Methods and apparatus for testing of Internet-Protocol packet network
perimeter protection devices, e.g., Border Gateways such as Session
Border Controllers, including 5 dynamic pinhole capable firewalls are
discussed. Analysis and testing of these network perimeter protection
devices is performed to evaluate the ability of such device to perform at
carrier class levels. The efficiency of state look table functions as
well as call signaling processing capacity, implemented in a particular
perimeter protection device, are determined and evaluated. Proper
performance and efficiency of such perimeter protection devices are
evaluated as a function of incoming call rate and as a function of total
pre-existing active calls. Various different network perimeter protection
devices, e.g., of different types and/or from different manufactures, can
be benchmarked for suitability to carrier class environments and
comparatively evaluated. Test equipment devices, e.g., enhanced
Integrated Intelligent End Points (IIEPs), for fault testing, 15
evaluating and stressing the network perimeter protection devices in a
system environment are described. Typically these specialized test
devices are used in pairs, one on each side of the firewall under test.
These test equipment devices include a heavy duty traffic generator
module, monitoring and analysis capability including a utilization
analysis module, and a graphical output capability.