Stress-Test Utility Networks with DATA CENTER TEST’s Impairment Simulators
Simulate latency, jitter, and packet loss in real-world scenarios to ensure robustness across critical utility communication systems



Overview
At Data Center Test, our Network Impairment Simulators are engineered to recreate real-world network issues—such as latency, jitter, packet loss, and bandwidth limitation—to validate the robustness of utility communication systems before they go live. Ideal for testing substation Ethernet links, SCADA networks, and cloud backhaul, these tools help you prepare for adverse conditions and ensure resilient operations. Located in Canoga Park, CA, Data Center Test has quickly established itself as a trusted supplier of reliable IoT testing solutions. With a growing B2B presence across North America, we combine rigorous R&D, innovation, and customer-focused support to help businesses deliver fault-tolerant, high-performance networks
Hardware, Software & Cloud Services
- Rack-mountable and desktop impairment units → Enterprise Network – Supports deployment of network simulation hardware across enterprise racks and desktop environments.
- Multi-Gig Ethernet ports (1G/10G/25G) → SFP+ Transceivers – Enable high-speed port connectivity required for simulating impairments across multiple Ethernet speeds.
- FPGA-based packet processor for real-time control → Amplifiers In Transmission – Offer real-time signal conditioning and amplification, aligning with FPGA-controlled packet flow systems.
- Built-in display and rugged chassis → Line Testers – Feature durable enclosures and onboard interfaces for harsh environments and user-friendly operation.
• Latency, jitter, packet drop, and bandwidth shaping tools
• Customizable test profiles and scripting library
• Real-time impact visualization and alerts
• GUI and CLI interfaces for workflow integration
• Remote test schedule and configuration
• Centralized results logging and analytics
• Integration with NMS/EMS for end-to-end visibility
• AI-based anomaly detection and threshold alerts
Core Components of BERT Systems
• Variable latency injection (microseconds to seconds)
• Jitter modeling with statistical distributions
• Packet drop rates and burst loss simulation
• Bandwidth throttling and rate limiting
• Out-of-order packet delivery testing
• Real-time impact graphs and test replay logs
• Scriptable impairment patterns and automation support
• Integrates with SCADA, NMS, EMS, and OT systems
• API support for test orchestration frameworks
• IPv4/IPv6 compatibility with VLAN/QoS labeling
• Works with Ethernet Testers, Protocol Analyzers, and VNAs for layered testing
• Ethernet switch/router in-line or man-in-the-middle configurations
Data Center Test’s Network Impairment Simulators
Benefits of Data Center Test’s Network Impairment Simulators
- Ensure Network Resilience: Validate performance under adverse conditions
- Reduce Field Failures: Detect vulnerabilities before deployment
- Accelerate Testing: Automate repeatable simulation scenarios
- Enhance System Design: Optimize QoS, buffering, and redundancy
- Improve Troubleshooting: Rapidly reproduce and isolate issues
- Verify SLAs: Test compliance with performance agreements
Applications
- Substation communication reliability testing
- Smart grid latency and jitter validation
- Bandwidth shaping tests for cloud connectivity
- SCADA and telemetry network stress tests
- Pre-deployment validation for TSN-enabled systems
Industries We Serve
- Electric power utilities
- Water and wastewater networks
- Industrial control and smart city networks
- Oil and gas transmission
- Renewable energy systems
Relevant U.S. & Canadian Industry Standards
- IEEE 802.3
- IEC 61850
- RFC 2544
- CSA C22.3
- NIST SP 800 115
Case Studies
Case Study 1 – United States: Texas Substation Resilience Testing
A Texas utility deployed Data Center Test’s impairment simulators to simulate congestion and jitter on substation Ethernet links. The proactive testing identified latency spikes during peak load, enabling configuration tuning before commissioning
Case Study 2 – United States: Florida SCADA Backup Route Validation
During a Florida SCADA upgrade, Data Center Test’s simulators recreated packet loss on VPN tunnels to test failover logic. The testing confirmed seamless switchover under stress, avoiding post-deployment service disruptions
Case Study 3 – Canada: Ontario Smart Grid RTU Testing
A Canadian power provider used Data Center Test’s simulators to validate timing and packet behavior for RTU communications. Identifying jitter-induced errors early helped them adjust QoS settings and eliminate field commissioning delays
Need to validate network resilience before deployment?
Reach out to Data Center Test for demos, custom test scenarios, and technical support.
Let us help you build fault-tolerant utility networks for real-world performance