The sample test configurations provided with WCAT are designed for a test environment based on a single, dedicated TCP/IP network. However, WCAT can be run in a multiple-network environment, and you can create a WCAT test to evaluate the performance of an Internet Information Server connected to multiple networks. This feature means you can simulate real-world production environments and evaluate the effect of connecting your Internet Information Server to multiple subnets. The following figure illustrates a multiple network model.
Figure 4 Multiple-network test model
To create a custom test by using multiple networks, each network must be connected to the other networks, either directly or by an intermediary network. Each network must support TCP/IP.
Before starting a multiple network test, verify all computers used in the test can connect to each other. For more information on doing so, see “Verifying Connections,” earlier in this guide. Note that you can optimize routing of client requests and network responses by using IP addresses rather than computer names or DNS host names.