Virtual Network Master for KVM MX109031PC Software-Based Network Quality Tester

Software-based network tester for KVM virtual environments that measures throughput, frame loss, latency and jitter in private clouds.

Execution Environment: Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM)
Virtual Machine Requirements: Number of CPU cores: 4 min., CPU architecture: x86_64, RAM: 8 GB min., Storage: 16 GB min., Number of network interfaces: 2
NIC Available to the Measured Interface: virtio-net NIC: OVS (open vSwitch) configuration, Bridge configuration; Intel E810: Only Virtual Function (VF) is supported; NVIDIA ConnectX-6: Only Virtual Function (VF) is supported
NIC Available to the Control Interface: virtio-net NIC: OVS (open vSwitch) configuration, Bridge configuration

Overview

The Anritsu MX109031PC Virtual Network Master for KVM is measurement application software that runs in a Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) environment, a Linux-based virtualization platform. It is the private cloud model of the Virtual Network Master lineup, alongside the MX109030PC for AWS cloud environments.

When connected to a Network Master Pro MT1000A/MT1040A or another Virtual Network Master, the software measures the throughput, frame loss, latency and packet jitter of a communication line on a per-second basis. Up to four streams are supported for measurement. Measurements are controlled and results visualized through a web application accessed with a web browser, and a Web API is also available.

Measurement principle

The Virtual Network Master converts the functions of physical test devices into software, making it possible to set measurement points on communication paths within virtual environments where physical measuring devices cannot be installed. It performs active testing with UDP packets whose line load and frame size are specified individually for uplink and downlink, so asymmetric traffic can be measured separately in each direction. One-way latency is measured by synchronizing time with an NTP server and adding time information to all measurement frames; the latency of each frame is recorded and maximum, minimum and average values are aggregated at one-second intervals. Dedicated cores are allocated for transmission and reception to support stable traffic generation and measurement.

Private cloud use

Installed in a KVM virtual environment, the MX109031PC allows the quality of communication between data centers, and between a data center and a cloud, to be evaluated under real-world conditions. Deployed in a data center that serves as a cloud connection point, it visualizes communication quality between the data center and the cloud for cloud connection service providers.

Licensing

The Virtual Network Master is licensed software with a basic license and a time-limited license. Two types of time-limited licenses are offered: a three-month license and a one-year license.

Key Features

Software-based test solution running in KVM virtual environments
Measures throughput, frame loss, latency and packet jitter on a per-second basis
Up to four streams supported for measurement
Works with Network Master Pro MT1000A/MT1040A or another Virtual Network Master
One-way latency measurement by synchronizing time using NTP
Latency and frame loss measured individually for uplink and downlink
UDP traffic with individually specified line load and frame size per direction
Maximum, minimum and average latency aggregated at one-second intervals
Dedicated cores allocated for transmission and reception
Control and result visualization via Web GUI and Web API
Basic license with three-month or one-year time-limited licenses

Specifications

Operating Environment

Execution Environment	Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) Recommended Linux kernel version: 6.17.0 or later
Virtual Machine Requirements	Number of CPU cores: 4 min., CPU architecture: x86_64, RAM: 8 GB min., Storage: 16 GB min., Number of network interfaces: 2
NIC Available to the Measured Interface	virtio-net NIC: OVS (open vSwitch) configuration, Bridge configuration; Intel E810: Only Virtual Function (VF) is supported; NVIDIA ConnectX-6: Only Virtual Function (VF) is supported
NIC Available to the Control Interface	virtio-net NIC: OVS (open vSwitch) configuration, Bridge configuration
Required Networks	IPv4, NTP

Control Method

Control Method	Web GUI, Web API
Recommended Web GUI	OS: Windows 11, Web Browser: Google Chrome

Functions/Performance

Test Items	Frame loss count, frame loss rate, throughput, latency, jitter
Measurement Streams	Up to four streams

General

Standard	Ethernet
Bit rate	Depends on Cloud/virtual environment server interface
Interface	Virtual interface
Cloud	Private Cloud
Target Platforms	KVM Virtual Environments

Applications

Private cloud communication quality evaluation
Data center to data center connection evaluation
Data center to cloud connection evaluation
Healthcare enterprise private cloud monitoring
Cloud connection service quality verification
End-to-end latency and jitter measurement

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
MX109031PC-TL003	3 Months License — Requires that the MX10903xPC-TL003 or MX10903xPC-TL011 be purchased separately in order to extend the usage period.
MX109031PC-TL011	1 Year License — Requires that the MX10903xPC-TL003 or MX10903xPC-TL011 be purchased separately in order to extend the usage period.
MX109031PC1	Additional Virtual Network Master for KVM — A license for purchasing multiple MX10903xPC units. Requires MX10903xPC1-TL003 or MX10903xPC1-TL011 in addition to MX10903xPC1.
MX109031PC1-TL003	3 Months License
MX109031PC1-TL011	1 Year License