Record a Remote Terminal Emulator User Path

NeoLoad allows you to record user interactions with terminal-based applications using RTE protocols, such as SSH, Telnet, and TLS. By capturing these interactions, you can create automated performance test scenarios.

Before you start

Before you start, make sure you meet these requirements:

  • You have installed and configured NeoLoad.

  • You have access to the application under test.

  • You have the necessary credentials for connecting to the application using the required transport layer.

Record an RTE User Path

To begin recording, follow these steps:

  1. Open NeoLoad and select the Record option from the toolbar or menu.

  2. In the window that opens, select RTE as the type of recording you wish to create. After selecting the RTE option, a window opens to configure the recording session.

  3. Choose the terminal family for the application under test. Available options include:

  • VT420

  • TN3270

  1. Configure the transport layer:

    • SSH: For secure shell access.

    • Telnet: For terminal access.

    • TLS: For encrypted transport.

  2. Enter the connection details for the application:

    • Hostname: The IP address or hostname of the system you are connecting to.

    • Port: The port number for the selected transport protocol.

    • Credentials: Your username and password or key file for secure access.

After entering all necessary details, select Connect to establish the session.

Configure the recording session

To begin recording, open NeoLoad and select the Record option from the toolbar or menu. In the window that opens, select RTE as the type of recording you wish to create.

After selecting RTE, the following options show:

Terminal Family: You can record on these specific RTE protocols.

Terminal Family Model
VT420 VT terminals with 80x24 screen configurations.
TN3270 TN3270 model with 80x24, 80x32, 80x43, or 132x27 screen configurations.

Model: Screen dimensions for the terminal family.

Timeout: Connection timeout in milliseconds. If the timeout value is set to 0, no timeout is applied.

Transport configuration: Type of low-level protocol used for communication. Supported options include:

  • SSH: Secure terminal access with encryption and authentication.

  • Telnet: Unencrypted remote terminal access without authentication.

  • TLS: Authenticated and encrypted communication using digital certificates.

Depending on the transport configuration protocol you select, you must fill the following fields:

Field Description
Hostname The IP address or hostname of the system you're connecting to.
Port The port number for the selected transport protocol.
Username The username for the SSH authentication.
Private key The path to the SSH private key for authentication.
Password/Passphrase The password or passphrase for SSH authentication or for an encrypted private key authentication.
Accept all certificates Bypass server certificate validation when using TLS.

Tip: NeoLoad remembers previous successful RTE connections. You can load recent configurations from the dropdown menu by selecting Load Recent Configurations.

Once all the connection details are entered, select Connect to establish the session.

Action keys

Action keys are specific keys that signal the end of a sequence in NeoLoad’s RTE recorder. When recording an application, sequences of keys aggregate into single SendKeys actions until you press an action key. They help divide input into distinct actions, making the recorded script more structured and easier to replay. For example, if a user types the sequence a <ENTER> b <ENTER>, NeoLoad records it as three separate actions:

  • SendKeys for the input a, followed by <ENTER>.

  • A delay capturing the time that passes between the <ENTER> press and typing b.

  • SendKeys for the input b, followed by <ENTER>.

Default action keys by protocol: Each terminal protocol supports a set of default action keys, such as:

Protocol Default action keys
VT420 ENTER, F1–F24, PF1–PF4, HOME, END, ROLL_UP (Page Up), ROLL_DN (Page Down).
TN3270 ENTER, CLEAR, ATT, SYS REQ, PA1–PA3, PF1–PF24.

Additional action keys

You can configure NeoLoad to recognize additional action keys and give more flexibility when defining sequences. The following keys are available for customization:

  • Navigation keys: TAB, UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT.

  • Editing keys: INSERT, INSERT_HERE, REMOVE.

  • Control keys: ESCAPE, TAB_INVERT.

  • Selection keys: SELECT, PREV, NEXT.

  • Other keys: FIND.

By using additional action keys, you make sure that specific keys end a sequence and begin a new SendKeys action.

Use the Terminal emulator

The Terminal emulator in NeoLoad's RTE recording allows you to interact with terminal-based applications during the recording process. It replicates the user interface of terminal systems and enables you to input commands, navigate screens, and simulate real user interactions. Once connected, you can begin interacting with the application. The Terminal emulator interface offers several menu options:

Option Description
Connect Opens the connection dialog to start a new session.
Disconnect Disconnects the current session.
Paste Pastes previously selected content. Variables can be extracted.
Stop recording on disconnect When checked, the recording will stop automatically when the session disconnects.
Show keypad When selected, you can input keys not available on your physical keyboard.

During the recording, NeoLoad captures all keystrokes, screen transitions, and system responses as part of the user path. A small indicator light in the top-right corner of the terminal shows the connection status: green for connected, gray for disconnected.

Recorded requests and responses

You can view the recorded screen content by clicking the Advanced... button in the action details. There, you can view the following:

Recorded request: A screenshot of the terminal before executing the action.

Recorded response: A screenshot of the terminal after executing the action and finishing its wait condition.

Variable extractor: A variable extractor retrieves specific information from the terminal screen once an action is completed, and makes it available for more actions.