Simulator 3
The Simulator 3 offers users the ability to simulate in the lab both serial and IP satellite networks. The unit provides an environment for the validation of an application or network design, before it’s deployed over a live satellite link. Satellite usage is expensive – and to combat the cost of using satellite links to develop or validation satellite-based network applications, Vocality developed the Simulator 3.The 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 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.
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.
In IP mode, the Simulator 3 can create – on a user’s bench – a 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.
Applications
The Simulator 3 forms an integral part of a VSAT application or network system development suite.The unit is used in testing applications such as:
- Cisco (or other manufacturer’s) router performance over satellite links
- Multiplexer performance over satellite links
- Training staff how to work over satellite (learning how to communicate with high link
- latency)
- Validating time sensitive software applications such as banking or telemetry data
- processing
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