Intelligent work station simulation-generalized LAN frame generation simulation structure

The present invention relates generally to a simulation method and system for testing computer networks, and more particularly to a method and system for generating local area network ("LAN") traffic for multiple simulated client workstations. A simulator of intelligent workstations at level 2 the OSI model for generating complete LAN frames for testing a system under test. The simulator includes a scripting facility that represents the actions of the human end-user at the client workstation. By providing a scripting facility, different complexions of a workload can be impressed upon the system under test without the need for human end-users nor the need for rebuilding the simulation tool. The simulator includes embedded protocol stacks allowing manipulation of the simulated LAN frames. The simulator also includes one or more embedded protocol application modules for emulating actions of an application, e.g., web browser, and enabling the handling of dynamic, application-related events. In the present invention, one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) are provided between the simulation tool and the PAM and between the PAM and the protocol stack to allow multiple applications to be concurrently simulated and to provide extensibility of the simulation tool by providing the ability to support new applications and protocol stacks.