PacketExpert™ 100G Python APIs for Efficient Test Automation and Regression
Automate testing and regression seamlessly using PacketExpert™ 100G Python APIs, designed for modern workflows.
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Overview
With additional licensing, PacketExpert™ 100G supports Python APIs to access all applications such as Bit Error Rate Testing, RFC 2544, ExpertSAM™ (ITU-T Y.1564 testing), and Multi Stream Traffic Generation using Python APIs. The PXX109 license is required to enable Python API support.
PacketExpert™ 100G can be configured as server-side application using the PacketExpert™ 100G Server architecture, to provide the capability of remote operation, automation, and multi-site connectivity, using Python client-side scripting tools. On the client side, the packaged library file is provided which allows the client interface to communicate with the PacketExpert™ 100G Server to perform PacketExpert™100G specific functionalities.
The client scripting library facilitates communication with the PacketExpert™ 100G Server through HTTP1 based REST APIs from the client environment. The PacketExpert™ 100G Server is designed specifically to control the PacketExpert™ 100G hardware. This setup allows users to manage PacketExpert™ 100G by sending commands and receiving responses using Python scripting, a language familiar to many users.
- Remote operation, automation, and multi-site connectivity using Python APIs
- Scripts for traffic generation at Ethernet, VLAN, MPLS, IP and UDP layers up to 100 Gbps
- Multiple PacketExpert™ 100G can be controlled remotely from single client application via PacketExpert™ 100G server
- Sample scripts are provided for Bit Error Rate Testing, Loopback mode, RFC 2544, ExpertSAM™ and Multi Stream Traffic Generator and Analyzer applications
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the PacketExpert™ 100G Python API?
- The PacketExpert™ 100G Python API is a client-server based automation interface that lets users control PacketExpert™ 100G functionalities remotely through Python scripting, using HTTP-based REST APIs.
- What license is required to enable Python API support?
- The PXX109 license is required to enable Python API support on PacketExpert™ 100G.
- Which PacketExpert™ 100G applications can be accessed via Python APIs?
- Python APIs can access Bit Error Rate Testing, RFC 2544, ExpertSAM™ (ITU-T Y.1564 testing), and Multi Stream Traffic Generation and Analysis.
- How does the PacketExpert™ 100G Python client communicate with the server?
- The Python client communicates with the PacketExpert™ 100G Server through HTTP-based REST APIs, using a packaged client library that sends commands and receives responses.
- What is the PacketExpert™ 100G Server?
- The PacketExpert™ 100G Server is software running on the integrated Windows® PC within the appliance that controls the hardware devices, listens for REST API requests (HTTP GET/POST with JSON data), interacts with the hardware, and returns responses to clients.
- How many ports does each PacketExpert™ 100G hardware board (Device) support?
- Each hardware board, referred to as a Device in the PacketExpert™ 100G GUI, includes two 100G/40G/25G/10G/1G ports.
- Can multiple PacketExpert™ 100G devices be installed in a single appliance?
- Yes. Multiple devices (hardware boards) can be installed in a single PacketExpert™ 100G appliance, increasing the total port capacity per system.
- What protocol do browser clients and the Python API use to communicate with the server?
- Browser clients and the Python API both communicate with the PacketExpert™ 100G Server using HTTP-based REST APIs.
- What data format is used in REST API requests and responses?
- REST API requests and responses use JSON data over HTTP GET/POST requests.
- Can a single Python client control multiple PacketExpert™ 100G units remotely?
- Yes. Multiple PacketExpert™ 100G units can be controlled remotely from a single client application via the PacketExpert™ 100G Server architecture.
- Are sample Python scripts provided?
- Yes. Sample Python scripts are provided to help users get started with automation.
- Which applications have sample scripts available?
- Sample scripts are provided for Bit Error Rate Testing, Loopback mode, RFC 2544, ExpertSAM™, and Multi Stream Traffic Generator and Analyzer applications.
- What traffic layers can be automated via Python scripting?
- Python scripting can automate traffic generation and testing at the Ethernet, VLAN, MPLS, IP, and UDP layers.
- Up to what speed can traffic generation be automated?
- Traffic generation and testing can be automated at speeds up to 100 Gbps.
- What are the benefits of using Python API automation versus manual GUI operation?
- Python API automation enables remote operation, multi-site connectivity, scripted and repeatable test execution, and control of multiple units from a single client application, capabilities that go beyond manual operation through the web GUI.
- Is the PacketExpert™ 100G Python API suitable for regression testing?
- Yes. The Python API is designed to support test automation and regression testing workflows for PacketExpert™ 100G applications.
- What is the architecture behind the PacketExpert™ 100G Python API?
- The architecture is based on a client-server model, where the PacketExpert™ 100G Server communicates directly with the hardware, while high-level Python API scripts communicate with the server over HTTP1 REST APIs to access the full functionality of the system.
- Does using the Python API require the user to understand low-level hardware control?
- No. The high-level Python APIs abstract away low-level hardware control, allowing users to automate tests using familiar Python scripting without needing to manage the hardware interface directly.
- Can PacketExpert™ 100G be operated purely via a standard web browser without Python?
- Yes. PacketExpert™ 100G is a web-accessible appliance that can be fully controlled via a standard browser without the Python API; the Python API is an optional addition for automation and remote scripting.
- What item number enables Python API automation licensing?
- The PXX109 license enables automation using scripting with client-server APIs on PacketExpert™ 100G.
PacketExpert™ 100G Server
The PacketExpert™ 100G is a web-accessible appliance, controlled via the standard browser. It features one or more hardware boards integrated with a high-end Windows® PC. Each board, referred to as a Device in the PacketExpert™ 100G GUI, includes two 100G/40G/25G/10G/1G ports. Multiple devices can be installed in a single appliance, increasing the total port capacity per system.
The integrated PC runs a PacketExpert 100G Server software that controls the hardware devices and handles functionality. Browser clients communicate with the Server via REST APIs, using HTTP GET/POST requests with JSON data. The Rest Server listens to these requests, interacts with the hardware, and sends responses back to the clients.
PacketExpert™ 100G Server
Python Client and Scripting
The Python interface for PacketExpert™ 100G allows users to control all its features through Python APIs, which are based on a client-server architecture. The 100G server communicates directly with the PacketExpert™ 100G hardware, while users interact through high-level Python API scripts. These scripts internally leverage HTTP1 REST APIs to connect with the 100G server, enabling seamless access to the complete functionality of the PacketExpert™ system.
Python Client and Scripting
Sample Python Script
Working Principle
The architecture ensures a seamless interaction between the user environment and the hardware, enabling remote control, automation, and efficient execution of PacketExpert™ 100G functionalities through Python.
The PacketExpert™ 100G Python API provides a robust and flexible solution for automating network testing and analysis. Built on a client-server architecture, it enables seamless control of PacketExpert™ 100G hardware through Python scripting. Users can leverage high-level APIs to access features like Bit Error Rate Testing, Loopback, RFC 2544, ExpertSAM™ (Y.1564 Testing), and Multi-Stream Traffic Generation and Analysis. With its intuitive design, the API simplifies remote operation, multi-site connectivity, and test automation, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking efficiency and precision in network testing.
Functional Models
Resources
** Standard MM/SM kit includes, SFPs for all rates, with Pelican case for Lunchbox; including PXX100, PXX101, PXX105, and PXX109; Electrical /SM SFPs and Loopback Plugs extra; Includes 3-year hardware/software support warranty.
Note: PCs which include GL hardware/software require Intel or AMD processors for compliance.
| Item | Product Description |
|---|---|
| PXX109 | Automation using Scripting with client-server APIs - Optional license |
| PXX106 | PacketExpert™ 100G – One card / 2 Port Platform with MM Kit ** |
| PXX108 | PacketExpert™ 100G – One card / 2 Port Platform with SM Kit ** |
| PXX107 | PacketExpert™ 100G - Two Card / 4 Port Platform with MM Kit ** |
| PXX110 | PacketExpert™ 100G - Two Card / 4 Port Platform with SM Kit ** |
| PXX10X | PacketExpert™ 100G – 4 Card Platform / 8 Port Platform |
| PXX120 | Optional software for Pause frame control |
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