Measurement/Testing Technique

Abstract

The measurement technique of performance evaluation of computer and telecommunication systems is considered the most credible technique; however, it is the most expensive. The measurement or testing technique can be implemented on the real system or the prototype version of the system intended to be built. System performance measurement involves monitoring the system under study while it is being subjected to a particular set of workload or benchmark application programs. It is vital that the system performance analyst understand the following concepts before invoking the task of performance measurements: (a) system application, (b) performance metrics (measures) of interest to the analyst, (c) method of system instrumentation and how the system under study is monitored, (d) representative of workload to real applications, (e) methods of presenting performance results, and (e) techniques to design measurement monitors .This chapter focuses on the fundamental concepts of the measurement technique, tracing, tools, as well as issues and solutions. MEASUREMENT STRATEGIESIn the measurement technique, different kinds of performance metrics are usually needed depending on the nature of the system under test and application.