How to: Use IP Switching with Agents

IP switching allows an agent to send requests to a server by using a range of different IP addresses. This simulates calls that come from different client computers. IP switching is important when you test against a load balanced Web farm. Most load balancers establish affinity between a client and a particular Web server by using the IP address of the client. If all requests look like they are coming from a single client, the load balancer will not balance the load. To obtain good load balance in the Web farm, it is important that requests come from a range of IP addresses.

Note

IP switching is only available with Team Test Load Agent. For more information, see Working with Controllers, Agents, and Rigs.

Configuring IP Switching

IP switching is configured on the Agent Properties dialog box.

Note

The agent service must run with administrator privileges in order to configure the network cards.

To configure IP switching

  1. On the Test menu, click Administer Test Controllers.

    The Administer Test Controller dialog box is displayed.

  2. In the Controller drop-down list, choose a controller.

  3. In the Agents list, select an agent.

  4. Click the Properties button.

    The Agent Properties dialog box is displayed.

  5. Click Enable IP Switching to turn on IP switching for the agent.

  6. Set the following properties to configure the IP switching:

    • NIC

    • Base Address

    • Start Range

    • End Range

    • Subnet Mask

Verifying IP Switching

After you configure IP switching verify that it is working correctly. To do this, enable IIS logging on the Web server. You can use the IIS logging functionality to verify that requests are coming from the IP addresses you configured.

See Also

Tasks

How to: Administer a Rig

Concepts

About Controllers, Agents, and Rigs
Setting Up the Controller and Agent Functionality