Traffic Generator for Network Stress Tests - WAN Killer
Run custom network tests with a straightforward 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
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
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
You can also think of WAN Killer as a bandwidth stress test tool. Do you have enough bandwidth to support your traffic, even if sudden spikes occur? The bandwidth generator feature within SolarWinds Engineer’s Toolset is designed to help you understand if your current bandwidth configurations and constraints are sufficient for your end users. If the bandwidth killer suggests they are not, you can troubleshoot blockages or invest in additional bandwidth resources as needed.
Get the packet-level customization options you need for a network load test
With WAN Killer, you can customize your network load tests down to the packet level to accurately imitate potential conditions by using the dashboard in Engineer’s Toolset to configure the settings you need. You can choose packet size, ports, and circuit bandwidth, and generate data equivalent to any percentage of that circuit bandwidth. You can even configure target devices, so they respond to echo requests, allowing you to use TCP or UDP echo protocols to route symmetrical traffic.
Get More on Traffic Generators
Do you find yourself asking…
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.
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.
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.