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How to Generate a Waterfall

Applies To:
HTTP LargeThis platform has been optimized to cache and deliver static content (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, ISO, multimedia, and software downloads, etc.) over HTTP or HTTPS.
HTTP SmallLegacy. If you are currently serving traffic over this platform, then you may continue to do so. However, we recommend that you serve your traffic over our more robust HTTP Large platform.
ADNThe Application Delivery Network platform has been optimized to deliver dynamic content (e.g., login credentials, account information, etc.) over HTTP or HTTPS. Typically, user-specific and database-driven content are served over this platform.

A waterfall provides a visual representation of a site's performance. It breaks down site performance into key metrics through which you can identify bottlenecks. Although there are a variety of tools through which you may generate a waterfall, this article will focus on a couple of web tools that do not require a client installation or an account.

These tools can be found at:

To generate a web page performance test (Pingdom)

  1. Load Pingdom.
  2. Directly underneath Pingdom Website Speed Test, type the desired URL.
    • If you are troubleshooting performance issues, type the CDN or edge CNAME URL that points to the content in question.
  3. Click Test Now. Web page performance statistics and a waterfall view will be displayed.
  4. Hover over the waterfall to view a breakdown of the results.

To generate a web page performance test (WebPageTest)

  1. Load WebPageTest.
  2. In the Enter a Website URL option, type the desired URL.
    • If you are troubleshooting performance issues, type the CDN or edge CNAME URL that points to the content in question.
  3. In the Test Location option, select the location from which the test will be conducted. This option allows you to determine whether issues are regional or global.
  4. In the Browser option, choose the web browser that best matches the one used by your user base.
  5. Click Start Test. Web page performance statistics and a waterfall view will be displayed.
  6. Click on the desired waterfall to view it.

If you would like to submit this information to support personnel, click the "Export HTTP Archive (.har)" link. Attach the HAR file to your message.