While GUI-based testing presents a number of challenges, it can be rewarding as it offers the opportunity to closely simulate a real user experience. GUI-based testing through Silk Performer involves applying load to applications by simulating the terminal services protocol.
At least two physical computers should be used to perform Citrix tests: one computer runs the terminal services environment and the application under test (AUT); the other computer runs Silk Performer and the Citrix client software.
The load generator computer simulates a large number of users by mass producing the terminal services network protocol. The terminal services server (system under test) simulates multiple MS Windows-based desktop sessions simultaneously. This server also hosts the GUI application that is placed under load.
We recommend that you place an isolated network (LAN) between the load generator and the system under test. This allows for network throughput analysis. An isolated network is also less vulnerable to external influence, thereby reducing errors and misleading network throughput results.