Load Tests for Distributed Systems?

arizaphale asks: "I stand in front of the somewhat complex task of load testing a fairly simple distributed telecom computer system. Is there anyone who has links or references to where I can find information about some theory on which I can base my tests? Both formal theories and test methodology are of great interest to me."

Comments

Performance Testing with a Bang

[Anonymous Coward]

Here is a link to the Defence Finance and Accounting Service http://www.dfas.mil (Yeap .mil)
http://www.dfas.mil/technology/pal/dcii/dcii-proce dures/dcii-doc/ept.pdf Otherwise a Complete Testing/Performance Procedures for Many Different Approachs are described at the http://www.tpc.org
Test TPC-C TPC-H TPC-R and TPC-W
You will find a description of all of them here http://www.tpc.org/information/benchmarks.asp and each have their own pdf description. VERY FORMAL and detailed. Have Fun ])

Do you know

[Anonymous Coward]

what an Erlang is? If not you're in trouble :) Testing telecom systems ain't a walk in the park and there isn't any dummy guides out there. I work with people with over 20 years experience testing telecom systems (I work for the worlds no. 1 core network equipment supplier). Try looking for web pages with the following keywords/phrases,

erlang
BHCA (Busy Hour Call Accesses)
traffic load
ussage load
traffic peak margin
high load margin
dimensioning factor
load per call
loadability (yep a real word!)
traffic mix

Testing Computer Telephony Systems and Networks

[cpuffer_hammer]

Since you don't describe the system under test or the type of traffic it is going to receive I will keep my suggestions general.

Try:
Testing Computer Telephony Systems and Networks
Steve Gladstone
ISBN 0-936648-82-1

Or:
www.empirix.com
http://www.empirix.com/Emp irix/Contact+Center+Solu tions/Contact+Center+Solutions+Overview.html?page= home_page&link=ccs_mainlink

Discloser:
Yes I work for Empirix.