network testbed (was: Stress Testing LAN/WAN)

["Jim Popovitch" <yahoo () jimpop com>]

Coincidentally, this week I was asked to specify current and next-gen
equipment for a new network testbed at $DAYJOB.   This lab would be
used to test software used to monitor large networks.  Specifically I
need to setup an environment similar to that of large SPs, with
emphasis on MPLS, STP, OSPF and BGP.  What present and next-gen
hardware would you recommend to include in such a testbed?  I have
vendor C pretty well covered, and I am really trying to look outside
the box on this, but whatever you want to recommend is welcome.
Private replies are also welcome, I can post a recap once I've
received some feedback.

Thanks,

-Jim P.

On Thu, Dec 4, 2008 at 17:23, Brian Feeny <bfeeny () mac com> wrote:
> I have the need to stress test a LAN and WAN.  The primary concern is the
> WAN which is at most OC-3.  The LAN would be an additional bonus if I could
> do that as well.
> I am familiar with tools such as those from Spirent and IXIA which are very
> expensive.  I was wondering if someone has had to do this and can recommend
> some open source
> tools that would work well.  I need to test a few different types of
> traffic, specifically trying to push traffic into various switch/router
> policies to make sure everything is performing as
> expected.  If anyone knows of some software that works well for this I would
> appreciate letting me know.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Brian