A Novel Testbed for P2P Networks

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) overlay networks have recently gained significant attention in the research community. P2P applications, especially the ones using BitTorrent protocol, often require communication among a large number of peers and thus are particularly challenging to test in a controlled manner, because of the volatility of overlay-network structure with peers going on and off. This paper addresses the issue by introducing a novel testbed that enables intuitive network QoS profile configuration, automated peer deployment and test case execution with keyword driven test automation, as well as wireless network testing with real networks. We evaluate the fitness of the testbed by deploying a P2P video delivery application in the network and running trials while monitoring the application behaviour throughout them. Our results demonstrate the capabilities of the testbed in three test cases with different peer access network configurations. The results verify the correct functioning of the testbed and are the first step on our analysis of the P2P video delivery application This paper provides information for P2P application developers and testers and enables them to setup up similar environments for advanced testing and research on their applications and protocols.