tests: fixing pim6 topotest bugs

- Remove use of bespoke socat
- Use ipv6 support in mcast-tester.py
- do not run processes in the background behind munet/micronet's
  back with `&` (ever) -- use popen or the helper class

Signed-off-by: Christian Hopps <chopps@labn.net>

6 files changed, 180 insertions, 355 deletions

diff --git a/tests/topotests/lib/pim.py b/tests/topotests/lib/pim.py
index e26bdb3af3..f69718a5bd 100644
--- a/tests/topotests/lib/pim.py
+++ b/tests/topotests/lib/pim.py
@@ -1,35 +1,35 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 eval: (blacken-mode 1) -*-
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: ISC
 # Copyright (c) 2019 by VMware, Inc. ("VMware")
 # Used Copyright (c) 2018 by Network Device Education Foundation, Inc.
 # ("NetDEF") in this file.
 
 import datetime
+import functools
 import os
 import re
 import sys
 import traceback
-import functools
 from copy import deepcopy
 from time import sleep
-from lib import topotest
-
 
 # Import common_config to use commomnly used APIs
 from lib.common_config import (
-    create_common_configurations,
     HostApplicationHelper,
     InvalidCLIError,
     create_common_configuration,
-    InvalidCLIError,
+    create_common_configurations,
+    get_frr_ipv6_linklocal,
     retry,
     run_frr_cmd,
     validate_ip_address,
-    get_frr_ipv6_linklocal,
 )
 from lib.micronet import get_exec_path
 from lib.topolog import logger
 from lib.topotest import frr_unicode
 
+from lib import topotest
+
 ####
 CWD = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))
 
diff --git a/tests/topotests/multicast_mld_join_topo1/test_multicast_mld_local_join.py b/tests/topotests/multicast_mld_join_topo1/test_multicast_mld_local_join.py
index 2c4fb4e998..826d6e2941 100644
--- a/tests/topotests/multicast_mld_join_topo1/test_multicast_mld_local_join.py
+++ b/tests/topotests/multicast_mld_join_topo1/test_multicast_mld_local_join.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env python
+# -*- coding: utf-8 eval: (blacken-mode 1) -*-
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: ISC
 #
 # Copyright (c) 2023 by VMware, Inc. ("VMware")
@@ -20,52 +20,31 @@ Following tests are covered:
 5. Verify static MLD groups after removing and adding MLD config
 """
 
-import os
 import sys
 import time
-import pytest
-
-# Save the Current Working Directory to find configuration files.
-CWD = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))
-sys.path.append(os.path.join(CWD, "../"))
-sys.path.append(os.path.join(CWD, "../lib/"))
-
-# Required to instantiate the topology builder class.
-
-# pylint: disable=C0413
-# Import topogen and topotest helpers
-from lib.topogen import Topogen, get_topogen
-from re import search as re_search
-from re import findall as findall
 
+import pytest
 from lib.common_config import (
+    reset_config_on_routers,
     start_topology,
-    write_test_header,
-    write_test_footer,
     step,
-    kill_router_daemons,
-    start_router_daemons,
-    reset_config_on_routers,
-    do_countdown,
-    apply_raw_config,
-    socat_send_pim6_traffic,
+    write_test_footer,
+    write_test_header,
 )
-
 from lib.pim import (
-    create_pim_config,
-    verify_mroutes,
-    verify_upstream_iif,
-    verify_mld_groups,
-    clear_pim6_mroute,
     McastTesterHelper,
-    verify_pim_neighbors,
     create_mld_config,
-    verify_mld_groups,
+    create_pim_config,
     verify_local_mld_groups,
+    verify_mld_groups,
+    verify_mroutes,
+    verify_pim_neighbors,
     verify_pim_rp_info,
+    verify_upstream_iif,
 )
-from lib.topolog import logger
+from lib.topogen import Topogen, get_topogen
 from lib.topojson import build_config_from_json
+from lib.topolog import logger
 
 r1_r2_links = []
 r1_r3_links = []
@@ -131,7 +110,7 @@ def setup_module(mod):
     logger.info("Running setup_module to create topology")
 
     # This function initiates the topology build with Topogen...
-    json_file = "{}/multicast_mld_local_join.json".format(CWD)
+    json_file = "multicast_mld_local_join.json"
     tgen = Topogen(json_file, mod.__name__)
     global topo
     topo = tgen.json_topo
@@ -151,6 +130,9 @@ def setup_module(mod):
     result = verify_pim_neighbors(tgen, topo)
     assert result is True, " Verify PIM neighbor: Failed Error: {}".format(result)
 
+    global app_helper
+    app_helper = McastTesterHelper(tgen)
+
     logger.info("Running setup_module() done")
 
 
@@ -161,6 +143,8 @@ def teardown_module():
 
     tgen = get_topogen()
 
+    app_helper.cleanup()
+
     # Stop toplogy and Remove tmp files
     tgen.stop_topology()
 
@@ -265,6 +249,8 @@ def test_mroute_with_mld_local_joins_p0(request):
 
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Enable the PIM on all the interfaces of R1, R2, R3, R4")
     step("configure BGP on R1, R2, R3, R4 and enable redistribute static/connected")
     step("Enable the MLD on R11 interfac of R1 and configure local mld groups")
@@ -330,9 +316,7 @@ def test_mroute_with_mld_local_joins_p0(request):
     assert result is True, "Testcase {} :Failed \n Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Send traffic from R4 to all the groups ( ffaa::1 to ffaa::5)")
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i4"]["links"]["r4"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i4"]["links"]["r4"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i4", "UDP6-SEND", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i4", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r4")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step(
@@ -458,6 +442,8 @@ def test_remove_add_mld_local_joins_p1(request):
 
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Enable the PIM on all the interfaces of R1, R2, R3, R4")
     step("configure BGP on R1, R2, R3, R4 and enable redistribute static/connected")
     step("Enable the MLD on R11 interfac of R1 and configure local mld groups")
@@ -517,9 +503,7 @@ def test_remove_add_mld_local_joins_p1(request):
     assert result is True, "Testcase {} :Failed \n Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Send traffic from R4 to all the groups ( ffaa::1 to ffaa::5)")
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i4"]["links"]["r4"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i4"]["links"]["r4"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i4", "UDP6-SEND", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i4", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r4")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step(
@@ -710,6 +694,8 @@ def test_remove_add_mld_config_with_local_joins_p1(request):
 
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Enable the PIM on all the interfaces of R1, R2, R3, R4")
     step("configure BGP on R1, R2, R3, R4 and enable redistribute static/connected")
     step("Enable the MLD on R11 interfac of R1 and configure local mld groups")
@@ -759,9 +745,7 @@ def test_remove_add_mld_config_with_local_joins_p1(request):
     assert result is True, "Testcase {} :Failed \n Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Send traffic from R4 to all the groups ( ffaa::1 to ffaa::5)")
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i4"]["links"]["r4"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i4"]["links"]["r4"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i4", "UDP6-SEND", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i4", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r4")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step(
diff --git a/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_sm_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_sm1.py b/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_sm_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_sm1.py
index 87b04b41be..aff623705c 100644
--- a/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_sm_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_sm1.py
+++ b/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_sm_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_sm1.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env python
+# -*- coding: utf-8 eval: (blacken-mode 1) -*-
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: ISC
 
 #
@@ -30,61 +30,40 @@ should get update accordingly
 data traffic
 """
 
-import os
+import datetime
 import sys
-import json
 import time
-import datetime
-import pytest
-
-# Save the Current Working Directory to find configuration files.
-CWD = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))
-sys.path.append(os.path.join(CWD, "../"))
-sys.path.append(os.path.join(CWD, "../lib/"))
-
-# Required to instantiate the topology builder class.
-
-# pylint: disable=C0413
-# Import topogen and topotest helpers
-from lib.topogen import Topogen, get_topogen
 
+import pytest
 from lib.common_config import (
-    start_topology,
-    write_test_header,
-    write_test_footer,
-    step,
+    get_frr_ipv6_linklocal,
+    required_linux_kernel_version,
     reset_config_on_routers,
     shutdown_bringup_interface,
-    start_router,
-    stop_router,
-    create_static_routes,
-    required_linux_kernel_version,
-    socat_send_mld_join,
-    socat_send_pim6_traffic,
-    get_frr_ipv6_linklocal,
-    kill_socat,
+    start_topology,
+    step,
+    write_test_footer,
+    write_test_header,
 )
-from lib.bgp import create_router_bgp
 from lib.pim import (
-    create_pim_config,
+    McastTesterHelper,
+    clear_pim6_mroute,
     create_mld_config,
+    create_pim_config,
+    verify_mld_config,
     verify_mld_groups,
+    verify_mroute_summary,
     verify_mroutes,
-    clear_pim6_interface_traffic,
-    verify_upstream_iif,
-    clear_pim6_mroute,
     verify_pim_interface_traffic,
-    verify_pim_state,
-    McastTesterHelper,
     verify_pim_join,
-    verify_mroute_summary,
     verify_pim_nexthop,
+    verify_pim_state,
     verify_sg_traffic,
-    verify_mld_config,
+    verify_upstream_iif,
 )
-
-from lib.topolog import logger
+from lib.topogen import Topogen, get_topogen
 from lib.topojson import build_config_from_json
+from lib.topolog import logger
 
 # Global variables
 GROUP_RANGE = "ff00::/8"
@@ -141,8 +120,7 @@ def setup_module(mod):
 
     logger.info("Running setup_module to create topology")
 
-    testdir = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))
-    json_file = "{}/multicast_pim6_sm_topo1.json".format(testdir)
+    json_file = "multicast_pim6_sm_topo1.json"
     tgen = Topogen(json_file, mod.__name__)
     global topo
     topo = tgen.json_topo
@@ -159,6 +137,9 @@ def setup_module(mod):
     # Creating configuration from JSON
     build_config_from_json(tgen, tgen.json_topo)
 
+    global app_helper
+    app_helper = McastTesterHelper(tgen)
+
     logger.info("Running setup_module() done")
 
 
@@ -169,8 +150,7 @@ def teardown_module():
 
     tgen = get_topogen()
 
-    # Clean up socat
-    kill_socat(tgen)
+    app_helper.cleanup()
 
     # Stop toplogy and Remove tmp files
     tgen.stop_topology()
@@ -296,6 +276,8 @@ def test_multicast_data_traffic_static_RP_send_traffic_then_join_p0(request):
     # Creating configuration from JSON
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     # Don"t run this test if we have any failure.
     if tgen.routers_have_failure():
         pytest.skip(tgen.errors)
@@ -334,9 +316,7 @@ def test_multicast_data_traffic_static_RP_send_traffic_then_join_p0(request):
 
     step("Send multicast traffic from FRR3 to all the receivers" "ffaa::1-5")
 
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i2", "UDP6-SEND", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i2", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     source = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
@@ -375,11 +355,7 @@ def test_multicast_data_traffic_static_RP_send_traffic_then_join_p0(request):
     )
 
     step("send mld join (ffaa::1-5) to R1")
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i1", "UDP6-RECV", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i1", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step(
@@ -532,11 +508,7 @@ def test_verify_mroute_when_receiver_is_outside_frr_p0(request):
     assert result is True, "Testcase {} : Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("send mld join (ffaa::1-5) to R1")
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i1", "UDP6-RECV", _MLD_JOIN_RANGE, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i1", _MLD_JOIN_RANGE, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("verify MLD joins received on r1")
@@ -546,9 +518,7 @@ def test_verify_mroute_when_receiver_is_outside_frr_p0(request):
     assert result is True, "Testcase {} : Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Send multicast traffic from FRR3 to all the receivers" "ffaa::1-5")
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i2", "UDP6-SEND", _MLD_JOIN_RANGE, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i2", _MLD_JOIN_RANGE, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step(
@@ -561,11 +531,7 @@ def test_verify_mroute_when_receiver_is_outside_frr_p0(request):
     result = create_mld_config(tgen, topo, input_dict)
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
-    i5_r5 = topo["routers"]["i5"]["links"]["r5"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i5"]["links"]["r5"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i5", "UDP6-RECV", _MLD_JOIN_RANGE, i5_r5, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i5", _MLD_JOIN_RANGE, "r5")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("FRR1 has 10 (*.G) and 10 (S,G) verify using 'show ipv6 mroute'")
@@ -682,6 +648,8 @@ def test_verify_mroute_when_frr_is_transit_router_p2(request):
     # Creating configuration from JSON
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     # Don"t run this test if we have any failure.
     if tgen.routers_have_failure():
         pytest.skip(tgen.errors)
@@ -708,11 +676,7 @@ def test_verify_mroute_when_frr_is_transit_router_p2(request):
     step("Enable mld on FRR1 interface and send mld join ")
 
     step("send mld join (ffaa::1-5) to R1")
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i1", "UDP6-RECV", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i1", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("verify mld groups received on R1")
@@ -722,9 +686,7 @@ def test_verify_mroute_when_frr_is_transit_router_p2(request):
     assert result is True, "Testcase {} : Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Send multicast traffic from FRR3 to ffaa::1-5 receivers")
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i2", "UDP6-SEND", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i2", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("shut the direct link to R1 ")
@@ -841,6 +803,8 @@ def test_verify_mroute_when_RP_unreachable_p1(request):
     # Creating configuration from JSON
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     # Don"t run this test if we have any failure.
     if tgen.routers_have_failure():
         pytest.skip(tgen.errors)
@@ -868,17 +832,11 @@ def test_verify_mroute_when_RP_unreachable_p1(request):
     step("Enable mld on FRR1 interface and send mld join ffaa::1-5")
 
     step("send mld join (ffaa::1-5) to R1")
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i1", "UDP6-RECV", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i1", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Send multicast traffic from FRR3 to ffaa::1-5 receivers")
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i2", "UDP6-SEND", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i2", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Configure one MLD interface on FRR3 node and send MLD" " join (ffcc::1)")
@@ -888,11 +846,7 @@ def test_verify_mroute_when_RP_unreachable_p1(request):
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("send mld join (ffaa::1-5) to R1")
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i8"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i8"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i8", "UDP6-RECV", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i8", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("verify MLD groups received ")
@@ -975,16 +929,14 @@ def test_modify_mld_query_timer_p0(request):
     # Creating configuration from JSON
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     # Don"t run this test if we have any failure.
     if tgen.routers_have_failure():
         pytest.skip(tgen.errors)
 
     step("send mld join (ffaa::1-5) to R1")
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i8"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i8"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i8", "UDP6-RECV", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i8", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Enable MLD on receiver interface")
@@ -1023,9 +975,7 @@ def test_modify_mld_query_timer_p0(request):
     assert result is True, "Testcase {} : Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Send multicast traffic from FRR3 to ffaa::1-5 receivers")
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i2", "UDP6-SEND", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i2", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step(
@@ -1158,17 +1108,15 @@ def test_modify_mld_max_query_response_timer_p0(request):
     # Creating configuration from JSON
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     # Don"t run this test if we have any failure.
     if tgen.routers_have_failure():
         pytest.skip(tgen.errors)
 
     step("Enable mld on FRR1 interface and send MLD join")
     step("send mld join (ffaa::1-5) to R1")
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i1", "UDP6-RECV", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i1", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     r1_i1 = topo["routers"]["r1"]["links"]["i1"]["interface"]
@@ -1214,9 +1162,7 @@ def test_modify_mld_max_query_response_timer_p0(request):
     assert result is True, "Testcase {} : Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Send multicast traffic from FRR3 to ffaa::1-5 receivers")
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i2", "UDP6-SEND", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i2", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step(
@@ -1431,6 +1377,8 @@ def test_verify_impact_on_multicast_traffic_when_RP_removed_p0(request):
     # Creating configuration from JSON
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     # Don"t run this test if we have any failure.
     if tgen.routers_have_failure():
         pytest.skip(tgen.errors)
@@ -1438,9 +1386,7 @@ def test_verify_impact_on_multicast_traffic_when_RP_removed_p0(request):
     step("send multicast traffic for group range ffaa::1-5")
 
     step("Send multicast traffic from FRR3 to ffaa::1-5 receivers")
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i2", "UDP6-SEND", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i2", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Configure static RP for group (ffaa::1) on r5")
@@ -1464,11 +1410,7 @@ def test_verify_impact_on_multicast_traffic_when_RP_removed_p0(request):
 
     step("Enable mld on FRR1 interface and send MLD join")
     step("send mld join (ffaa::1-5) to R1")
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i1", "UDP6-RECV", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i1", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step(
diff --git a/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_sm_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_sm2.py b/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_sm_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_sm2.py
index 788a839918..b049a1a57d 100644
--- a/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_sm_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_sm2.py
+++ b/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_sm_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_sm2.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env python
+# -*- coding: utf-8 eval: (blacken-mode 1) -*-
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: ISC
 
 #
@@ -21,61 +21,31 @@ PIM nbr and mroute from FRR node
 different
 """
 
-import os
 import sys
-import json
 import time
-import datetime
-import pytest
-
-# Save the Current Working Directory to find configuration files.
-CWD = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))
-sys.path.append(os.path.join(CWD, "../"))
-sys.path.append(os.path.join(CWD, "../lib/"))
-
-# Required to instantiate the topology builder class.
-
-# pylint: disable=C0413
-# Import topogen and topotest helpers
-from lib.topogen import Topogen, get_topogen
 
+import pytest
 from lib.common_config import (
-    start_topology,
-    write_test_header,
-    write_test_footer,
-    step,
+    required_linux_kernel_version,
     reset_config_on_routers,
     shutdown_bringup_interface,
-    start_router,
-    stop_router,
-    create_static_routes,
-    required_linux_kernel_version,
-    socat_send_mld_join,
-    socat_send_pim6_traffic,
-    get_frr_ipv6_linklocal,
-    kill_socat,
+    start_topology,
+    step,
+    write_test_footer,
+    write_test_header,
 )
-from lib.bgp import create_router_bgp
 from lib.pim import (
+    McastTesterHelper,
+    clear_pim6_mroute,
     create_pim_config,
-    create_mld_config,
-    verify_mld_groups,
     verify_mroutes,
-    clear_pim6_interface_traffic,
-    verify_upstream_iif,
-    clear_pim6_mroute,
     verify_pim_interface_traffic,
-    verify_pim_state,
-    McastTesterHelper,
-    verify_pim_join,
-    verify_mroute_summary,
-    verify_pim_nexthop,
     verify_sg_traffic,
-    verify_mld_config,
+    verify_upstream_iif,
 )
-
-from lib.topolog import logger
+from lib.topogen import Topogen, get_topogen
 from lib.topojson import build_config_from_json
+from lib.topolog import logger
 
 # Global variables
 GROUP_RANGE = "ff00::/8"
@@ -132,8 +102,7 @@ def setup_module(mod):
 
     logger.info("Running setup_module to create topology")
 
-    testdir = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))
-    json_file = "{}/multicast_pim6_sm_topo1.json".format(testdir)
+    json_file = "multicast_pim6_sm_topo1.json"
     tgen = Topogen(json_file, mod.__name__)
     global topo
     topo = tgen.json_topo
@@ -150,6 +119,9 @@ def setup_module(mod):
     # Creating configuration from JSON
     build_config_from_json(tgen, tgen.json_topo)
 
+    global app_helper
+    app_helper = McastTesterHelper(tgen)
+
     logger.info("Running setup_module() done")
 
 
@@ -160,8 +132,7 @@ def teardown_module():
 
     tgen = get_topogen()
 
-    # Clean up socat
-    kill_socat(tgen)
+    app_helper.cleanup()
 
     # Stop toplogy and Remove tmp files
     tgen.stop_topology()
@@ -237,6 +208,8 @@ def test_clear_mroute_and_verify_multicast_data_p0(request):
     # Creating configuration from JSON
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     # Don"t run this test if we have any failure.
     if tgen.routers_have_failure():
         pytest.skip(tgen.errors)
@@ -266,18 +239,12 @@ def test_clear_mroute_and_verify_multicast_data_p0(request):
     )
 
     step("send mld join (ffaa::1-5) to R1")
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i1", "UDP6-RECV", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i1", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Send multicast traffic from FRR3 to all the receivers" "ffaa::1-5")
 
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i2", "UDP6-SEND", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i2", MLD_JOIN_RANGE_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Clear the mroute on r1, wait for 5 sec")
@@ -470,6 +437,8 @@ def test_verify_SPT_switchover_when_RPT_and_SPT_path_is_different_p0(request):
     # Creating configuration from JSON
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     # Don"t run this test if we have any failure.
     if tgen.routers_have_failure():
         pytest.skip(tgen.errors)
@@ -498,11 +467,7 @@ def test_verify_SPT_switchover_when_RPT_and_SPT_path_is_different_p0(request):
     assert result is True, "Testcase {} : Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("send mld join (ffbb::1-5, ffcc::1-5) to R1")
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i1"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "i1", "UDP6-RECV", _MLD_JOIN_RANGE, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("i1", _MLD_JOIN_RANGE, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("registerRx and registerStopTx value before traffic sent")
@@ -518,9 +483,7 @@ def test_verify_SPT_switchover_when_RPT_and_SPT_path_is_different_p0(request):
     step(
         "Send multicast traffic from FRR3 to all the receivers" "ffbb::1-5 , ffcc::1-5"
     )
-    intf_ip = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    intf = topo["routers"]["i2"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "i2", "UDP6-SEND", _MLD_JOIN_RANGE, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("i2", _MLD_JOIN_RANGE, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step(
diff --git a/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_static_rp_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_static_rp1.py b/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_static_rp_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_static_rp1.py
index 977cd477c8..23326337d6 100755
--- a/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_static_rp_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_static_rp1.py
+++ b/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_static_rp_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_static_rp1.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env python
+# -*- coding: utf-8 eval: (blacken-mode 1) -*-
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: ISC
 
 #
@@ -41,57 +41,36 @@ Test steps
 8. Verify PIM6 join send towards the higher preferred RP
 9. Verify PIM6 prune send towards the lower preferred RP
 """
-
-import os
 import sys
-import json
 import time
-import pytest
-
-# Save the Current Working Directory to find configuration files.
-CWD = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))
-sys.path.append(os.path.join(CWD, "../"))
-sys.path.append(os.path.join(CWD, "../lib/"))
-
-# Required to instantiate the topology builder class.
-
-# pylint: disable=C0413
-# Import topogen and topotest helpers
-from lib.topogen import Topogen, get_topogen
 
+import pytest
 from lib.common_config import (
-    start_topology,
-    write_test_header,
-    write_test_footer,
+    check_router_status,
     reset_config_on_routers,
-    step,
     shutdown_bringup_interface,
-    kill_router_daemons,
-    start_router_daemons,
-    create_static_routes,
-    check_router_status,
-    socat_send_mld_join,
-    socat_send_pim6_traffic,
-    kill_socat,
+    start_topology,
+    step,
+    write_test_footer,
+    write_test_header,
 )
 from lib.pim import (
+    McastTesterHelper,
+    clear_pim6_interface_traffic,
     create_pim_config,
-    verify_upstream_iif,
+    get_pim6_interface_traffic,
     verify_join_state_and_timer,
+    verify_mld_groups,
     verify_mroutes,
-    verify_pim_neighbors,
+    verify_pim6_neighbors,
     verify_pim_interface_traffic,
     verify_pim_rp_info,
     verify_pim_state,
-    clear_pim6_interface_traffic,
-    clear_pim6_mroute,
-    verify_pim6_neighbors,
-    get_pim6_interface_traffic,
-    clear_pim6_interfaces,
-    verify_mld_groups,
+    verify_upstream_iif,
 )
+from lib.topogen import Topogen, get_topogen
+from lib.topojson import build_config_from_json, build_topo_from_json
 from lib.topolog import logger
-from lib.topojson import build_topo_from_json, build_config_from_json
 
 # Global variables
 GROUP_RANGE_1 = "ff08::/64"
@@ -141,7 +120,7 @@ def setup_module(mod):
     logger.info("Running setup_module to create topology")
 
     # This function initiates the topology build with Topogen...
-    json_file = "{}/multicast_pim6_static_rp.json".format(CWD)
+    json_file = "multicast_pim6_static_rp.json"
     tgen = Topogen(json_file, mod.__name__)
     global TOPO
     TOPO = tgen.json_topo
@@ -163,6 +142,9 @@ def setup_module(mod):
     result = verify_pim6_neighbors(tgen, TOPO)
     assert result is True, "setup_module :Failed \n Error:" " {}".format(result)
 
+    global app_helper
+    app_helper = McastTesterHelper(tgen)
+
     logger.info("Running setup_module() done")
 
 
@@ -172,8 +154,7 @@ def teardown_module():
     logger.info("Running teardown_module to delete topology")
     tgen = get_topogen()
 
-    # Clean up socat
-    kill_socat(tgen)
+    app_helper.cleanup()
 
     # Stop toplogy and Remove tmp files
     tgen.stop_topology()
@@ -260,6 +241,8 @@ def test_pim6_add_delete_static_RP_p0(request):
     step("Creating configuration from JSON")
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Shut link b/w R1 and R3 and R1 and R4 as per testcase topology")
     intf_r1_r3 = TOPO["routers"]["r1"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
     intf_r1_r4 = TOPO["routers"]["r1"]["links"]["r4"]["interface"]
@@ -313,11 +296,7 @@ def test_pim6_add_delete_static_RP_p0(request):
     )
 
     step("send mld join {} to R1".format(GROUP_ADDRESS_1))
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "r0", "UDP6-RECV", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("r0", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify MLD groups")
@@ -457,6 +436,8 @@ def test_pim6_SPT_RPT_path_same_p1(request):
     step("Creating configuration from JSON")
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Shut link b/w R1->R3, R1->R4 and R3->R1, R3->R4 as per " "testcase topology")
     intf_r1_r3 = TOPO["routers"]["r1"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
     intf_r1_r4 = TOPO["routers"]["r1"]["links"]["r4"]["interface"]
@@ -494,11 +475,7 @@ def test_pim6_SPT_RPT_path_same_p1(request):
     step(
         "Enable MLD on r1 interface and send MLD join {} to R1".format(GROUP_ADDRESS_1)
     )
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "r0", "UDP6-RECV", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("r0", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify MLD groups")
@@ -508,9 +485,8 @@ def test_pim6_SPT_RPT_path_same_p1(request):
     assert result is True, ASSERT_MSG.format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("Send multicast traffic from R5")
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
     SOURCE_ADDRESS = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "r5", "UDP6-SEND", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("r5", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r2: Verify RP info")
@@ -630,6 +606,8 @@ def test_pim6_RP_configured_as_LHR_p1(request):
     step("Creating configuration from JSON")
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Enable MLD on r1 interface")
     step("Enable the PIM6 on all the interfaces of r1, r2, r3 and r4 routers")
 
@@ -665,11 +643,7 @@ def test_pim6_RP_configured_as_LHR_p1(request):
     assert result is True, ASSERT_MSG.format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("send mld join {} to R1".format(GROUP_ADDRESS_1))
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "r0", "UDP6-RECV", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("r0", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify MLD groups")
@@ -679,9 +653,8 @@ def test_pim6_RP_configured_as_LHR_p1(request):
     assert result is True, ASSERT_MSG.format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r5: Send multicast traffic for group {}".format(GROUP_ADDRESS_1))
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
     SOURCE_ADDRESS = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "r5", "UDP6-SEND", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("r5", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify (*, G) upstream IIF interface")
@@ -762,6 +735,8 @@ def test_pim6_RP_configured_as_FHR_p1(request):
     step("Creating configuration from JSON")
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Enable MLD on r1 interface")
     step("Enable the PIM6 on all the interfaces of r1, r2, r3 and r4 routers")
     step("r3: Configure r3(FHR) as RP")
@@ -792,11 +767,7 @@ def test_pim6_RP_configured_as_FHR_p1(request):
     assert result is True, ASSERT_MSG.format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("send mld join {} to R1".format(GROUP_ADDRESS_1))
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "r0", "UDP6-RECV", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("r0", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify MLD groups")
@@ -806,9 +777,8 @@ def test_pim6_RP_configured_as_FHR_p1(request):
     assert result is True, ASSERT_MSG.format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r5: Send multicast traffic for group {}".format(GROUP_ADDRESS_1))
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
     SOURCE_ADDRESS = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "r5", "UDP6-SEND", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("r5", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify (*, G) upstream IIF interface")
@@ -890,6 +860,8 @@ def test_pim6_SPT_RPT_path_different_p1(request):
     step("Creating configuration from JSON")
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Enable MLD on r1 interface")
     step("Enable the PIM6 on all the interfaces of r1, r2, r3 and r4 routers")
     step("r2: Configure r2 as RP")
@@ -921,11 +893,7 @@ def test_pim6_SPT_RPT_path_different_p1(request):
     assert result is True, ASSERT_MSG.format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("send mld join {} to R1".format(GROUP_ADDRESS_1))
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "r0", "UDP6-RECV", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("r0", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify MLD groups")
@@ -935,9 +903,8 @@ def test_pim6_SPT_RPT_path_different_p1(request):
     assert result is True, ASSERT_MSG.format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r5: Send multicast traffic for group {}".format(GROUP_ADDRESS_1))
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
     SOURCE_ADDRESS = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "r5", "UDP6-SEND", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("r5", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify (*, G) upstream IIF interface")
@@ -1060,6 +1027,8 @@ def test_pim6_send_join_on_higher_preffered_rp_p1(request):
     step("Creating configuration from JSON")
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Enable MLD on r1 interface")
     step("Enable the PIM66 on all the interfaces of r1, r2, r3 and r4 routers")
     step(
@@ -1109,11 +1078,7 @@ def test_pim6_send_join_on_higher_preffered_rp_p1(request):
     )
 
     step("r0: send mld join {} to R1".format(GROUP_ADDRESS_3))
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "r0", "UDP6-RECV", GROUP_ADDRESS_3, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("r0", GROUP_ADDRESS_3, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify MLD groups")
diff --git a/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_static_rp_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_static_rp2.py b/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_static_rp_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_static_rp2.py
index a61164baa2..39497e91ed 100755
--- a/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_static_rp_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_static_rp2.py
+++ b/tests/topotests/multicast_pim6_static_rp_topo1/test_multicast_pim6_static_rp2.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env python
+# -*- coding: utf-8 eval: (blacken-mode 1) -*-
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: ISC
 
 #
@@ -33,55 +33,31 @@ Test steps
 
 import os
 import sys
-import json
 import time
-import pytest
-
-# Save the Current Working Directory to find configuration files.
-CWD = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))
-sys.path.append(os.path.join(CWD, "../"))
-sys.path.append(os.path.join(CWD, "../lib/"))
-
-# Required to instantiate the topology builder class.
-
-# pylint: disable=C0413
-# Import topogen and topotest helpers
-from lib.topogen import Topogen, get_topogen
 
+import pytest
 from lib.common_config import (
-    start_topology,
-    write_test_header,
-    write_test_footer,
+    create_debug_log_config,
     reset_config_on_routers,
-    step,
     shutdown_bringup_interface,
-    kill_router_daemons,
-    start_router_daemons,
-    create_static_routes,
-    check_router_status,
-    socat_send_mld_join,
-    socat_send_pim6_traffic,
-    kill_socat,
-    create_debug_log_config,
+    start_topology,
+    step,
+    write_test_footer,
+    write_test_header,
 )
 from lib.pim import (
+    McastTesterHelper,
     create_pim_config,
-    verify_upstream_iif,
     verify_join_state_and_timer,
+    verify_mld_groups,
     verify_mroutes,
-    verify_pim_neighbors,
-    verify_pim_interface_traffic,
-    verify_pim_rp_info,
-    verify_pim_state,
-    clear_pim6_interface_traffic,
-    clear_pim6_mroute,
     verify_pim6_neighbors,
-    get_pim6_interface_traffic,
-    clear_pim6_interfaces,
-    verify_mld_groups,
+    verify_pim_rp_info,
+    verify_upstream_iif,
 )
+from lib.topogen import Topogen, get_topogen
+from lib.topojson import build_config_from_json, build_topo_from_json
 from lib.topolog import logger
-from lib.topojson import build_topo_from_json, build_config_from_json
 
 # Global variables
 GROUP_RANGE_1 = "ff08::/64"
@@ -145,7 +121,7 @@ def setup_module(mod):
     logger.info("Running setup_module to create topology")
 
     # This function initiates the topology build with Topogen...
-    json_file = "{}/multicast_pim6_static_rp.json".format(CWD)
+    json_file = "multicast_pim6_static_rp.json"
     tgen = Topogen(json_file, mod.__name__)
     global TOPO
     TOPO = tgen.json_topo
@@ -167,6 +143,9 @@ def setup_module(mod):
     result = verify_pim6_neighbors(tgen, TOPO)
     assert result is True, "setup_module :Failed \n Error:" " {}".format(result)
 
+    global app_helper
+    app_helper = McastTesterHelper(tgen)
+
     logger.info("Running setup_module() done")
 
 
@@ -176,8 +155,7 @@ def teardown_module():
     logger.info("Running teardown_module to delete topology")
     tgen = get_topogen()
 
-    # Clean up socat
-    kill_socat(tgen)
+    app_helper.cleanup()
 
     # Stop toplogy and Remove tmp files
     tgen.stop_topology()
@@ -265,6 +243,8 @@ def test_pim6_multiple_groups_same_RP_address_p2(request):
     step("Creating configuration from JSON")
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     input_dict = {
         "r1": {"debug": {"log_file": "r1_debug.log", "enable": ["pim6d"]}},
         "r2": {"debug": {"log_file": "r2_debug.log", "enable": ["pim6d"]}},
@@ -305,10 +285,7 @@ def test_pim6_multiple_groups_same_RP_address_p2(request):
     group_address_list = GROUP_ADDRESS_LIST_1 + GROUP_ADDRESS_LIST_2
     step("r0: Send MLD join for 10 groups")
     intf = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "r0", "UDP6-RECV", group_address_list, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("r0", group_address_list, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify MLD groups")
@@ -318,9 +295,8 @@ def test_pim6_multiple_groups_same_RP_address_p2(request):
     assert result is True, ASSERT_MSG.format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r5: Send multicast traffic for group {}".format(group_address_list))
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
     SOURCE_ADDRESS = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "r5", "UDP6-SEND", group_address_list, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("r5", group_address_list, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify (*, G) upstream IIF interface")
@@ -593,6 +569,8 @@ def test_pim6_multiple_groups_different_RP_address_p2(request):
     step("Creating configuration from JSON")
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Enable MLD on r1 interface")
     step("Enable the PIM6 on all the interfaces of r1, r2, r3 and r4 routers")
     step("r2: Configure r2 as RP")
@@ -646,11 +624,7 @@ def test_pim6_multiple_groups_different_RP_address_p2(request):
 
     group_address_list = GROUP_ADDRESS_LIST_1 + GROUP_ADDRESS_LIST_2
     step("r0: Send MLD join for 10 groups")
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "r0", "UDP6-RECV", group_address_list, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("r0", group_address_list, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify MLD groups")
@@ -660,9 +634,8 @@ def test_pim6_multiple_groups_different_RP_address_p2(request):
     assert result is True, ASSERT_MSG.format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r5: Send multicast traffic for group {}".format(group_address_list))
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["interface"]
     SOURCE_ADDRESS = TOPO["routers"]["r5"]["links"]["r3"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_pim6_traffic(tgen, "r5", "UDP6-SEND", group_address_list, intf)
+    result = app_helper.run_traffic("r5", group_address_list, "r3")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify (*, G) upstream IIF interface")
@@ -1189,6 +1162,8 @@ def test_pim6_delete_RP_shut_noshut_upstream_interface_p1(request):
     step("Creating configuration from JSON")
     reset_config_on_routers(tgen)
 
+    app_helper.stop_all_hosts()
+
     step("Enable MLD on r1 interface")
     step("Enable the PIM6 on all the interfaces of r1, r2, r3 and r4 routers")
     step("r2: Configure r2 as RP")
@@ -1220,11 +1195,7 @@ def test_pim6_delete_RP_shut_noshut_upstream_interface_p1(request):
     assert result is True, ASSERT_MSG.format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r0: Send MLD join")
-    intf = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["interface"]
-    intf_ip = TOPO["routers"]["r0"]["links"]["r1"]["ipv6"].split("/")[0]
-    result = socat_send_mld_join(
-        tgen, "r0", "UDP6-RECV", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, intf, intf_ip
-    )
+    result = app_helper.run_join("r0", GROUP_ADDRESS_1, "r1")
     assert result is True, "Testcase {}: Failed Error: {}".format(tc_name, result)
 
     step("r1: Verify MLD groups")