Session

This is the overall collection of different tests, the test parameters, measurement intervals, and mapping to configured storage models. It is the overall container that defines the attributes of the session:

• session type

  A session type is the impetus of the test, which is either proactive (default) or on-demand. Individual test timing parameters are influenced by this setting. A proactive session will start immediately following the execution of a no shutdown command for the test. A proactive test will continue to execute until a manual shutdown stops the individual test. On-demand tests will also start immediately following the no shutdown command. However, the operator can override the no test-duration default and configure a fixed amount of time that the test will execute, up to 24 hours (86400 seconds). If an on-demand test is configured with a test-duration, it is important to shut down tests when they are completed. In the event of a high availability event causing the backup CPM to become the active CPM, all on-demand tests that have a test-duration statement will restart and run for the configured amount of time regardless of their progress on the previously active CPM.

• test family

  The test family is the main branch of testing that addresses a specific technology. The available test for the session are based on the test family. The destination, source, and priority are common to all tests under the session and are defined separately from the individual test parameters.

• test parameters

  Test parameters are the parameters included in individual tests, as well as the associated parameters including start and stop times and the ability to activate and deactivate the individual test.

• measurement interval

  A measurement interval is the assignment of collection windows to the session with the appropriate configuration parameters and accounting policy for that specific session.

The session can be viewed as the single container that brings all aspects of individual tests and the various OAM-PM components under a single umbrella. If any aspects of the session are incomplete, the individual test cannot be activated with a no shutdown command, and an "Invalid Ethernet session parameters" error will occur.