1. An endpoint node system residing on a computer for use in a performance testing system having a console node for testing a computer network, said endpoint node system comprising: endpoint engine means for receiving from said console node a network communication test protocol based on a type of application communication traffic expected on said network and for executing said network communication test protocol over said network responsive to a request from said console node; endpoint master means for starting execution of said endpoint engine means responsive to a request from said console node; and, stack interface means responsive to said endpoint engine means for interfacing said endpoint engine means to a protocol stack residing on said endpoint node computer, to thereby provide access to said network for executing said network communication test protocol.