Real world network testing combining lower layer network tests, application layer tests and interdependent interactions

A network testing system comprising:

• a processor coupled to a bus
• a plurality of network cards coupled to the bus
• a display
• a storage medium having instructions stored thereon which when executed by the
• network testing system cause the network testing system to perform actions comprising:
• providing a graphical user interface to a user via the display, the graphical user interface including a first pane and a second pane
• receiving a user selection to create an upper layer test involving at least one of layers 4-7 of the Open Systems Interconnection model
• receiving upper layer test information from the user
• executing the upper layer test according to the upper layer test information
• displaying in the first pane a first graph including at least one first timeline showing upper layer test activity
• receiving a user selection to create a lower layer test involving at least one of layers 2-3 of the Open Systems Interconnection model
• receiving lower layer test information from the user, the lower layer test information including synchronization information specifying a correspondence with the upper layer test
• executing the lower layer test according to the lower layer test information
• displaying in the second pane a second graph including a second timeline showing lower layer test activity, wherein the first time line and the second time line are displayed having the same time scale
• graphically showing the impact of the lower layer test on the upper layer test.

A storage medium having instructions stored thereon which when executed by a network testing system cause the network testing system to perform operations comprising:

• providing a graphical user interface to a user via a display, the graphical user interface including a first pane and a second pane
• receiving a user selection to create an upper layer test involving at least one of layers 4-7 of the Open Systems Interconnection model
• receiving upper layer test information from the user
• executing the upper layer test according to the upper layer test information
• displaying in the first pane a first graph including at least one first timeline showing upper layer test activity
• receiving a user selection to create a lower layer test involving at least one of layers 2-3 of the Open Systems Interconnection model
• receiving lower layer test information from the user, the lower layer test information including synchronization information specifying a correspondence with the upper layer test
• executing the lower layer test according to the lower layer test information
• displaying in the second pane a second graph including a second timeline showing lower layer test activity, wherein the first time line and the second time line are displayed having the same time scale
• graphically showing the impact of the lower layer test on the upper layer test.