Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system allowing for network-wide synchronization of performance tests. The system consists of network collection devices or test probes and a central management system with pre-configured data structures, a test trigger mechanism and control algorithm for providing a precise control of traffic load and network-wide coordination of executing performance tests. In addition, multiple test patterns can be selected and customized for the specific needs and constraints of different types of networks to form the basis of scheduling performance tests to optimize the performance testing efficiency.