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Appendix N. Network Test Services
N.1 General
This Appendix presents overview information that supplements existing NASA test
documentation regarding NASA’s compatibility test methodology and SN systems test
methodology. The contents are completed to a level intended to summarize the test
methodology, possible configurations, resources, participating organization
responsibilities, and test planning activities.
N.2 Verification Methods
The following methods of verification can be applied to verify the customer functional,
interface, and performance requirements.
a. Test
b. Evaluation
c. Demonstration
N.2.1 Test Method of Verification
Test is the method of verification whereby requirements are verified by measurement
during or after the controlled application of functional and environmental stimuli. These
measurements may require using laboratory equipment, recorded data, procedures, test
support items, or services. For all test activities, pass or fail test criteria or acceptance
tolerances are specified prior to conducting the test. This method ensures that the
actual performance of tested equipment or systems meets or exceeds specification
requirements.
N.2.2 Evaluation Method of Verification
The evaluation method of verification is used when actual operational conditions cannot
be entirely simulated, the test parameters cannot be completely tested at the “box”
level, or it is too costly to use the test method of verification. Evaluation may use the
results from limited tests or multiple lower level tests and analyses. The data taken can
be compared to the device under test (DUT) requirements, but are generally not
sufficient to provide verification to the extent of the test method.
N.2.3 Demonstration Method of Verification
Demonstration is a method of verification used to imply the properties of an end item or
component in which operations or physical characteristics of the end item are observed.
This observation may exercise equipment operations, functions, and/or characteristics
that are not specified as explicit end item requirements. Demonstration is used with or
without special equipment or instrumentation to verify characteristics such as
operational performance, human engineering features, maintainability, built-in
transportability, and display data. When used as a formal verification activity, the
observed demonstrated performance is recorded.
Revision 10 N-1 450-SNUG