http://www.linuxfoundation.org/collaborate/workgroups/networking/netem
I’ve used tc in the past, and it’s loosely related to something else I’m currently reviewing, but not tied directly enough that it’s something I want to delve deeply into at the moment. The quick takeaway is, if you are trying to emulate the characteristics of a network connection within a lab, this (probably) is the tool you’re looking for.