Thursday, September 20, 2007

Network Performance

  • Throughput [Tools: Qcheck, IxChariot]

In communication networks, throughput is the amount of digital data per time unit that is delivered over a physical or logical link, or that is passing through a certain network node. For example, it may be the amount of data that is delivered to a certain network terminal or host computer, or between two specific computers. The throughput is usually measured in bit per second (bit/s or bps), occasionally in data packets per second or data packets per timeslot. The term corresponds to digital bandwidth consumption.

It is the amount of data per second that was successfully sent between the two endpoints.

  • Packet Loss [Tools: Qcheck, IxChariot]

Packet loss occurs when one or more packets of data traveling across a computer network fail to reach their destination.

Packet loss can be caused by a number of factors, including signal degradation over the network medium, oversaturated network links, corrupted packets rejected in-transit, faulty networking hardware, maligned system drivers or network applications, or normal routing routines.

  • Latency [Tools: IxChariot]

Latency (delay) is an expression of how much time it takes for a packet of data to get from one designated point to another.

  • Jitter [Tools: IxChariot]

Jitter is the variations of delay.

  • Response Time [Tools: Qcheck, IxChariot]

It is the number of seconds it took to complete a transaction.

A transaction means a sequence of information exchange and related work that is treated as a unit for the purposes of satisfying a request.

  • Transaction Rate [Tools: IxChariot]

It would be calibrated in transactions per second.

Tools

(1) Qcheck (Free, from IXIA)

http://www.ixiacom.com/products/display?skey=qcheck

(2) IxChariot ($$$, from IXIA)

(3) Endpoint (Free, from IXIA. Can be used by Qcheck & IxChariot)

http://www.ixiacom.com/support/endpoint_library/

Friday, September 14, 2007