INTRODUCTION. This online version of the SIMULA User's Guide describes the various programs and modules which make up version 1.06 of the Benchmark Support System. This system provides a low-cost, highly accurate way of being able to repeatably generate a calibrated load on a multiuser, transaction-oriented system. The system also makes it possible to conveniently generate and record performance statistics from which other programs can create reports of response times, for example. The applications system under test can thus be evaluated based on various operator loading, as well as server, client and network hardware, software, loading and other configuration scenarios.
The general strategy involves constructing a script for the various operator scenarios, either manually with a text editor or semi-automatically using the provided keystroke capture and script expander modules. The script can then be edited with a normal text editor to add commands to capture timestamp data according to the desired strategic benchmark and testing goals. Once the script(s) have been prepared, they are used by the Load Simulator running on each of the simulated-operator workstations to provide metered operator keystrokes as input to the programs under test. Timestamp data can be collected by the Logger module (running on another processor on the network) during the test according to instructions in the script. The Logger module saves this data to normal ASCII text files for later analysis by any programs and in any manner the test or benchmark staff desires.
Note that the SIMULA Benchmarking Support System is not in any way connected with the relatively obscure SIMULA programming language.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS. All processors which run within the Benchmark Support System must be 286 or better and equipped with a standard "coax-star" type ARCnet board. The processor which runs the LOGGER program should be equipped with two (2) ARCnet boards. Each ARCnet board must be configured to a unique address (ARCnet ID). Please refer to the documentation accompanying the ARCnet board for further details on setting the ARCnet ID.
See the sections on the LOGGER program and on ARCnet hardware installation for additional information regarding the required hardware configuration and other installation planning considerations.
The following series of programs are included in the SIMULA Benchmarking Support System:
The Keystroke Recorder captures keystrokes entered by the operator at the console and records them in memory, in a special binary format suitable (after being saved to disk) for input to the Keystroke Script Expander.
The Captured Keystroke Filer writes the information kept by the Keystroke Recorder to a binary file on disk. This file is suitable for input to the Keystroke Script Expander.
The Keystroke Script Expander converts the file containing information recorded by the Keystroke Recorder program to editable ASCII format (the resulting file will be suitable for input to the Script Compiler).
The Script Compiler is the program which converts editable ASCII scripts to compiled, binary format as required for the Load Simulator. It uses special techniques to allow it to compile scripts in a single pass, even for scripts involving forward references.
The Load Simulator runs as a resident TSR and reads a file containing a compiled script. It then "types" the keys indicated, collects timing data, and performs other functions according to the script, while the user-specified applications are executed.
The Logger is a sophisticated multitasked program which receives information through the ARCnet local area network from the various processors running the Load Simulator program, and writes it to disk in real-time. It also simultaneously displays received alarm messages to the console.
The Resident Installer and Resident Remover programs are used to allow loading and unloading of resident programs including the Keystroke Recorder.
Click for more information about SIMULA System Installation.
In this Appendix we will discuss various considerations regarding the ARCnet LAN Cabling System.
ARCnet is a token-passing LAN system which supports up to 255 nodes per cable segment, generally using an innovative "interconnected stars" topology based around active hubs. The system was the first commercially successful LAN cabling system, announced in 1977, and today over six million nodes of ARCnet are installed worldwide. It supports coax (93 ohm RG-62U), fiber optic, and twisted pair connections in essentially any combination. ARCnet supports transmission of variable-length packets at 2.5 million bits per second, with a high degree of autonomy (it makes no particular demands on the main processor in terms of timing, data rates, response time, or whatever).
ARCnet is a simple, inexpensive, reliable, flexible, and exceedingly robust cabling system. It provides for quite long cable runs when required. Most importantly, it is extremely easy to support in terms of the drivers required and therefore is especially non-intrusive regarding any other software which must be run concurrently with it. Its simplicity also greatly reduces the cost and complexity of the software drivers needed.
Click to read a discussion about ARCnet network topology and cabling rules.
Click to access the details about the format of the benchmark timings data file written by the LOGGER program.
Click to see the list of special keycodes recognized by the Script Compiler.
For more information regarding the SIMULA Benchmark Support System, or to discuss how it might be useful to help your own systems testing, benchmarking, and other projects, please contact Gordon Peterson at gep2@terabites.com.
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This page and all linked contents originating with me are Copyright (C) 1995-2000 by Gordon E. Peterson II, all rights reserved worldwide. Last revised January 20th, 2000.