SPTP: a simulation platform for network node performance evaluation

Simulation is the main cost-effective means to perform the performance evaluation of different network node device schemes. The switch performance testing platform (SPTP) is proposed, which is a slotted-time simulator for packet-switched routers or cell-switched ATM switches, written in C++. A platform and many modules with special functions are included in SPTP. SPTP also offers a series of flexible application program interfaces (API) for customized module or system design. SPTP is useful for system design engineers, system simulation engineers and system evaluation labs of routers/switches. The paper presents the design principles, system architecture, main functions and engineering applications of SPTP.