SigmationTF is a comprehensive test automation framework developed by Sigma Resources & Technologies, Inc., to focus on the test of TCP/IP based network products. Often, large numbers of tests are executed manually by engineers during the test phase of the product life cycle, and more regression tests follow as the software version continue to evolve. The manual approach of regression test can be costly, time consuming and error prone. The adoption of automated regression test methodology frees the test engineers from the repetitive manual tests and have they focused their efforts and valuable time on new feature testing.
SigmationTF utilizes the test scripts to control the execution of test cases automatically, from the deployment of network topology, execution of test steps, and verification of test results to the collection of test logs and the generation of test reports. SigmationTF eliminates the repetitive manual test activities to the largest extent and ensures that the same test cases can be executed unattended and consistent results can be produced.
SigmationTF consists of two major components: the Master Controller (MC) and Client. The MC is pre-installed with all required software, including client software that to be run on client machine. SigmationTF MC distributes the client software to client devices (to be supplied by customer) in preparation for the execution of test jobs.
There are two hardware models available currently under SigmationTF family: SM-10 (support up to 3 testbeds) and SM-20 (support up to 10 testbeds).
Network Topology of Automated Test
SigmationTF Structure
Functions & Features
SigmationTF is an appliance based system, and it is preinstalled with all required software components, such as OS, test library, device control library and test script SDK. To simplify SigmationTF test automation system deployment, client OS/test software is stored on MC device, and a “kickstart” engine is built-in to bootstrap and install the software on client devices.
Dynamic Topology Deployment Easy-to-use topology description language facilitates test engineers to design various network topologies, and the network topology for a specific test case can be deployed automatically by SigmationTF at the beginning of a test case execution.
Concise Script File Format
SigmationTF supports scripting language as TCL, Perl, Python etc. Templates of standard script files are provided to improve the efficiency of test case programming and maintenance. SigmationTF test case inheritance feature greatly enhanced the reusability of test script.
Powerful Device Control Libraries
Built-in device control library covers the devices from different vendors including Cisco, Juniper, Dell etc. SigmationTF device control library development SDK makes it possible for our customer to develop a new device control library in just hours.
Extensive Test Program Libraries
Supported protocols include SSH, Telnet, FTP, TFTP, POP3, SMTP, HTTP, ICMP, VLAN Tagging, Packet Send and Capture library, etc. A customer specific test program/tool can be easily added into SigmationTF system through test library SDK.
Easy-to-use Monitoring and Management
SigmationTF real-time test job status can be monitored through Web-UI and the test job run-time execution flow can be monitored through command line interface.
Extensive & Expandable APIs
User-friendly Interface
CLI (Command Line Interface) and Web-UI
Fully Automated SigmationTF is a fully automated system. The job execution on SigmationTF test automation system is error resuming and unattended. SigmationTF automatically conducts job scheduling, reruns failed test cases, recovers from test script errors and in the extreme, power cycles a troubled device.
