Distributing Load Tests Across Multiple Test Machines Using Test Controllers and Test Agents

Visual Studio Ultimate can use a group of computers to generate simulated load for testing, and to run tests remotely and concurrently on several computers. This group of computers consists of a single test controller and one or more test agents. You can use the test controller and test agents to generate more load than a single computer can generate alone or just test remotely.

Test controller and agents

Visual Studio Ultimate can generate load up to 250 virtual users from the local machine. To generate more users, you will need to install Visual Studio Load Test Virtual User Pack 2010. For more information, see Configuring Test Controllers and Test Agents for Load Testing.

Tasks

Tasks	Associated topics
Configure test agents and controllers: You can use test controllers and test agents to configure tests to run remotely on one or more computers.	Configuring Test Controllers and Test Agents for Load Testing Installing and Configuring Visual Studio Agents and Test and Build Controllers Walkthrough: Using a Test Controller and Test Agents in a Load Test Test Controller and Test Agent Requirements
Add necessary virtual user licenses: To use a test controller and test agents, you must purchase virtual user licenses.	How to: Add Virtual User License Keys for Load Testing How to: Add Virtual User License Keys for Load Testing Using the Command-Line
Create and select a test setting that uses test controllers and agents: After you install and configure test controllers, test agents and virtual user licenses, you must create a new test setting that uses the test controller and test agents to run your load test in a distributed environment.	How to: Create a Test Setting for a Distributed Load Test
Troubleshooting test controllers and test agents: If you encounter issues while you are using test controllers and test agents in your load test, you can review the troubleshooting material covered in the documentation.	Strategies for Troubleshooting Test Controllers and Test Agents in Load Tests
Running a load test using test controller and tests agents: After you have created a test setting that uses a controller and one or more agents, you can configure Visual Studio Ultimate to use the test setting and run your load test.	How to: Run a Load Test Using Test Controllers and Test Agents Specified in a Test Setting

See Also

Tasks

Walkthrough: Using a Test Controller and Test Agents in a Load Test

Concepts

Testing Application Performance and Stress

Installing and Configuring Visual Studio Agents and Test and Build Controllers