[ncs540] Please explain IPSLA

[sjrcoel]

Hello, I'm curious about the technology of

ipsla

Please refer to the config below and explain it.
configure terminal

!
ipsla
responder
twamp-light test-session 3
local-ip 198.18.57.84 local-port 13000 remote-ip 198.18.57.254 remote-port 13001 vrf default
!
show configuration
!
commit

[Joseph W. Doherty]

In general, it defines mini performance tests, between Cisco devices, that are run on some repetitive schedule, and results are recorded.

Lot more information available on Cisco's main site.  Perhaps start here: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/ios-nx-os-software/ios-ip-service-level-agreements-slas/index.html

[M02@rt37 · Accepted solution]

Hello @sjrcoel,

The configuration you've provided appears to be related to

ipsla

and specifically the use of Two-Way Active Measurement Protocol (TWAMP) Light for network performance monitoring.

TWAMP Light is an extension of

IP SLA

that allows for measuring network performance metrics in a simplified manner.

Your

ipsla

configuration in details:

 ipsla responder

This command is used to enable the

IP SLA

responder feature on the device. The responder is used to respond to

IP SLA 

test sessions initiated by another device acting as the sender.

 twamp-light test-session 3

This command initiates the configuration for a TWAMP Light test session with session number 3. TWAMP Light is an efficient method for measuring network performance metrics like round-trip time (RTT).

 local-ip 198.18.57.84 local-port 13000

This command sets the local IP address

(198.18.57.84) and port (13000)

to be used as the source for this TWAMP Light test session.

remote-ip 198.18.57.254 remote-port 13001

This command sets the remote IP address

(198.18.57.254) and port (13001)

to be used as the destination for this TWAMP Light test session.

vrf default

This command specifies the default VRF to be used for this test session.

You've set up an

ipsla

 responder to respond to TWAMP Light test sessions. These test sessions are initiated by another device (the sender) and are used to measure network performance between the local and remote IP endpoints. The results of these test sessions can be used to monitor network performance and diagnose network issues.

This configuration is used in conjunction with a TWAMP Light sender on another device to conduct network performance tests. The sender initiates the tests, and the responder (configured here) responds to the tests, allowing measurement of network performance metrics.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/ipsla/configuration/xe-16/sla-xe-16-book/sla-twamp.html

[Joseph W. Doherty]

BTW, M02@rt37's reply is a excellent description of the IPSLA config snippet you posted.  Your posted IPSLA is a relatively recent feature enhancement.

The Cisco IPSLA technology has been available for some time although not initially known as IPSLA.  You might find https://community.cisco.com/t5/routing/rtr-and-sla/td-p/1177765 of interest.