Cloud-based Performance Testing of Network Management Systems

Network Management Systems are often challenged by the need to manage networks comprised of a very large number of elements. Effective testing of performance, capacity and stability of these management systems often requires significant and, at times, cost-prohibitive investment in equipment and computing resources. This paper presents a method which leverages commercial cloud computing services for conducting large-scale tests of Network Management Systems. This method involves instantiation of large numbers of virtual network elements via the cloud computing infrastructure. After the network of virtual elements is up, it can be used for performance testing of the Network Management System. Considerations for evaluating, planning and implementing this method are discussed. Finally, a case study demonstrating the application and effectiveness of this method is presented.