Testing challenges of data center bridging networks

The ubiquity and familiarity of Ethernet has caused a surge of interest in convergence technologies over Ethernet. In order for some applications to migrate to an Ethernet network, enhancements needed to be made in the form of data center bridging (DCB). DCB consists of both point-to-point protocols as well as end-toend protocols that all need to be tested to ensure vendors' products work together in a heterogeneous environment to prevent frame loss during congestion. This article discusses what each of the four protocols is and how to test the protocols separately as well as in combination in order to observe the interactions of DCB with different applications. The information provided in this article is drawn from the authors' experience testing DCB over the past three years and in 13 different industry wide interoperability events.