Path translation

Path translation might be required when storing scripts and runtime data results from a scenario on a shared network drive (Tools > Options > Runtime File Storage tab).

What is path translation?

Path translation is a mechanism used by LoadRunner Professional to convert a remote path name for Controller so that all participating machines recognize the same network drive.

Example:  

Example 1. The scenario runs on a Windows-based machine and includes multiple Vusers running on both Windows-based and Linux load generators. One remote load generator may map the network drive as F, while another load generator maps the same drive as H. In a complex situation such as this, you need to ensure that all participating load generators recognize the same network drive.

Example 2. The Scenario Groups/Scripts pane in the Design view contains a list of all the Vuser scripts associated with a scenario, and their locations. A script's location (path) is always based on the Controller machine's mapping of that location. If a load generator maps to the script's path using a different name, path translation is required.

For example, assume that the scenario is running on a Windows-based machine named pc2, and that a Vuser script is located on a network drive. The Controller machine maps the network drive as m:\lr_tests. If the remote load generator hosting the Vusers also maps the path as m:\lr_tests, no translation is necessary. However, if the remote machine maps the path as another drive or path, for example r:\lr_tests, you must translate the path to enable the load generator to recognize the script location.

Note: If the Controller and load generator machines are all Windows machines, consider using the Universal Naming Convention method instead of manually adding path translation information. On Windows machines, you can tell Controller to convert all paths to UNC, in which case all the machines are able to recognize the path without requiring path translation. An example of UNC format is \\machine_a\results.

You add path translation entries in the Path translation table.

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Path translation table

To translate a path from one Windows-based computer to another, or between Windows-based and Linux machines, you create an entry in the Path Translation table. This table contains a list of paths translated into formats that can be recognized by different machines.

Each line of the Path Translation table has the following format:

<controller_host> <controller_path> <remote_path> [<remote_host>]

controller_host

Name or type of the machine that is running Controller.

The value of controller_host can be:

  • <hostname>. The name of the machine running Controller, for example, LOADPC1

  • win. Controller is running on a Windows-based computer
controller_path

Path of a specific folder—as recognized by Controller.

For example, if the folder scripts is located on the network drive r—as mapped by Controller—type the path r:\scripts in the controller_path field.
remote_path

Path of a specific folder—as recognized by the remote machine.

For example, if the folder scripts is located on the network drive n—as mapped by the remote load generator—type the path n:\scripts in the remote_path field.

If a Vuser on the remote Linux load generator recognizes the above path as /m/tests, you would type this path in the remote_path field.
remote_host

Name or type of the remote load generator.

For example, if all the remote machines are Linux workstations, you could type Linux in the remote_host field. The options for the remote_host field are the same as the options for the controller_host field, listed above. The remote_host parameter is optional.

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Examples

The examples below show the use of the Path Translation table for a Windows-based Controller called Merlin.

  • Example 1: Vusers are running on a Windows 2003 machine, Oasis. Merlin maps the network drive as f:, while Oasis maps it as g:\loadtest.

    merlin f:\ g:\loadtest\ Oasis

  • Example 2: Vusers are running on a Linux machine, Ultra. Ultra maps the networks drive as /u/tests/load.

    merlin f:\ /u/tests/load/ Ultra

  • Example 3: The mapping of the network drive by the remote load generator Jaguar, is identical to Controller's mapping, so no translation is required. This line can be excluded from the Path Translation table.

    merlin n:\ n:\ Jaguar

  • Example 4: All Windows-based Vuser load generators map the network drive as m:\loadtest.

    merlin l:\mnt\ m:\loadtest\ win

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