Quality of Service and performance characterization of IPv6 relative to IPv4

III.6 TOOLS

III.6.1 Software Tools

The following software utilities are used in this study:

· Microsoft Windows XP Professional. Operating System for hosts to be used and installed.

· Cisco IOS used on the vast majority of Cisco Systems routers and Cisco network switches.^38(*)

· Cisco Router and Security Device Manager (SDM) is a Web-based device-management tool for Cisco routers that can improve the productivity of network managers, simplify router deployments, and help troubleshoot complex network and VPN connectivity issues.^39(*)

· Fedora Core: the platform on which IPv6 can be installed. It is explained in the next chapter.

· The MaaTec Network Analyzer: a tool that allows to capture, save, and analyze network traffic on a LAN Internet connection.^40(*)

III.6.2 Hardware

In our study, we used the following various hardware to set up an Network test lab network.

· Three personal computers acting as clients.

System: Microsoft Windows XP.

Version: 2002

Service: Pack 2

Pentium IV

Central Processor Unit 2.53 Giga Hertz.

Hard disk 80 Giga Bytes.

Random Access memory 256 Mega Byte (MB).

· Two Routers:

Model type Cisco 2811.

Total memory 256 MB.

Total flash capacity 61 MB.

Cisco IOS 12.4T

· Two Switches:

Model type Catalyst 3560.

Total flash memory 32 Mega Bytes.

· Cross-over cable.

· Rollover cable.

· Straight cable.

* ³⁸ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisco_IOS (September 20, 2006)

* ³⁹ http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/secursw/ps5318/index.html (September 21, 2006)

* ⁴⁰ http:// http://www.maatec.com/mtna/index.html (December 16, 2006)