Configure a counter or indicator
Counters are grouped by category. Each category groups counters and indicators for a common monitored object. A counter or indicator is defined for a given monitor and for a specific category. A counter related to one monitor cannot be cut/pasted or moved to a monitor of a different type.
A counter returns numeric values. During a test, a counter can be viewed in the Runtime section (its value changes during the course of the test) as well as in the Results section.
An indicator returns lines of text. During a test, an indicator can only be viewed in the Results section.
Definition
A counter or indicator definition contains the following information:
- Name: Visual name used to represent the counter or indicator in NeoLoad.
- Value: When available, current value of the counter to measure the monitored system. The
refresh button makes it possible to update the value.
- Path: Default type name, non-editable.
- Description: Informative description of the counter or indicator.
Properties
A counter properties depend on its type. It is necessary to see the documentation for the specific monitor type for more information. Contextual help for each counter or indicator can be accessed by pressing F1.
Advanced settings - Counter/Indicator
Advanced settings are available for some types of monitors, such as SNMP or HTTP. These determine how the counter values are calculated and sampled.
- Value calculation
The value may be absolute or relative. In absolute mode, the value stored is the value measured by the monitor on the server. In relative mode, the stored value is the variation between the last two measured values.
For example, absolute mode is used for counters such as the size of a database connection pool; the value measured is exactly the value that will be used for subsequent plotting. Relative mode on the other hand, is used for monitors such as the total count of inbound packets for a network interface; this count increments regularly throughout the test , the interest lying more in plotting the packet reception rate than the absolute number of packets. - Value sampling
Sampling allows the user to select the number of values over which the stored value is calculated. The monitoring interval is defined in the monitor server connection. The stored value may be a per-second average over the entire interval. This type of sampling is used for monitors such as network interface throughputs, generally expressed in kb/s or mb/s. The stored value may also be based on values measured throughout the measuring interval rather than on a per-second basis.