Web Application Stress Tool

Server-only: This tool is included in the Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit only.

The Web Application Stress Tool simulates Web activity so that you can evaluate the performance of your Web application, server, or network. With this tool, you can perform tests that simulate a wide variety of workload scenarios, in order to help you determine the optimal configuration for your server.

To realistically simulate Web activity, the Web Application Stress Tool allows you to set various test parameters. Some of these test parameters include the following:

• The number of users
• The size, type, and rate of client requests
• The specific pages to request
• The frequency of client requests

Once you have set the test parameters, you can run the test. After the test concludes, the Web Application Stress Tool will provide a detailed report about the test. Some of the details provided in this report include the following:

• Total number of hits
• Hits per page
• Number of socket errors
• Number of requests per second
• Any performance counters you specified prior to running the test
• Time To First Byte (TTFB) and Time To Last Byte (TTLB) for each item on a page

Based on the information provided in this report, you can set up a new test that increases or decreases the stress on the server. You should establish a desired peak level that supports your business needs, then adjust the test such that it reaches this level.

Once you have identified a test that sufficiently produces the desired peak level, you can assess the hardware requirements to support such a level and upgrade those resources accordingly.

Web Application Stress Tool Topics

• Installing the Web Application Stress Tool
• Understanding Web Testing Concepts
• Using the Web Application Stress Tool
• Troubleshooting the Web Application Stress Tool
• Web Application Stress Tool Examples
• Specifying Clients
• Specifying Users
• Using Page Groups
• Capturing Performance Counters
• Viewing Script Details
• Adjusting Test Settings
• Viewing Test Results

Files Required

• The files required by Web Application Stress Tool are located in the <cdroot>\Apps\Webstress directory of the Windows 2000 Resource Kit companion CD. See Installing Web Application Stress Tool for information on installing and running the application.