Fabric Test Automation Suite (FTAS) – a solid set of test cases designed with precision to assess SONiC’s readiness for deployment is ever evolving. Our ongoing dedication to getting better has shaped FTAS, growing with valuable customer input and incorporating new features in sync with the latest SONiC releases.
Exciting news on our journey – FTAS 2.3 is now live! This version comes with a bunch of improvements, all geared towards making SONiC assessment even better and smoothing out pre-deployment testing. Let’s dive into what’s new and how it can elevate your testing experience!
Let’s delve into the key enhancements introduced in FTAS 2.3
Data Center Interconnect
Data Center Interconnect (DCI) harmonizes a sophisticated integration of advanced technologies. EVPN (Ethernet VPN), VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN), and MCLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation Group) collectively contribute to the intricate network orchestration. EVPN dynamically manages control plane operations, VXLAN extends virtual networks seamlessly, and MCLAG ensures redundancy and load balancing. This technical synergy within DCI forms a robust infrastructure, addressing the challenges of interconnected data centers. Each technology plays a pivotal role in achieving fluidity and resilience in the overall network composition.
Based upon the customer deployments, the FTAS latest release is packed with new test cases to enhance the existing coverage.
BGP-EVPN with VXLAN
VXLAN EVPN facilitates seamless communication in data centers by extending Layer 2 connectivity over a Layer 3 network. This technology ensures efficient management of virtualized workloads, enabling dynamic learning and distribution of MAC and IP addresses. With its scalable and flexible approach, VXLAN EVPN is instrumental in modern data center deployments, providing a reliable solution for network virtualization and resource optimization.
Here are the VXLAN EVPN scenarios covered in FTAS 2.3
| Feature | Test Scenario |
|---|---|
| BGP-EVPN-VXLAN | EVPN VXLAN Configuration and verification |
| EVPN VXLAN for known unicast, BUM traffic (eBGP) with RIF | |
| EVPN VXLAN for known unicast, BUM traffic (eBGP) with SVI | |
| EVPN VXLAN for known unicast traffic (eBGP) with link events and router failure - RIF | |
| EVPN VXLAN for known unicast traffic (eBGP) with link events and router failure - SVI | |
| EVPN VXLAN for known unicast traffic (eBGP) with link events and router failure - RPCH | |
| Symmetric IRB with EVPN eBGP-RIF (eBGP) | |
| Symmetric IRB with EVPN iBGP-RIF (iBGP) | |
| Symmetric IRB with EVPN iBGP-SVI | |
| Symmetric IRB with EVPN eBGP-RPCH | |
| Symmetric IRB with EVPN iBGP-RPCH | |
| Asymmetric IRB with EVPN eBGP | |
| Asymmetric IRB with EVPN iBGP |
MCLAG
MCLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation) enhances data center reliability by creating a resilient, redundant network. In the event of a switch failure, MCLAG seamlessly transfers traffic to a backup switch, preventing downtime. This technology ensures high availability, load balancing, and simplified network design, making it indispensable for critical applications where continuous connectivity is paramount.
FTAS 2.3 covers following MCLAG use cases based upon the customer deployments.
| Deployment | Test Scenario |
|---|---|
| L2 MCLAG | MCLAG-L2 Steadystate with portchannel and vlan on peer link |
| MCLAG-L2 Member Link Down | |
| MCLAG-L2 Peer Link Down | |
| MCLAG-L2 Active Reboot | |
| MCLAG-L2 Standby Reboot | |
| L3 MCLAG | MC-LAG L3 validation using portchannel configuration |
| MC-LAG L3 validation, Bring down the member link of Spine1 | |
| MC-LAG L3 keepalive link down | |
| MCLAG-L3 Active Reboot | |
| MCLAG-L3 Standby Reboot |
ECMP Scaling & Resilience
ECMP (Equal-Cost Multipath) optimizes network performance by distributing traffic across multiple paths of equal cost. In data center scenarios, ECMP enhances load balancing, increases bandwidth utilization, and ensures fault tolerance. This technology is particularly valuable in modern, dynamic environments where efficient resource utilization and high availability are crucial for delivering reliable and responsive services.
The support for ECMP scalability was added in FTAS 2.2. Based upon further customer use cases, FTAS 2.3 adds the support for eBGP to ECMP scalability.
Here is the list of ECMP eBGP scalability scenarios added in FTAS 2.3
| Test Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| ECMP Scalability - eBGP support | Scalability to 16 ECMP paths and 32K eBGP routes |
| Scalability to 32 ECMP paths and 64K eBGP routes | |
| Scalability to 64 ECMP paths and 128K eBGP routes | |
| Scalability to < number of leaf1 ports > ECMP paths and 1K eBGP routes per path |
Summary
FTAS 2.3 is here, packed with enhancements for seamless SONiC assessment. The latest release introduces new VXLAN EVPN scenarios, covering various test cases for efficient data center communication. Additionally, MCLAG use cases ensure resilient, redundant networks for critical applications, preventing downtime during switch failures.
FTAS 2.3 also extends support for ECMP scalability with eBGP, enhancing network performance and fault tolerance. Explore the specifics of these upgrades, from VXLAN EVPN configurations to MCLAG and ECMP eBGP scalability scenarios. Elevate your testing experience with FTAS 2.3’s comprehensive coverage and improved capabilities.
Schedule a Call with Our Team to Delve into FTAS. For comprehensive information before the scheduled call, visit our FTAS product page.
