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The Stem

Network Performance Testing by Mustard Seed Networks. RFC 2544 throughput / latency / frame-loss / back-to-back, Y.1564 service-activation, Y.1731 OAM delay + loss + synthetic loss, MEF service tests, TSN traffic class verification, RFC 6349 TCP performance, and a packet-reflection mode that loops frames back for end-to-end measurement.

Pages

• Quick Start — install + first daemon
• Architecture — backend, module layer, dataplane, deployment shapes
• Modules — Reflector, Benchmark, ServiceTest, TrafficGen, Measure, Certify
• Contributing — dev setup, branch flow, conventions
• Releases & Versioning — how versions get cut and what each ships

At a glance

Concern	Where
Code	https://github.com/krisarmstrong/stem
Releases	https://github.com/krisarmstrong/stem/releases
Issues	https://github.com/krisarmstrong/stem/issues
Discussions	https://github.com/krisarmstrong/stem/discussions
License	BSL 1.1

Two roles

A stem instance is configured as one of two roles at a time:

• Reflector — passive loopback. Bounces frames back to a test master for end-to-end measurement. Loopback-only role.
• Test Master — active driver. Generates traffic and runs the five test-module suites: Benchmark / ServiceTest / TrafficGen / Measure / Certify.

Typically you deploy a pair: one Test Master near the operator, one Reflector at the far end. The role is switchable at runtime via the header chip in the UI.

Sibling projects

• The Seed — diagnostic. What's wrong with the network right now.
• The Stem — performance testing (this repo).
• NIAC (Network In A Can) — protocol simulation lab.

They share design language, CI, and release tooling.