Abstract: The test packet sequencer according to the present invention, is configured to generate one or more sequences of packets and subsequently place these one or more sequences of packets onto a communication network. The test packet sequencer is further configured to measure timings associated with the one or more sequences of packets. For example, the test packet sequencer can be configured to measure the departure and/or receipt times of one or more sequences of packets. In order to overcome inherent delays or inaccuracies relating to the functionality of one or more components along the network path, the test packet sequencer is configured to pre-activate at least a portion of the network path prior to placement of the one or more sequences of packets on the communication network.

Abstract: Analysis of networks and testing and analyzing intelligent, network connected devices. An instantaneous network utilization value is assigned for the worst surviving ping instance of between 90% and 99% (determined proportionately from the ratio of dropped test samples to surviving test samples), and then used to solve for average network message size and average utilization of the network. A plurality transactions of different types are transmitted across the network to intelligent end systems and the results mathematically evaluated to determine the portion of the total response time contributed by the network and by the end processors; the utilization of the end processor processing subsystems and of the end processor I/O subsystems; and the utilization of the end system as a whole; and of the network and end processors considered as a unitary entity.