Neeed suggestions on how to use Virtualization for testing...

[buskeyl]

Sorry if this is off topic, I could not really see a perfect place to post this.

I want to use Vmware (ESX most likely) to instantiate a testing environment. What I need to do is replicate a client and server connection across different networks (easy so far) but then I need the ability to introduce a variety of changing network conditions to my environment. The more diverse the options are the better. I need to be able to change latency, introduce packet loss, add jitter, simulate a SAT shot etc. I was told several times by several different people that this could be done with a virtual appliance, however I have scanned the repository, and see lots of network monitors, but nothing that appears to claim to do what I need.

We don't have a lot of time to do this, so a GUI driven tool would be ideal. Can any of you out there help me?

[Mr_Flibble1]

There is some network software out there called "Shunra" I have never tried it, and I am not familiar with it to be honest. However, it sounds like it will introduce the things you are looking for, and if run inside a Virtual Network, it should do what you want.

[VirtualNoitall]

Here is a link to the product page: http://www.shunra.com/vedesktop.aspx

We do a lot of this kind of testing and opted for the Shunra VE appliance. You have a lot more control, a lot more options, and lot more reporting which is required if you need to do this on a bigger scale. With a couple of VLANs on your ESX host(s) and the VE appliance setup in router mode this is pretty easy to do.

We do use the desktop product as well for some small testing done by developers working on a specific fix/feature.

Hope that helps!

[buskeyl]

Thank you for your responses. I called them. They want $12K to start using their small business product. I am sure the appliance is quite a bit more thin that. That's pretty steep entry fee. I am working with them now on a demo license and we will see how it goes.