ByteBlower Server/Meeting Point Changelog - 2.21

The ByteBlower 2.21 release includes a mjor new feature for Endpont testing: Real-time results 

This allows users the option to receive results during the test in the realtime view in the GUI. 

In order to use this feature, the server, Endpoint and GUI must be updated to 2.21.

Furthermore, the Endpoint must be allowed to communicate with the MeetingPoint during the test by enabling the "Heartbeat" mode in the project settings.

Accessing them is the same as with a regular ByteBlower Port object.  Just call the Refresh() on the corresponding History objects. 

Important to note:

• If you upgrade the server to 2.21, you will no longer be able to use ByteBlower Endpoint 2.16
• Clients running the ByteBlower Endpoint application 2.19 are now deprecated. 
• The 2.21 versions of the ByteBlower Server/MeetingPoint are the last versions to support these older versions of the Endpoint.

We highly recommend updating all ByteBlower features to the latest versions as this improves performance and reduces the probabiltiy of unusual behavior arising from different versions.

2.21.2

ByteBlower Version 2.21.2 ensure no more communication hiccups. Here are some release highlights:

Synchronised Reporting:
ByteBlower's latest release boasts enhanced clock synchronization by the MeetingPoint. Even in cases of significant clock differences, rest assured that you'll receive results that are both accurate and reliable.

Endpoint Persistence Improved:
Experience uninterrupted testing! Our latest release guarantees that Endpoints stay active until every single result is gathered and processed. Say goodbye to disruptions during crucial testing phases and enjoy a seamless testing experience. We've addressed a scenario where Endpoints were erroneously marked as unavailable during lengthy test result processing. Stay seamlessly connected throughout extended test runs, ensuring a reliable and efficient testing environment.

SSH Upgrade Hassle Resolved:
Upgrade with confidence! We've tackled a troublesome issue where SSH configuration impeded ByteBlower 5100 series server upgrades. Now, enjoy the smooth and uninterrupted process of upgrading servers without any hitches.

Upgrade to ByteBlower Version 2.21.2 now and witness a new level of precision, reliability, and uninterrupted performance in your network testing endeavors!

Happy Testing!

2.21.0

Improvements

Alongside the real-time Endpoint results, we have made further improvements to the server in terms of performance and configurability.

Out-of-sequence

The out-of-sequence trigger now also provides counters for packet loss detection. This means that packet loss can be detected from one trigger without having to compare to a Tx stream.

In addition, the performance of Frame Blasting flows with out-of-sequence detection has been improved. 

Interval snapshot

When combined with a 2.21 ByteBlower Endpoint, the snapshot interval can now be configured.   For older endpoints, this remains fixed at 1 second.

Fixes

The meeting point information handling has been improved by reducing the amount information reset when an Endpoint re-registers

TCP will now correctly send an ACK in response to TCP Keep-Alive messages even if they have no payload.

ByteBlower GUI Changelog 2.21

Experience Enhanced Flexibility with ByteBlower GUI 2.21.

Unlock a host of powerful features designed to enhance your testing experience. ByteBlower GUI 2.21 brings a range of improvements, especially for ByteBlower Endpoint users. It empowers you with Heartbeating mode, real-time results, flexible TPID configuration, ipv6 firewall traversal, and more!

Important Note: For optimal performance and compatibility, we strongly advise using "ByteBlower GUI 2.21" in conjunction with "ByteBlower Server 2.21," "MeetingPoint 2.21," and "ByteBlower Endpoint 2.21."

With the all new ByteBlower 2.21 release, you are all set to get your hands on these exciting new features

Heartbeating Mode (Endpoint):

Introducing Heartbeating Mode: Maintain seamless contact with ByteBlower Endpoints by sending regular heartbeats after specified intervalsthrough the duration of the test. Enable or disable this mode via "File" -> "Project Properties" -> "Scenario" -> "Wireless Endpoints" -> "Keep contact with each ByteBlower Endpoint".

Note: Heartbeating Mode is enabled by default for new projects at a 5-second interval. Ensure manual activation for older project files.

For more about “Heartbeating Mode” and its use in the ByteBlower API,  read here.

Realtime Results (Endpoint):

Experience real-time insights with ByteBlower Endpoint during active test scenarios. Ensure "Heartbeating Mode" is active before project execution for real-time ByteBlower Endpoint results.

• For wireless endpoints, dive deeper into performance metrics on the 'Gateway' Monitor RSSI values, SSID, and BSSID in real-time, synchronized with the " Heartbeating" interval specified in settings.

Stable Longer Duration Tests (Endpoint):

Longer duration tests are now more robust than ever. Traditionally, these tests necessitated substantial data transmission towards the scenario's conclusion, often causing disruptions on less stable connections.

However, with the introduction of "Heartbeating Mode," this issue is mitigated. Results from the endpoints are now transmitted at defined intervals throughout the test, significantly reducing data transmission near the end of scenarios. This enhancement assures heightened stability during extended tests, ensuring your results remain uninterrupted.

Preserved Reporting (Endpoint):

Forget the worry of losing data. "Heartbeating Mode" in ByteBlower 2.21 now offers partial result reporting. Even if a device drops out, results up to the last interval are preserved. Ensure "Heartbeating Mode" is enabled for this safeguard.

Flexible TPID Configuration:

Unlock the potential of Q-in-Q and diverse TPID configurations for your VLAN-tagged traffic plans. ByteBlower 2.21 now lets you effortlessly configure various common TPID types via the GUI. Ideal for scenarios involving distinct inner and outer VLANs with different TPIDs.

Note:

• User selection of TPID is required.
• Requires ByteBlower Server version 2.20 or later, with automatic project updates for older versions.

IPv6 Firewall Traversal:

Introducing the dedicated firewall option for IPv6 traffic, addressing challenges related to downstream traffic transmission.

• Simple Activation: Easily enable the firewall within the Ports view by selecting "Yes" in the firewall column.
• IPv4 Parity: The IPv6 firewall functionality mirrors the behavior of NAT in IPv4, ensuring a familiar and secure experience.

Refreshed ByteBlower Reports:

A refreshed reporting format awaits you right after running a new scenario. We've maintained the core features while ushering in a modern aesthetic.

• Streamlined Unit Selection: Now, effortlessly customize your report by selecting throughput and latency units directly within the report interface, eliminating the need to navigate project settings.
• Efficiency Boost: Beneath the surface, significant under-the-hood enhancements enhance reporting efficiency, paving the way for seamless future developments.

Note: Large scale tests may fall back to old version of HTML report.

More User-Friendly than Ever:

Simplify your experience by ensuring that your preferences take the lead over automatic methods, all without interrupting you with runtime issues, unless absolutely necessary.

• Multicast and Broadcast Efficiency: With NAT-enabled ByteBlower ports, Multicast and Broadcast operations now effortlessly prioritize themselves, eliminating potential bottlenecks. NAT discovery exclusively caters to Unicast traffic.
• Conflict Resolution: In cases of layer-3 frame configuration clashes with NAT, your user-specified frame settings claim precedence, maintaining your intended configurations.
• User-Focused HTTP request: ByteBlower 2.21 respects your choices – users can now set HTTP request method which automatically prevails over older automated method, putting you in control of your testing environment.

Improved visuals:

We've fine-tuned the user interface to ensure a smoother and more pleasant experience.

• Project Preferences: We've expanded the project preferences screen to offer ample space for your text, accommodating your specific needs seamlessly.
• Streamlined Testing: The pause/resume test pop-up now boasts an improved layout for effortless interaction during testing.
• Interactive Reports: Enjoy enhanced report readability as charts in HTML reports are now always interactive, enabling a deeper exploration of your results.
• Effortless Report Viewing: HTML reports now open in your external browser by default, optimizing your screen real estate by removing the dedicated report area in the bottom right corner.
• Bug-Free Navigation: A UI glitch in the drop-down menu within the Flow view has been resolved, ensuring smooth navigation throughout your testing journey.

Additional Improvements:

We've made several additional improvements to enrich your testing experience:

• Detailed Endpoint Version: ByteBlower reports now lists the ByteBlower Endpoint software version in the Ports section of your report, ensuring accurate tracking (even if it differs from the MeetingPoint version).
• Swift Updates: We've extended the ByteBlower update download timeout from 10 to 90 seconds, minimizing update failures and ensuring a smoother update process.
• Unified System Updates: Updating your ByteBlower System or MeetingPoint is now effortless. A simple right-click on either component in the GUI initiates an update that seamlessly covers both, ensuring a unified and hassle-free update process.
• Effortless Project Creation: New project creation or initial startup is now more convenient, as the project name automatically defaults.
• Error Streamlining: We've eliminated irrelevant errors in system info, decluttering your testing environment.
• Enhanced Stability: Test runs involving ByteBlower Endpoint and the CLT (command-line tool) are now more stable, with NullPointer exceptions no longer causing test halts.
• Expanded Reporting: CSV reports have been expanded to include IPv6 ports, providing a more comprehensive view of your test results.
• Improved JSON Reports: JSON reports have received substantial improvements. They now incorporate configuration details and offer more comprehensive and detailed results. Additionally, server version details in the Ports section have been rectified.
• Bug Resolution: We've addressed and resolved background errors associated with the "New Projects" window.
• Optimized Archive View: The display for file sizes of test result databases in the Archive view has been optimized for better usability.

Deprecated:

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we've replaced some features in ByteBlower GUI 2.21 with more effective alternatives to enhance your testing experience:

• PDF Reports: Instead of PDF reports, you now have the option to easily save the HTML report as a PDF when needed for sharing or documentation. read more…
• XLSX Reports: We've replaced XLSX reports with CSV reports, providing a more versatile and standardized format for your test data. read more…
• Old-Style HTML Reports: The old-style HTML reports have been upgraded to a refreshed and user-friendly new format, offering improved readability and insights into your test results. read more…

Closing Remarks:

We're thrilled to present ByteBlower GUI 2.21! Your feedback on these updates is invaluable to us, as we strive to enhance your testing experience. We're confident that these improvements will simplify your testing procedures and equip you with the necessary tools for success. We genuinely appreciate your continued trust in ByteBlower, and we're excited to embark on this journey of innovation and excellence together. Here's to a future of successful testing and ongoing collaboration!

Thank you for choosing ByteBlower, and we look forward to continuing this journey of innovation and excellence with you.

Happy testing ❤️

ByteBlower Endpoint 2.21 Changelog

The release of ByteBlower Endpoint 2.21 brings a powerful new feature:

Realtime Results for ByteBlower Endpoints.

ByteBlower Endpoint users can now see real-time results being transmitted from the Endpoint client while a scenario is running.

This is an optional feature that only requires  'Heartbeat mode" to be enabled in the project settings → Easy configuration!

Real-time results reporting can be very beneficial for certain test cases.

• Longer duration tests require a lot of data to be transmitted at the end of the scenario which can sometimes create issues if the connection is unstable.
• This also allows for the partial reporting of results if a device drops out of a test. This way, the results up to this time are preserved.
• Wi-Fi statistics are available in the realtime view under the 'Gateway' tab → The RSSI values, SSID and BSSID values can be observed here and are updated in accordance with the "heartbeat" interval in the project settings.

Additional Improvements

• When using the ByteBlower Endpoint in a headless enviornment the commandline options --version and --help  no longer require the meetingpoint address to be given.  
• The ByteBlower Endpoint as a systemd service will now produce the correct logging output.

ByteBlower API 2.21 Changelog

For users of the ByteBlower API, there have been several additions.

Enhancements

• The IPv6 configuration object now has a new method "SelectSourceAddressFor” that performs source address selection for a given destination address.
• ResultsRefreshAll() is now available on the ByteBlower MeetingPoint too.
• The ByteBlower API for Python now supports Python 3.11
• ResultsRefresh() now also works on results by the ByteBlower Endpoint

Download

The downloads for windows/macOS/Linux are found at following location: https://setup.byteblower.com/wirelessendpoints.html 

For Android and iOS you will find the apps in the app stores.

Changelog 2.16.0 (2022-04-11)

New features

• Allows the user to select the specfic interface of interest → Gives more control

           → This can be configured in the settings window accessible from the registration window.

Bugs fixed

You can find the detailed installation instructions in our How to: Install the Wireless Endpoint on your device.

Changelog for ByteBlower Endpoint 2.19

The ByteBlower Endpoint can be downloaded through our setup pages: https://setup.byteblower.com/wirelessendpoints.html 

For Android, iOS and iPadOS, the app is also available through their respective app stores.

Changelog 2.19.0 (20/10/2022)

Highlights

The ByteBlower Endpoint can now be stopped from the ByteBlower GUI and the ByteBlower API.  
This feature allows the user to stop the ByteBlower Endpoint from the GUI the way it was already possible to stop a ByteBlower Port mid-test.  This new addition can be particularly useful if a longer duration test has been configured and needs to be terminated for any reason.

This feature requires a ByteBlower Server updated to ByteBlower 2.19.0 and a ByteBlower GUI on version 2.19.0.

New features

• The ByteBlower Endpoint can now continue communicating with the ByteBlower MeetingPoint during the test.  When enabled, this allows the user to stop the ByteBlower Endpoint through the ByteBlower API or the ByteBlower GUI when running a test.  A future use-case for this continuous communication is getting real-time results while the ByteBlower Endpoint test is running.
• Allowing the ByteBlower Endpoint to receive a stop command through the API.  Stopping the ByteBlower Endpoint through the API triggers the same behaviour as hitting the "Abort" button on the ByteBlower Endpoint user interface.
• Allowing the user to configure a dedicated management interface.  This interface will be used for all communication with the ByteBlower MeetingPoint and allows out-of-band communication with the ByteBlower MeetingPoint.

Improvements

• The ByteBlower Endpoint settings are now available through the very recognizable cog-wheel on the top-right of the start page. 
• The MeetingPoint information on the main page is now provided when available, no need to hit that Refresh link anymore.
• Adding support for Debian 11 (Bullseye) and Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy) as a platform to run the ByteBlower Endpoint on.

Bug Fixes

• When using a dedicated traffic interface or dedicated management interface, the ByteBlower Endpoint could use the wrong local IPv6 address to reach the other side. 

Older versions

• ByteBlower Wireless Endpoint 2.16
• ByteBlower Wireless Endpoint 2.14
• ByteBlower Wireless Endpoint 2.13
• ByteBlower Wireless Endpoint 2.12