Limit
Limit the bandwidth of the interface or a packet stream.
Network conditions simulator
Welcome to WANulator
An easy-to-use network simulation tool.
About
About WANulator
What is WANulator?
The name WANulator comes from "WAN" and "simulator", which sums up what the software does: it simulates different Internet conditions such as delay and packet loss, and emulates user access-line speeds like modem, ISDN or ADSL. For the full list of what it can simulate, see the feature list below.
What is it for?
- Easily test and tune the behavior of any network application under different network conditions.
- See how your web page loads over a simulated modem or DSL connection.
- Optimize streaming behavior and buffer handling (for example in Voice-over-IP or video-streaming applications).
It works with any protocol
WANulator is currently packaged as an ISO image based on Ubuntu LTS, so you get a full out-of-the-box experience: boot the ISO and any PC becomes a test system. The package already includes handy client software such as a web browser. If the PC has 2 network interfaces, it can also sit transparently in line between your server and your client (like a switch) with no configuration hassle. See the recommended setup in the documentation.
Features
What WANulator can do to your packets
Delay
Delay the packet stream, with either a static delay or jitter.
Drop
Simply throw packets away.
Duplicate
Duplicate packets in the stream.
Scramble
Overwrite the contents of a packet with random data, starting from offset len bytes.
Flexible
Many ways to apply the functions: by chance, statically, once, in bursts, by filter.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a virtual machine setup (e.g. Xen or VMware)?
Running the simulation inside a virtual machine works in most cases. However, the way the VM is scheduled can cause inaccurate timing, so functions that depend on timing (such as delay or traffic shaping) may not behave correctly. We strongly recommend testing your setup (for example with netperf and ping) to verify it.
How can I create a bootable USB stick?
You can use any tool that creates live USB sticks, as long as it supports Linux (syslinux is what you are looking for). On Windows, I recommend Rufus.
How can I simulate a DSL line, a mobile network connection or similar?
Traffic shaping only applies to the outgoing data stream (up-stream) of an interface. To shape in both directions you need two interface cards (in either routed or switched mode) and apply a shaping function to the up-stream of each.
How does the traffic shaping work?
Shaping is done with a standard token-bucket shaper.
How do I report a bug?
Please report it via the Contact section below.
If I assign a function to an interface, which packets are affected?
Every function applies to the outgoing data stream on the interface it is assigned to.
What if my hardware doesn't seem to be supported (e.g. boot problems)?
This can happen, since it's hard to keep pace with new hardware and drivers. Two things you can try: tweak the boot parameters (e.g. to disable hotplugging; the relevant documentation lists the full set of options), or run WANulator inside a virtual machine, which should always work even on the latest hardware. Either way, I'd really appreciate a short note about which hardware gave you trouble.
Why is WANulator only available as a live ISO image?
One key goal for WANulator was an easy, out-of-the-box experience. A live ISO sidesteps problems like Linux kernel and other environment dependencies, and since test software like WANulator usually isn't needed day to day, a live ISO lets you turn any spare PC into a temporary test station in seconds.