The present invention utilizes a network processor as part of a test system for testing network environments and devices, and particularly VOIP networks and devices. The network processor is used as part of the test system and is precisely controlled by software to provide a variety of functions in order to test a network environment and devices. The test system incorporating the network processor may be programmed to process packets, create packets, receive packets and analyze packets. The test system thus provides simulation of network conditions using high bandwidth interfaces, a sniffing functionality with packet to flow correlation on high bandwidth interfaces, the capture and/or creation of network profiles, and the capture and analysis of network packets.