SoftPerfect Connection Emulator 1.9

Overview

SoftPerfect Connection Emulator is a wide area network (WAN) and local area network (LAN) emulator to test network infrastructure. The software is designed to be used by system administrators, network engineers and network application developers who need to check that their software will work across various networks.

The tool can be used to test real-time communication protocols to determine how they work and whether they are will function correctly. This is useful for the VoIP software market and many other categories of software development.

The software can change the type of throughput possible by switching the emulated connection from high speed down to ISDN or even dial-up. This can help to put software through its paces to see how computer users stuck back on older, slower communications mediums can manage at slower speeds.

The software can simulate data flow via a fixed or randomized data selection, simulate packet loss coming from low-grade copper wires causing signal degradation, and other useful ways to test how a given software package would function under such conditions.

Installation

The software requires 1.3 MB of available space to install. It also needs to install its own network driver otherwise it cannot run.

There was no adware, toolbars, malware or spyware included with the distribution.

SoftPerfect Connection Emulator requires Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, 7 or Windows Server.

Interface

The interface has a simple menu system at the top, followed by a good size toolbar with graphical buttons and useful text below each button to clarify its function.

The connection method is select from the drop down list. This includes connections like local area network, wide area network, wireless network, etc.

Next is a tabbed pane interface for Transfer Rate, Latency, Packet Loss, Duplication and Reordering.

Traffic can be selected as incoming only, outgoing only, or going in both directions.

An information pane about packet data is shown to the right and network flow information is display in the bottom section. There are also a few setting confirmations displayed in the footer.

Pros

• Test network connectivity with different speed and packet loss emulation settings
• Restrict connection speeds to see how developed software will work at slower internet speeds
• Add in latency and packet loss to see how this would affect app performance
• Multiple simulation profiles can be developed and switched between

Cons

• Unlimited trial but with a limited 30 second simulation period

Alternatives

Dummynet is a live emulation software tool that can test a network for the user.

Conclusion

SoftPerfect Connection Emulator is a useful utility (with too limited trial version) for software developers who wish to test out different connection speeds, packet loss and latency situations within their own software packages.