Traffic Generator for Network Stress Tests - WAN Killer
Run realistic usage tests with WAN Killer network traffic generator
Run realistic usage tests with WAN Killer network traffic generator
Deploying the WAN Killer tool in SolarWinds® Engineer’s Toolset™ can help you interactively test connections and adjust generated IP traffic to achieve the desired network load based on your requirements.
WAN Killer is designed to help you:
- Set the IP address and hostname that should receive the random traffic
- Adjust port numbers, packet size, and percentage of bandwidth to send
- Modify the Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) and Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) settings
Use a network stress test tool to gain insight into traffic-level impact
Use a network stress test tool to gain insight into traffic-level impact
It’s often not enough to focus on latency or bandwidth utilization. Network stress testing can reveal how spikes in packet levels may impact network device performance.
The WAN Killer tool in Engineer’s Toolset serves as a network stress tester by generating and sending packets to provide a realistic idea of how devices would perform in the event of sudden or extreme jumps in traffic. The information you get from a network stress test can help you figure out how to strengthen your infrastructure before serious issues occur.
Simulate network traffic before you roll out new applications
Simulate network traffic before you roll out new applications
Being able to simulate network traffic means you can take a proactive approach to managing network performance, which is useful if, for instance, you plan to roll out a new application to your network.
You can easily configure the network traffic simulator in Engineer’s Toolset to reflect realistic conditions such as port number and protocols. You can also send simulated traffic to see if your application’s traffic will receive appropriate priority. If not, you can find and resolve the issues that may stand in the way of providing the best quality of service.
Check quality of service with a bandwidth killer to understand if more resources are needed
Check quality of service with a bandwidth killer to understand if more resources are needed
Get the packet-level customization options you need for a network load test
Get the packet-level customization options you need for a network load test
Get More on Traffic Generators
What is a traffic generator in networking?
A traffic generator creates traffic, or packets, that machines on a network consume. A network traffic generator is built to resemble an actual machine on the network from the perspective of the target machines. These hardware or software tools provide visibility into the impact of traffic on network resources.
Traffic generators imitate the packets and payloads actual devices on a network might produce. This makes them effective tools for network stress testing, which is a form of experimentation or investigation for understanding the function and limits of network infrastructure and controls.
How does a network traffic simulator work?
A network traffic simulator serves as a traffic source, provides evaluation tools, and allows admins to run quick “simulations” of high traffic loads. With a network traffic simulator tool, you can perform isolated tests without worrying about uncontrollable variables affecting the results.
A traffic generator tool should be able to reach the specific devices being tested. The generator sends out traffic but may also need to respond to traffic in cases of Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) traffic or TCP connections. If there are specific connections or blockages between a network traffic simulator and end devices, admins may need to account for this during setup.
Why is network stress testing important?
Network stress testing allows network admins to proactively analyze how traffic affects devices across their network. For instance, network stress testing can help you understand if current bandwidth is sufficient, if your system can handle a sudden influx of user requests, or how rolling out a new application would affect other parts of your network.
Network stress testing can bolster overall network functioning, and therefore can help ensure a positive user experience. End-user experience can be affected by a number of factors, including traffic spikes, slow responses, downtime, packet loss, dropped connections, and link overload. To optimize system performance, admins can run network stress tests for insight into resource allocation and bandwidth.
How to generate network traffic for testing with WAN Killer in Engineer's Toolset
When using SolarWinds WAN Killer within Engineer’s Toolset, it’s easy to generate and customize network traffic. WAN Killer software is a random traffic generator that sends network traffic to the IP address and desired hostname.
Once you install Engineer’s Toolset, you can find WAN Killer under the Diagnostics folder. After launch, you can begin to adjust the packet size and the percentage of bandwidth you want to load with randomly generated data.
What is a traffic generator in networking?
A traffic generator creates traffic, or packets, that machines on a network consume. A network traffic generator is built to resemble an actual machine on the network from the perspective of the target machines. These hardware or software tools provide visibility into the impact of traffic on network resources.
Traffic generators imitate the packets and payloads actual devices on a network might produce. This makes them effective tools for network stress testing, which is a form of experimentation or investigation for understanding the function and limits of network infrastructure and controls.
"I rely on the Toolset for one place to go to for all my troubleshooting needs. It's all about having the right tool at the right moment..."
Rschroeder
THWACK
SolarWinds traffic generator makes it easier to run network stress tests
Engineer's Toolset
Leverage the traffic generator tool to see how bandwidth performs in real conditions.
Customize your network traffic simulator to meet requirements.
Plan ahead on resource allocation by using a WAN Killer tool.