A study of tools to develop a traffic generator for L4 – L7 layers

The aim of this paper is to understand the dynamics and tools required to develop a software-based L4–L7 traffic generator. The main goal of this paper is to provide a simple, efficient and complete framework for fast packet processing in data plane applications. Conventional techniques of packet processing are rather slow, time-consuming and inefficient. Fast packet processing on the other hand, places substantial importance on eliminating these deficiencies. This paper places a special emphasis on explaining the essential functionalities and architectural details of T-Rex, along with a basic analysis of other tools available in the market, such as Pktgen, MoonGen and Ostinato. The above tools have been compared and tested for against various parameters. The essential question of finalizing an efficient tool for developing a traffic generator for L4L7 layers has thus been answered. The paper also strives to provide an insight into the methodology for implementing this work. In conclusion, the efficient tools have been spotted and the future stages of the work have been elucidated.