Baseband emulators for the protocol testing of multimedia communication networks

The testing of protocols for survivable computer communications networks that use different propagation media, so that the vulnerability of any one medium is offset by the availability of another, is considered. The design and construction of a prototype testbed that can emulate the effects of a stressed medium at either a packet or bit level is discussed, with particular reference to the Multi-Media Link Emulation currently under development. The design incorporates emulation-service protocols that fit in below the user packet switch network protocol and replace the actual user physical link layer and makes use of a seven-event fault set. The components of the ultimate system and its present implementation status are described.< >