Internet users currently face a difficult problem: they are unable to complain effectively about application performance problems. Getting useable tools widely deployed can begin to help change this situation. These tools can make it easy for end-users to generate readable trouble reports that will be acted upon by the appropriate support staff. This eases the burden of system administrators (sys-admins) and network operations center (NOC) staff by providing more diagnostic tools and procedures that can help them quickly find the source of real problems.

The NPToolkit ISO image is derived from the standard Knoppix v5.0.1 Live-CD ISO image. Using the re-mastering instructions provided by Knoppix, the kernel was replaced with a Web100-enhanced version (currently Linux 2.6.20.10). Then, performance tools developed by Internet2 staff, Pittsburgh Supercomputer Center (PSC) researchers, and Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) researchers were added to the image. Several non-essential applications (e.g., Open Office) were removed to make room for these performance tools. Finally, a new ISO image was created and posted to the Internet2 web site for distribution (http://e2epi.internet2.edu/network-performance-toolkit.html).

The NPToolkit ISO image contains two user-friendly tools (NDT and NPAD) that allow end-users to examine their local desktop/laptop computer’s network configuration and the local network infrastructure. Detailed reports are then available for use by the appropriate sys-admin or network operator. Both the NDT and NPAD servers start automatically and use Java based clients to communicate with the end-user’s system.

The NPToolkit contains three more advanced tools (BWCTL, OWAMP, and Reverse Traceroute/Ping Server) that make it easy to examine WAN paths. BWCTL and OWAMP servers inside the Internet2 network allow testing to, and through, this backbone network. Remote servers, located at other points in the network are also accessible. By default, the NPToolkit allows short tests from remote locations. Finally, the Reverse Traceroute server allows users to examine the Internet path from the NPToolkit server back to their campus.

You can get further information regarding Network Permance Toolkit as well as downloading your copy by visiting http://e2epi.internet2.edu/network-performance-toolkit.html