WindTunnel: A Tool for Network Impact Testing of Mobile Applications

Abstract

Due to the significant growth in the number of mobile applications that is being developed, there is a need for a mobile application testing platform that is capable of emulating various field conditions. At the same time, it should remain cost effective. One of the key requirements of such a test platform is that the testing environment should be as close to deployment scenario as possible i.e. application should be tested in actual mobile device, and also it should have the capability to repeat test conditions. We propose a testbed which is agnostic to application and its mobile host, and has the flexibility to control key wireless network parameters. The testbed has the ability to subject the application to various network conditions arising out of user mobility and emulate varying channel conditions. The testbed is cost effective as it is built from off the shelf components and can be ported to any radio technology (WLAN, WiMax or 3G) with minimal effort.