A network device may include a packet generator device implemented in hardware. The packet generator device may include a control component, a payload generation component, and an interface element to receive test packet generation information. The test packet generation information may include one or more control inputs, header data that is to be included in one or more test packets, and information regarding a data pattern that is to be included in payload data of the one or more test packets. The one or more control inputs, when provided to the control component, may cause the control component to control the payload generation component to generate the one or more test packets based on the header data and the information regarding the data pattern.