Lossy — screenshot of github.com

Lossy

This Go package, `lossy`, helps simulate unreliable network conditions like bandwidth limits, latency, and packet loss. I find it useful for robustly testing applications and network protocols, especially those built on UDP/IP.

Visit github.com →

Questions & Answers

What is `lossy`?
`lossy` is a Go package designed to simulate network impairments such as bandwidth constraints, latency, and packet loss. It operates on `net.PacketConn` and `net.Conn` interfaces to introduce these conditions.
Who would use the `lossy` Go package?
It is primarily for developers and testers who need to evaluate the robustness and resilience of applications and network protocols. Specifically, it targets systems built over unreliable transport protocols like UDP or IP.
What distinguishes `lossy` from other network simulation tools?
A key feature is that `lossy` only alters the writing side of a network connection, leaving the reading side untouched. This allows for focused testing of outbound data flow under various simulated conditions.
When should `lossy` be employed in development or testing?
Use `lossy` when developing or testing applications that need to handle real-world network unreliability, such as gaming, streaming, or distributed systems. It's also beneficial for limiting outbound bandwidth during specific tests.
What network protocols does `lossy` support for simulation?
`lossy` is designed to work with `net.PacketConn` and `net.Conn` interfaces in Go, making it suitable for simulating conditions on underlying unreliable transport protocols such as UDP or IP. It specifically includes header overhead for UDPv4 in its bandwidth calculations.