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dialer.doc
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1994-02-20
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GETTING STARTED
You must have access to a host which is connected to the Internet.
While this is not entirely true (you could connect to someone else on
the same machine), it doesn't make much sense to use it if you're not.
You will also need a compiled version of the dialer code to do the
testing. If you don't have it, you can get it from the archive. The
dialer code may be retrieved from /pub/IHHD on cactus.org using
anonymous ftp.
It must be compiled for the machine you plan to run it on. Typically,
running make is enough.
FINDING SOMEONE TO CONNECT WITH
Use the ihhd mailing list to make contact with someone who can help you
test what you are interested in. Be sure to relate all pertinent info
such as the software you want to test, versions, modems speeds, etc.
It is not necessary to having modems that match speeds, but it will
affect your results.
MAKING A CONNECTION
Coordinate the time and place where you and your partner will be
testing from. Remember to include timezones since the Internet is a
big place. Also, be sure to let each other know the specific hostname
of the host you will be running from and which dialer you will be
using. Initial coordination can be done using email. Last minute
coordination can be done using talk, email, and even the dialer.
When the time comes to test, use your favorite terminal emulator
software to dial in and login to your test host.
When you are ready to test, run the dialer command specifying your
partner's hostname. For example, if your partner is connecting from
the host cactus.org, you will type:
% dialer cactus.org
This will send your data to the dialer on cactus.org. Your partner
will type:
% dialer <yourhostname>
You will be able to talk to each other by typing. You won't be able to
see what you type. You should type both a CR and an LF to terminate
your lines.
Once you have entered your dialer command, you should try typing
something like:
hello<CR><LF>
at regular intervals until you get a reply from your partner. This is
necessary because the dialer uses an unconnected data transfer
protocol. You never really know if another party is there receiving
your data unless they acknowledge what you are typing. Later software
releases will fix this.
Use the dialer to discuss the steps in getting your tests underway.
When you are ready to start, exit your terminal emulator without
dropping the phone connection. Start the software package you wish to
test and configure it for a direct serial connection using the same
port and baud rate that you were using for your terminal emulator.
You're now ready to test. When you are through, you can exit the
dialer by typing ^C^C^C (3 CNTRL-C characters).
To use the tcpdialer, one partner will use the command:
% tcpdialer -answer
and the other partner will use the command:
% tcpdialer -call <remotehost>
where <remotehost> is the host your partner is on.
There are also some shell scripts (call, tcpanswer, and tcpcall) which
are interface scripts the dialer and tcpdialer. In addition to running
the appropriate dialer, they also turn off/on system messages using the
msg and biff commands. Using the interface scripts is the preferred
methods.
HOW TO TEST
Here are some data points you may want to gather in your testing:
What is the configuration of the two machines being used (type, OS,
etc.)?
Use ping to determine turn around times for packets. Use 100 64 byte
packets and record the min/avg/max times.
You may collect packet statistics from the dialer by invoking it with
the -s option. When you exit the dialer, it will report character and
packet counts and rates for data that was sent by you. To get the
other sides data, your partner will need to do the same. For the best
results, you should restart the dialer before each test and stop it
immediately after the test. Data collection doesn't start until the
first data is sent through the dialer.
If possible, you may want to compare local host to PC operation or PC
to PC operation before or after your compare PC to dialer operation.
This will give you a good base from which to compare performance.
If you and your partner are using different speed modem connections,
then you may want to vary the test and compare the differences when one
person is the "caller" and the other is the "answerer" and if matching
modem connection speeds is any different than different modem speed
connections.
Lastly, write down your information and report it to the ihhd mailing
list so we can tally results and try to improve the software.