A system and method for workload generation include a processor for identifying a workload model by determining each of a hierarchy for workload generation, time scales for workload generation, and states and transitions at each of the time scales, and defining a parameter by determining each of fields for user specific attributes, application specific attributes, network specific attributes, content specific attributes, and a probability distribution function for each of the attributes; a user level template unit corresponding to a relatively slow time scale in signal communication with the processor; an application level template corresponding to a relatively faster time scale in signal communication with the processor; a stream level template corresponding to a relatively fastest time scale in signal communication with the processor; and a communications adapter in signal communication with the processor for defining a workload generating unit responsive to the template units.