Simulated Network Traffic Distribution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively generate simulated network traffic that accurately represents real-world traffic mixes for testing network components like firewalls and intrusion detection systems, making it difficult to maintain a desired distribution of traffic during testing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating simulated network traffic using multiple traffic flows, where each flow is assigned a weight based on the number of operations per execution to maintain a configured distribution, ensuring that the desired traffic mix is achieved between the flows and a device under test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple traffic flows are used to generate simulated network traffic, then the traffic mix becomes more representative of real-world conditions, but it becomes difficult to maintain a desired distribution of traffic among the flows
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual traffic distribution and comparing it against the desired distribution. The controller adjusts the execution of traffic flows based on this feedback to maintain the desired traffic mix, resolving the contradiction between representativeness and control ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting the number of operations executed for each traffic flow based on their current states and the desired distribution. This allows the system to maintain representative traffic mixes while preserving ease of control through parameter adjustment rather than fixed rigid schedules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traffic flows execute independently without regulation, then each application can operate autonomously, but the desired traffic distribution cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism allows independent traffic flows to operate autonomously while the controller monitors overall distribution and makes adjustments. This resolves the contradiction by preserving application independence at the flow level while achieving precise traffic distribution control at the system level through coordinated feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic coordination where traffic flows maintain their independent execution characteristics but are dynamically adjusted based on real-time distribution requirements. The controller dynamically modifies flow execution parameters to achieve precise traffic distribution without compromising the autonomous nature of individual applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for generating simulated network traffic from a plurality of different traffic flows and maintaining a configured distribution among the flows are disclosed. One exemplary method includes determining a number of operations per flow for each of a plurality of flows that generate simulated network traffic between the flows and a device under test. The method further includes determining a desired traffic distribution among the traffic generated by the traffic flows. The method further includes assigning a weight to each flow that determines the number of times to execute each flow during execution of a batch of flows. The method further includes executing the flows in batches according to the assigned weights to transmit the desired distribution of traffic between the different flows and the device under test.