Methods, systems, and computer readable media for generating analog-distorted test data

Abstract

Conventional test systems can experience issues when attempting to test network nodes or system with realistic high speed forward error correction (FEC) encoded test data. For example, a test system may use a packet data generator to generate eight data streams or lanes of 50 Gigabits per second (Gbps) test data and may then use a multiplexer to combine the eight lanes into a 400 Gbps data stream for transmission using 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4). To generate a high speed data stream comprising multiple data lanes, the test system may be required to use a master clock or other time synchronization technique to keep the data lanes in sync. Further, to generate an FEC encoded high speed data stream comprising multiple data lanes, the test system may perform FEC encoding across all of the data lanes comprising the high speed data stream, which can make test data modifications difficult afterwards. Hence, issues can arise if a packet data generator lacks capabilities, e.g., analog distortion or analog fuzzing features, that are needed for testing some aspect of network node functionality.