Advanced testing tool for virtual networks
The Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is designated to become the successor of the currently used IPv4. This is mainly due to the large address space it provides that offers a greater flexibility in assigning addresses. Aiming to speed up the introduction of the IPv6 in Europe, the Euro6IX project conducted research, designed and deployed a native pan-European IPv6 network, the Euro6IX test bed. The project built infrastructure at three different network levels for IPv6 exchanges on a regional native, pan-European and node levels. Moreover, the Euro6IX project resulted in advanced network services and a repository of IPv6 enabled applications that have been ported, adapted or enhanced. These are available for trials both within the project consortium and to third parties. For more project information click at: http://www.euro6ix.org/(opens in new window) One of the developed tools is the Virtual Network User Mode Linux (VNUML), an open-source, general-purpose virtualisation tool. It was designed for fast definition and testing of complex network simulation scenarios on the basis of the User Mode Linux (UML) virtualisation software. The latter allows running of Linux versions and processes in the safest and most secure way. For the purposes of the Euro6IX project the VNUML tool was employed to simulate regional native IPv6 exchanges scenarios using Linux and zebra/quagga routing software. In addition, it may also be very helpful when testing network applications and services over complex testbeds made of several nodes and networks inside a Linux machine. In this way, it would save considerable time and effort as there are no requirements on using real equipment. The sophisticated tool comprises the VNUML language for simulations' descriptions in XML and the language interpreter for a user-friendly simulation development and management. Examples of possible applications include creation of network testbeds to test new applications or network services, development of honey-pots for security environments or to complement computer network laboratories. Having been used in several activities within the Euro6IX project and by several universities, research centres and companies, it is offered as an open-source tool hosted by Sourceforge. For further information click at: http://www.dit.upm.es/vnuml(opens in new window)
