Source: www.kk.org

It is a very good practice to check any fresh design before the approval and implementation. Test provides a proof of concept for the proposal. Step of the test gives you the ability to locate the parts of the project that may not function properly and their redesign.

In many enterprise networks have design changes. For this reason, network designers should always test the function of the critical areas of the new design before taking the final plan.

There are two common approaches used to test a net strategy:

Creation of a prototype net - net prototype contains only the part of the network necessary to test a specific capability or feature. Prototype networks are isolated from the current network.

Implement a pilot net - a pilot project is a test of new or existing functionality with a small part of the network capacity.

Two approaches to test the capabilities of the project that disrupt the ability of the network to achieve the priority objectives of the company.

Choose a pilot or Prototype

Make a prototype or a pilot test depends on the following elements:

1. the kind of required tests.
2. the possible disturbance of a project pilot on the current network.

Prototypes are generally easy to create and control because no employers net assets are affected. In the nets of prototype, it is easy to disconnect a network appliance, to make the hardware changes or configuration and repeat the test in different conditions. In a pilot project, this kind of test can create long interruptions of the network.

When a driver to do?

Various functions of the future net can be tested using prototypes. However, by using a driver is a fine option in the following circumstances:

When the prototype network is not large enough to test the functionality - tests how a routing protocol in a net with two hundred network devices may be possible in a prototype.

When the performance of the net is dependent on the operation of the apparatus of particular network or third-party technology - a good example is an array of expensive video display or a third party provided WAN link. The modification of the design only big who has need of a pilot is the installation of the connection of remote sites for frame relay. A pilot project is a fine selection to test this connection because it tests the actual quality of connection with the device configuration and functionality.

Creation of a prototype to test a net project involves a significant amount of planning. The network architect generates a test plan before you begin the procedure to confirm that the test objectives are clear and measurable. A test strategy is mandatory for all modern networks.