A system configuration for use in testing and/or evaluating a network switching apparatus is set forth. The system configuration includes a network switching apparatus that is to be tested that has a plurality of bidirectional network ports, switch fabric, and a switch fabric control. The switch fabric interconnects the plurality of bidirectional network ports while the switch fabric control directs packet flow through the switch fabric and between the plurality of bidirectional network ports in response to control parameters. A plurality of interconnections facilitate communication of packets between selected pairs of the plurality of ports. The control parameters and the plurality of interconnections are selected to direct packets through each of the plurality of bidirectional network ports for testing using a minimal number of packet generators.