Noise Generators

You can approach Web performance testing in the following ways:

• Create a load test that runs complex Vuser scripts. These scripts perform a business process and contain transactions, complex flows, checkpoints, and so forth.
• Create a load on the server by having a large number of users (real or virtual) access the same URL simultaneously. This is commonly known as Noise Testing.

The first approach uses a standard Vuser script generated with VuGen or through a DevOp addin. The script performs the full business process and gathers the metrics. After the test run, you can retrieve meaningful information from the Analysis graphs and reports.

The second approach, noise testing, only allows you to determine the response times and whether the server can handle the load without crashing.

The LoadRunner Controller allows you to set up both types of scenarios. You can create a single scenario that contains both standard and noise generator type Vusers.

You set up a noise generator scenario from the Add Script dialog box. You select a Noise Generator type of script, and specify the URL of the server you want to access. During the scenario run, these Vusers access the URL simultaneously.

You cannot edit Noise Generator scripts in VuGen.