Stress-testing the Linux kernel
By Robert Williamson2005-04-19
Evaluating the Final Stress Test
|
|
Verification of the system stress test is the reason for this final step in the method. Execute the stress test on a kernel believed to be stable; usually the kernel included in a distribution will fill this requirement, but not always. Execute the stress test over an extended period (minimum of 24 hours recommended), with the sar tool running as well, for two reasons:
• The extended run will help find any problems within the combination that would have otherwise gone unnoticed in a short, "sniff test."
• The data produced from sar forms your baseline for comparison in future test runs.
After the conclusion of the extended run, you are now able to decide, based on all the data gathered, whether or not this test combination is a good candidate for system stress testing.
Figure 2. Summary of design process
The Linux Test Project used this design method when designing the Linux kernel stress test script ltpstress.sh. This application combines multiple tests from different areas of LTP's test suite, along with memory and network traffic load generators. Before executing, the test adjusts its total memory usage according to how much real and virtual memory exist on the system. This test script is available through the LTP test suite (see Resources). The script was created under controlled laboratory conditions to ensure the accuracy of the results.
The IBM Linux Technology Center Test department uses this stress test, along with other tools and tests, as a relatively quick and easy way to help validate the stability of Linux kernel releases. Tests are conducted under laboratory conditions, as well as under simulated customer scenarios, to help ensure adequate coverage.
Tutorial Pages:
» A Design Process for Standardized Testing of Linux
» Selecting Tests
» Evaluating System Resource Utilization
» Analyzing Kernel Code Coverage
» Evaluating the Final Stress Test
» Resources
First published by IBM DeveloperWorks
|
| Related Tutorials: » How to Install PHP 5 on Linux » How to Install Apache 2 on Linux » How to Install MySQL 5.0 on Linux » SMB Caching » Mound --Bind » Tar Wild Card Interpretation |