Ethernet Configuration Testing Protocol

The Ethernet Configuration Testing Protocol is a forgotten standard for network testing.

Ethernet is the most common standard for network cabling. The Ethernet Configuration Testing Protocol is a standard for testing the performance of an Ethernet implementation. It is abbreviated to ECTP, but is also often referred to as CTP.

Features

Ethernet was developed by Xerox, but the responsibility for the standard was passed to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Although CTP was part of the original Ethernet documentation, this part was never published by the IEEE and its specification was forgotten.

Function

The Ethernet Configuration Testing Protocol is based on a networking loop mechanism, which is very similar to the "ping" utility. Ping sends a packet of data to a destination, receiving back an acknowledgment and recording the status of a series of transmissions. This gives information on the speed of the return path and the percentage of lost packets. Ethernet's loop facility performs exactly the same task, but sending "frames" rather than "packets."

Terminology

Although ECTP is implemented by the loop facility, loop refers to itself in its output as "Configuration Test Protocol." It acquired the names "Configuration Testing Protocol" and "Ethernet Configuration Testing Protocol" in common parlance.

References

• Wireshark: Configuration Testing Protocol (Loop)
• MIT: Ethernet Configuration Testing Protocol (CTP)
• The Free Dictionary: ECTP