Contact Information: Media Contact: Ted Kenney McObject LLC 425-888-8505
Spirent TestCenter and eXtremeDB Redefine Database Scalability
| Source: McObject LLC
ISSAQUAH, WA--(Marketwire - June 25, 2009) - When database management system (DBMS) vendors
talk about scalability, they're usually referring to database size, or
number of queries handled. But the database architecture in Spirent TestCenter, Spirent
Communications' award-winning platform for testing network devices and
services, scales massively in a different way. It is the sheer quantity of
individual database instances in some installations that dwarfs typical
DBMS deployments.
Spirent TestCenter incorporates the eXtremeDB™ embedded database from
McObject® to capture live network traffic data for testing. To do this,
Spirent TestCenter positions eXtremeDB at each of the device's ports to
emulate network traffic flows. One port can generate packet traffic equal
to using 32,000 routers, servers, gateways or other devices in a "real"
network.
For large scale testing, Spirent TestCenter offers as many as 720 ports on
a single rack -- each with its own processor, Linux operating system, and
eXtremeDB in-memory
database -- in a single Spirent TestCenter installation.
Replicated or clustered database installations typically deploy a handful
or even dozens of nodes. Deploying 700+ database instances is exceptional.
Spirent credits the superior performance, productivity and analytical
intelligence of its innovative test architecture, in part, to this highly
distributed use of eXtremeDB.
The current eXtremeDB-based design captures, stores and analyzes data
locally, using the distributed databases, then transfers the results of
this number-crunching to a main eXtremeDB instance embedded in control
system software on the tester's PC. With this approach, the maximum amount
of data is analyzed, while messaging traffic is minimized, resulting in
highly efficient processing.
"The ability to capture the widest possible range of useful data is central
to Spirent TestCenter's Intelligent Results™ capability for quick fault
identification, isolation and analysis, which aims to anticipate the types
of analysis that many customers seek, and build them into the product,"
said Tom McBeath, chief technology officer, Spirent Communications.
"eXtremeDB helps us to deliver meaningful results rather than just raw
numbers."
To query the distributed databases, the control system application uses
eXtremeSQL, McObject's implementation of the open, industry-standard SQL
interface. Use of eXtremeSQL
-- which also supports the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) standard --
simplifies data-sharing between the eXtremeDB embedded database
in the control software and external applications such as other relational
DBMSs.
For the real-time functions that capture and analyze network traffic data,
eXtremeDB's native API, along with the database's streamlined design and
in-memory data storage, deliver the needed speed. Before moving to the
architecture using distributed databases, Spirent evaluated eXtremeDB
against three other in-memory databases. "It was by far the fastest
database we could find. It was more than twice as fast as the second place
database," McBeath said.
eXtremeDB's small footprint -- as low as 100K code size -- helps rein in
Spirent TestCenter's manufacturing cost. Typically, device-makers seek a
DBMS that uses as little RAM as possible, to reduce the cost of memory.
This obviously becomes a greater concern when a device uses up to 1,500
databases, McBeath noted.
About Spirent Communications
Spirent Communications (www.spirent.com) is a global provider of integrated
performance analysis and service assurance systems that enable the
development and deployment of next-generation networking technology such as
Internet telephony, broadband services, 3G wireless, global navigation
satellite systems, and network security equipment. Spirent Communications'
solutions are used by more than 1,700 customers in 30 countries, including
the world's largest equipment manufacturers, service providers, enterprises
and governments. Based in Sunnyvale, CA, Spirent Communications has 1,500
employees worldwide. For more information visit www.spirent.com.
About McObject
Founded by embedded database and real-time systems experts, McObject offers
proven data management technology that makes applications and devices
smarter, more reliable and more cost-effective to develop and maintain.
McObject counts among its customers industry leaders such as Chrysler,
Maximizer Software, Siemens, Phillips, EADS, JVC, Tyco Thermal Controls, F5
Networks, DIRECTV, CA, Motorola and Boeing. McObject, based in Issaquah,
WA, is committed to providing innovative technology and first-rate services
to customers and partners. The company can be reached at +1-425-888-8505,
or visit www.mcobject.com.
McObject and eXtremeDB are trademarks or registered trademarks of McObject
LLC. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.