Enterprise Network Testing: Testing Throughout the Network Lifecycle to Maximize Availability and Performance, Rough Cut

• Copyright 2011
• Dimensions: 7-3/8 X 9-1/8
• Pages: 504
• Edition: 1st

• Rough Cuts
• ISBN-10: 1-58714-134-5
• ISBN-13: 978-1-58714-134-8

This is the Rough Cut version of the printed book.

Enterprise Network Testing

Testing Throughout the Network Lifecycle to Maximize Availability and Performance

Andy Sholomon, CCIE® No. 15179

Tom Kunath, CCIE No. 1679

The complete guide to using testing to reduce risk and downtime in advanced enterprise networks

Testing has become crucial to meeting enterprise expectations of near-zero network downtime. Enterprise Network Testing is the first comprehensive guide to all facets of enterprise network testing. Cisco enterprise consultants Andy Sholomon and Tom Kunath offer a complete blueprint and best-practice methodologies for testing any new network system, product, solution, or advanced technology.

Sholomon and Kunath begin by explaining why it is important to test and how network professionals can leverage structured system testing to meet specific business goals. Then, drawing on their extensive experience with enterprise clients, they present several detailed case studies. Through real-world examples, you learn how to test architectural “proofs of concept,” specific network features, network readiness for use, migration processes, security, and more.

Enterprise Network Testing contains easy-to-adapt reference test plans for branches, WANs/MANs, data centers, and campuses. The authors also offer specific guidance on testing many key network technologies, including MPLS/VPN, QoS, VoIP, video, IPsec VPNs, advanced routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), and Data Center Fabrics.

§         Understand why, when, and how you should test your network

§         Use testing to discover critical network design flaws

§         Incorporate structured systems testing into enterprise architecture strategy

§         Utilize testing to improve decision-making throughout the network lifecycle

§         Develop an effective testing organization and lab facility

§         Choose and use test services providers

§         Scope, plan, and manage network test assignments

§         nLeverage the best commercial, free, and IOS test tools

§         Successfully execute test plans, including crucial low-level details

§         Minimize the equipment required to test large-scale networks

§         Identify gaps in network readiness

§         Validate and refine device configurations

§         Certify new hardware, operating systems, and software features

§         Test data center performance and scalability

§      &nbs

Table of Contents

Part I Introduction to Enterprise Network Testing

Chapter 1 A Business Case for Enterprise Network Testing 3

Why Testing Is Important 3

The Network as a Business Platform 4

The Cost of Network Downtime 5

Network Changes and Downtime 7

Testing in Support of Change Control 7

Testing and the Pursuit of “Five Nines” 9

A Structured Approach to Systems Testing 13

    Step 1: Assessment 13

    Step 2: Test Planning 13

    Step 3: Setup 14

    Step 4: Execution 14

    Step 5: Results 14

Summary 15

Chapter 2 Testing Throughout the Network Lifecycle 17

Enterprise and Network Architecture Primer 17

How the Enterprise Architecture Comes Together 18

Following a Convergence Vision 19

The Cisco Lifecycle Services Approach (PPDIOO) 21

    PPDIOO Phase 1: Prepare 21

    PPDIOO Phase 2: Plan 21

    PPDIOO Phase 3: Design 22

    PPDIOO Phase 4: Implement 22

    PPDIOO Phase 5: Operate 22

    PPDIOO Phase 6: Optimize 22

Testing and the Network Lifecycle 24

    Prepare Phase: Design and Test Activities 24

        Customer Requirements Document 24

        Network Architectural Strategy Development 25

        Business Case Document 25

        Network Testing and Lab Strategy Development 25

        Facilities Readiness Assessments 26

    Plan Phase: Design and Test Activities 27

        Architecture Design Workshops 27

        Current Architectural Assessment 27

        High-Level Design 28

        Proof of Concept Testing 28

        Network Readiness Testing 28

        Network Capacity Planning and Testing 29

    Design Phase: Design and Test Activities 29

        Low-Level Design 29

        Migration Plan 30

        Design Verification Testing 30

        Migration Plan Testing 31

    Implement Phase: Deliverables and Test Activities 31

        Network Implementation Plan 31

        Network Ready for

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