Used to verify and test the functionality of
3270/5250 and TN3270/TN5250 display stations/emulators and QA products to ensure
they are configured properly and are functional prior to customer shipment.
Can easily perform multiple levels of comprehensive, reproducible tests on
products with extensive logging and problem determination capabilities. Used to
run conformance tests using optional 3270/5250 features such as IND$FILE,
Compression, EHLLAPI, Printing, etc.
- Product and Technical Support
Can recreate and test reported customer problems quickly by transforming host
trace information into test cases which can be used to reproduce conditions and
determine just where the problem really is.
- Product Distribution, Marketing Companies, and Trade Show Demos
Product Distribution and Marketing Groups often use the SDTF and ITF for product
demonstrations by having the capability to take their own transportable host
system right to the customer's place of business. Used to demonstrate products
in a 'simulated host' environment. Eliminates costly and troublesome host
connections.
- Network Component Testing
Evaluation of SNA and TCP/IP middle ware such as Microsoft SNA Server, IBM
Communication Server, Gateways, etc.
Who uses SDTF and ITF?
There are many uses for the broad range of PC-based SNA and TCP/IP tests some
of which are summarized below:
- Voice Response System Vendors
Use SDTF and ITF to simulate customer host computers sending 3270 and 5250
screens in both SNA and TCP/IP environments. This allows complete customization
of voice response systems easily and without the expense and trouble of using a
'real host'. The Test Program Generator utility can read traces of customer
screens and create test programs to recreate the data streams. The Screen
Builder utility allows the user to create 3270 and 5250 screens, using a
'Paint-like' user interface, and then generate either source code or 'script' to
create customer screens.
Use SDTF and ITF to test and evaluate new SNA and TCP/IP products before adding
them to their networks and to test new versions of the products before deploying
them. They also use both products to test custom financial hardware and software
products.
- Bridge, Router, LLC Converter, and FRAD Vendors
Use SDTF and ITF for traffic generation, load/stress performance testing and to
ensure they do not alter the functionality of network traffic.
- Software and Hardware Integration Vendors
Use SDTF and ITF to test the network setup and configuration of network
equipment.
- Satellite Connection Products
The number of networks which contain satellite attached implementations
and network components (products, devices, controllers, etc.) is increasing at a
rapid pace. Both SDTF and ITF are ideal tools to test, exercise, validate,
measure the functionality and performance, as well as aid in problem
determination of SNA and TCP/IP products connected to satellite networks.
- SNA and TCP/IP Network Training Classes and Seminars
Both SDTF and ITF are used widely in the network teaching and training
environments. They are ideally suited for use in classroom training because of
their flexible high function capabilities which are PC-based. Some application
areas include protocol training, product configuration/installation, problem
determination techniques, product comparisons and product training.
- Hand-held and Wireless SNA and TCP/IP Products
Used for development of 3270 and 5250 wireless products (RF) to verify
functionality, error recovery and performance.
- Product Certification Testing
Ensure that SNA and TCP/IP 3270/5250 products do what they are supposed to do
and not what they are not supposed to do. Verify protocol compliance,
functionality, and performance levels.
Verify the integrity, functionality, and performance of voice and data
processing.
With SDTF and ITF you
can Test
- Better
- Faster and
- Less Expensively
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