LOAD GENERATOR SETUP

How to set up Virtual Machine Load Generators for use with LoadRunner on Microsoft Azure.

Microsoft Azure gives you an ideal testing platform for running LoadRunner Load Generators on Azure Virtual Machines, although there are a few extra steps required to get these set up and working properly through Azure and LoadRunner. Once you have created Virtual Machines on Azure to your specifications, and have LoadRunner installed on each of these, follow the steps below to finish preparations and turn these Virtual Machines into test-ready Load Generators for use in LoadRunner.

a). Fixed IP Addresses - Because LoadRunner needs to identify and connect to the load generators via their public IP Address, we need to ensure that each virtual machine being used as a load generator has its own fixed IP address.

To change from a dynamic IP to a fixed IP in Azure, you need to select the Virtual Machine in question, and select 'Settings - Properties' from the Left Menu, and then click on the Public IP Address shown on the next screen. You will then be able to choose between Dynamic and Static IP options before saving, so choose the static IP address option.

b). Open Inbound / Outbound Ports 54345 on Azure - LoadRunner makes use of ports 54345 for inbound and outbound interaction with the remote Load Generators. It is recommended to therefore open these ports on any Virtual Machines being used as Load Generators through Azure to ensure best connection and performance.

To set up these rules simply select the Virtual Machine in Azure, choose 'Settings - Networking' and click on the button to ‘Add inbound port rule’. This opens a window with many options, so simply add the destination port range ‘54345’ and give the rule a name so you can easily identify it. Once you click Save you should see the new rule in the list shown.

Next, click on 'Outbound Port' rules, and repeat the process for adding ‘Outbound Port Rule’ to allow port '54345' as in the previous step. Repeat both steps for all Virtual Machines you wish to use as Load Generators.

c). Connect via LoadRunner Controller - To connect to the load generators via your LoadRunner Controller, you need to ensure that LoadRunner is installed on all the machines and Virtual Machines to be used as Load Generators. You also need to ensure that the machines are running and are logged in before trying to connect.

Once ready, you can open or create the Test Plan Scenario file on your LoadRunner Controller and choose the ‘Load Generators’ button on the toolbar.

You can then enter the IP addresses from step a). into the Load Generator name boxes on this window, and test that you are able to connect by clicking on the ‘Connect’ button. If you are unable to connect do the following checks, confirm the IP address matches with step a). and that the Virtual Machine is turned on and logged in, and you have LoadRunner installed.

Once you have successfully connected, you are now able to use the Azure Virtual Machines as LoadRunner Load Generators for your testing purposes.