How to: Use IP Switching with Agents
IP switching enables 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 seem 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 Controllers, Agents, and Rigs.
Configuring IP Switching
IP switching is configured on the Agent Properties dialog box.
Note
The agent service must run with administrative credentials in order to configure the network cards.
To configure IP switching
On the Test menu, click Administer Test Controllers.
The Administer Test Controller dialog box is displayed.
In the Controller drop-down list, select a controller.
In the Agents list, select an agent.
Click the Properties button.
The Agent Properties dialog box is displayed.
Click Enable IP Switching to turn on IP switching for the agent.
Set the following properties to configure the IP switching:
NIC
Note
You can specify a NIC, or use (All unassigned) to automatically pick one that is not currently being used.
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.