WAAS Performance Simulation Using Virtual Network Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing wide area application services (WAAS) performance for virtual desktop applications are inadequate, as they require significant hardware investment and rely on unreliable software simulation tools that fail to accurately emulate real network traffic behavior.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for simulating WAAS performance by receiving network traffic statistics from a first virtual network, establishing a second virtual network with a greater number of virtual client and server machines, and configuring a traffic simulator to generate and simulate data communication based on the first set of traffic properties, allowing for comparison and optimization of network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional testing techniques are used to test WAAS performance, then testing accuracy can be improved, but hardware investment costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of network environments, clients, and servers instead of using physical hardware. Virtual machine instances simulate real network traffic patterns, allowing accurate WAAS performance testing without investing in extensive physical hardware infrastructure. The virtual network environment replicates production network behavior while consuming minimal physical resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical testing system with a software-based virtualization system. Instead of physically deploying numerous network devices and generating actual network traffic, the system uses software to virtualize network elements and simulate traffic patterns, substituting physical infrastructure with computational models.
2Quantity of substance
If software simulation tools are used to test WAAS performance, then hardware costs are reduced, but simulation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first establishing a baseline using actual network traffic from a small number of real clients, then uses this empirical data to configure and calibrate the traffic simulator. This preliminary real-world data collection ensures the simulation is grounded in actual network behavior patterns before scaling to virtual environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces traffic capture and analysis mechanisms as intermediaries between the physical network and the virtual simulation environment. These intermediaries capture real traffic statistics and properties, transform them into simulation parameters, and use them to configure the virtual network, creating a bridge that ensures simulation accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of virtual machines are deployed for testing, then network performance prediction accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing system into distinct functional layers: virtual network infrastructure layer, virtual machine instance layer, traffic simulation layer, and performance analysis layer. Each layer handles specific tasks independently, allowing the system to manage large numbers of virtual machines through modular organization rather than monolithic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal virtual network components and standardized machine instance templates that can be replicated and scaled. Instead of configuring each virtual machine individually, the system uses universal templates that define common characteristics, allowing hundreds of virtual machines to be managed through a single configuration model, reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for simulating performance of a wide area application service (WAAS) comprises receiving network traffic statistics and properties associated with operation of a first network comprising a first number of virtual client machines and corresponding virtual server machines. The method may also comprise establishing a second virtual network comprising a second number of virtual client machines and corresponding virtual server machines, the second number being greater than the first number. The method may also comprise simulating performance of the second virtual network based on the network traffic properties associated with operation of the first virtual network.