Analysis of network performance

A method for testing of a communication network, using a plurality of traffic agents coupled to communicate via the network, the method comprising:

• transmitting a sequence of data packets via the network from a first one of the traffic agents to a second one of the traffic agents;
• determining an order of arrival of the packets at the second traffic agent;
• and
• comparing the order of arrival to an order in which the packets were transmitted.

A method for testing of a communication network, using a plurality of traffic agents coupled to communicate via the network, the method comprising:

• transmitting a first sequence of data packets via the network from a first one of the traffic agents to a second one of the traffic agents;
• transmitting a second sequence of data packets via the network from the second one of the traffic agents, responsive to receiving the data packets in the first sequence, to a third one of the traffic agents;
• recording arrival characteristics of the packets in the second sequence, responsive at the third traffic agent;
• and
• comparing the arrival characteristics of different packets in the sequence so as to determine a measure of variability network in transmission of the packets via the network.

Apparatus for testing of a communication network, comprising:

• a first traffic agent, coupled to transmit a sequence of data packets via the network;
• and
• a second traffic agent, coupled to receive the data packets transmitted by the first traffic agent and to record, responsive to receiving the data packets, an indication of the packets in the sequence that were lost in transmission,
• wherein a relative irregularity in the occurrence of packet loss is assessed based on the indication.

Apparatus for testing of a communication network, comprising:

• a first traffic agent, coupled to transmit a sequence of data packets via the network;
• and
• a second traffic agent, coupled to receive the data packets transmitted by the first traffic agent and to record, responsive to receiving the data packets, an order of arrival of the packets at the second traffic agent,
• wherein a measure of discrepancy is determined between the order of arrival and an order in which the packets were transmitted.

Apparatus for testing of a communication network, comprising:

• a first traffic agent, coupled to transmit a first sequence of data packets via the network;
• a second traffic agent, coupled to receive the data packets transmitted by the first traffic agent and to transmit, responsive to receiving the data packets in the first sequence, a second sequence of data packets via the network to a third traffic agent;
• and
• a third traffic agent, coupled to receive the data packets transmitted by the second traffic agent and to record, responsive to receiving the data packets, arrival characteristics of the packets in the second sequence,
• wherein the arrival characteristics of different packets are compared so as to determine a measure of variability in transmission of the packets via the network.