HTTP Traffic Simulation Using HAR Data for Network Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network testing methods lack efficient simulation of realistic HTTP traffic for systems under test, particularly in emulating bi-directional traffic and estimating payload parameter values, which are crucial for comprehensive performance evaluation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating HTTP transaction test definitions from HAR file information, identifying entropy insertion points, and enriching the data to create synthetic test traffic that mimics real HTTP traffic, using a web application server emulation to generate test packets and collect performance metrics from the system under test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional network testing methods are used, then testing can be conducted with simple tools, but the simulation of realistic HTTP traffic is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing real HTTP traffic patterns in HAR files before testing. These pre-captured traffic patterns are then reused during testing to simulate realistic user behavior, eliminating the need to manually create test scenarios and ensuring consistent, realistic traffic simulation across multiple test runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates accurate copies of real HTTP traffic by parsing HAR files and reconstructing the original request-response patterns. These copied traffic patterns are then modified with entropy enrichment to create synthetic test traffic that maintains the statistical properties and behavioral characteristics of real user traffic while introducing necessary variability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If entropy enrichment is applied to HAR data, then test traffic becomes more realistic and diverse, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies entropy enrichment selectively to specific fields within the HAR data structure rather than uniformly to all data. By identifying and modifying only the appropriate fields (such as request headers, query parameters, or body content) based on their entropy characteristics, the system introduces necessary diversity while minimizing unnecessary processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts parameters such as entropy levels, modification rates, and field selection based on the specific characteristics of the input HAR data and testing requirements. This allows the system to optimize the balance between traffic diversity and processing complexity for different test scenarios and data types.
3Measurement precision
If bi-directional traffic emulation is implemented, then comprehensive performance evaluation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a multi-functional test execution engine that can simultaneously act as both HTTP client and server emulator. This universal engine handles both directions of traffic generation and processing using the same core infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive bi-directional performance evaluation through a single integrated component.
4Measurement precision
If payload parameter estimation is performed, then accurate performance metrics are obtained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs payload parameter estimation during the offline HAR file processing phase rather than during active testing. By pre-calculating and storing estimated payload parameters in the test configuration, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time analysis during test execution, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing processing time during actual performance evaluation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for conducting a network traffic simulation using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) archive (HAR) data are disclosed. One method includes receiving HAR file information generated by a web client entity in a test environment, utilizing at least a portion of the HAR file information to generate one or more HTTP transaction test definitions, and utilizing the one or more HTTP transaction test definitions to generate an associated web application server emulation used for performing a test on a system under test (SUT). The method further includes utilizing the web application server emulation to generate a plurality of test packets and generating associated performance metric data representative of the SUT in response to the SUT processing the plurality of test packets.