diff --git a/services/data_service/cmd/data_service/main.go b/services/data_service/cmd/data_service/main.go
index dee5271..3d50fe4 100644
--- a/services/data_service/cmd/data_service/main.go
+++ b/services/data_service/cmd/data_service/main.go
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/lmittmann/tint"
 	pb "gitlab.michelsen.id/phillmichelsen/tessera/pkg/pb/data_service"
 	"gitlab.michelsen.id/phillmichelsen/tessera/services/data_service/internal/manager"
+	"gitlab.michelsen.id/phillmichelsen/tessera/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws"
 	"gitlab.michelsen.id/phillmichelsen/tessera/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/test"
 	"gitlab.michelsen.id/phillmichelsen/tessera/services/data_service/internal/router"
 	"gitlab.michelsen.id/phillmichelsen/tessera/services/data_service/internal/server"
@@ -57,12 +58,21 @@ func main() {
 	// Setup
 	r := router.NewRouter(2048)
 	m := manager.NewManager(r)
-	testProvider := test.NewTestProvider(r.IncomingChannel(), time.Microsecond*13)
+
+	// Providers
+
+	testProvider := test.NewTestProvider(r.IncomingChannel(), time.Microsecond*100)
 	if err := m.AddProvider("test_provider", testProvider); err != nil {
 		slog.Error("add provider failed", "err", err)
 		os.Exit(1)
 	}
 
+	binanceFuturesWebsocket := ws.NewBinanceFuturesWebsocket(ws.Config{}, r.IncomingChannel())
+	if err := m.AddProvider("binance_futures", binanceFuturesWebsocket); err != nil {
+		slog.Error("add provider failed", "err", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
 	// gRPC Control Server
 	grpcControlServer := grpc.NewServer()
 	go func() {
diff --git a/services/data_service/internal/manager/manager.go b/services/data_service/internal/manager/manager.go
index 687ba93..ff6192a 100644
--- a/services/data_service/internal/manager/manager.go
+++ b/services/data_service/internal/manager/manager.go
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ func (m *Manager) AttachClient(id uuid.UUID, inBuf, outBuf int) (chan<- domain.M
 
 	r := <-resp
 
-	slog.Default().Debug("client attached", slog.String("cmp", "manager"), slog.String("session", id.String()))
+	slog.Default().Info("client attached", slog.String("cmp", "manager"), slog.String("session", id.String()))
 	return r.cin, r.cout, r.err
 }
 
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ func (m *Manager) DetachClient(id uuid.UUID) error {
 
 	r := <-resp
 
-	slog.Default().Debug("client detached", slog.String("cmp", "manager"), slog.String("session", id.String()))
+	slog.Default().Info("client detached", slog.String("cmp", "manager"), slog.String("session", id.String()))
 	return r.err
 }
 
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ func (m *Manager) ConfigureSession(id uuid.UUID, next []domain.Identifier) error
 
 	r := <-resp
 
-	slog.Default().Debug("session configured", slog.String("cmp", "manager"), slog.String("session", id.String()), slog.String("err", fmt.Sprintf("%v", r.err)))
+	slog.Default().Info("session configured", slog.String("cmp", "manager"), slog.String("session", id.String()), slog.String("err", fmt.Sprintf("%v", r.err)))
 	return r.err
 }
 
@@ -158,6 +158,7 @@ func (m *Manager) run() {
 
 // Command handlers, run in loop goroutine. With a single goroutine, no locking is needed.
 
+// handleAddProvider adds and starts a new provider.
 func (m *Manager) handleAddProvider(cmd addProviderCmd) {
 	if _, ok := m.providers[cmd.name]; ok {
 		slog.Default().Warn("provider already exists", slog.String("cmp", "manager"), slog.String("name", cmd.name))
@@ -173,10 +174,13 @@ func (m *Manager) handleAddProvider(cmd addProviderCmd) {
 	cmd.resp <- addProviderResult{err: nil}
 }
 
-func (m *Manager) handleRemoveProvider(cmd removeProviderCmd) {
+// handleRemoveProvider stops and removes a provider, removing the bindings from all sessions that use streams from it.
+// TODO: Implement this function.
+func (m *Manager) handleRemoveProvider(_ removeProviderCmd) {
 	panic("unimplemented")
 }
 
+// handleNewSession creates a new session with the given idle timeout. The idle timeout is typically not set by the client, but by the server configuration.
 func (m *Manager) handleNewSession(cmd newSessionCmd) {
 	s := newSession(cmd.idleAfter)
 	s.armIdleTimer(func() {
@@ -190,6 +194,7 @@ func (m *Manager) handleNewSession(cmd newSessionCmd) {
 	cmd.resp <- newSessionResult{id: s.id}
 }
 
+// handleAttach attaches a client to a session, creating new client channels for the session. If the session is already attached, returns an error.
 func (m *Manager) handleAttach(cmd attachCmd) {
 	s, ok := m.sessions[cmd.sid]
 	if !ok {
@@ -212,6 +217,7 @@ func (m *Manager) handleAttach(cmd attachCmd) {
 	cmd.resp <- attachResult{cin: cin, cout: cout, err: nil}
 }
 
+// handleDetach detaches the client from the session, closing client channels and arming the idle timeout. If the session is not attached, returns an error.
 func (m *Manager) handleDetach(cmd detachCmd) {
 	s, ok := m.sessions[cmd.sid]
 	if !ok {
@@ -240,6 +246,7 @@ func (m *Manager) handleDetach(cmd detachCmd) {
 }
 
 // handleConfigure updates the session bindings, starting and stopping streams as needed. Currently only supports Raw streams.
+// TODO: Change this configuration to be an atomic operation, so that partial failures do not end in a half-configured state.
 func (m *Manager) handleConfigure(cmd configureCmd) {
 	s, ok := m.sessions[cmd.sid]
 	if !ok {
@@ -341,6 +348,70 @@ func (m *Manager) handleConfigure(cmd configureCmd) {
 	cmd.resp <- configureResult{err: errs}
 }
 
-func (m *Manager) handleCloseSession(c closeSessionCmd) {
-	panic("unimplemented")
+// handleCloseSession closes and removes the session, cleaning up all bindings.
+func (m *Manager) handleCloseSession(cmd closeSessionCmd) {
+	s, ok := m.sessions[cmd.sid]
+	if !ok {
+		cmd.resp <- closeSessionResult{err: ErrSessionNotFound}
+		return
+	}
+
+	var errs error
+
+	// Deregister attached routes
+	if s.attached {
+		if s.outChannel == nil {
+			errs = errors.Join(errs, fmt.Errorf("channels do not exist despite attached state"))
+			slog.Default().Error("no channels despite attached state", slog.String("cmp", "manager"), slog.String("session", cmd.sid.String()))
+		} else {
+			for id := range s.bound {
+				m.router.DeregisterRoute(id, s.outChannel)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Unsubscribe from all streams if no other session needs them.
+	pendingUnsub := make(map[domain.Identifier]<-chan error)
+
+	for id := range s.bound {
+		pName, subject, ok := id.ProviderSubject()
+		if !ok || subject == "" || pName == "" {
+			errs = errors.Join(errs, fmt.Errorf("invalid identifier: %s", id.Key()))
+			continue
+		}
+		p, ok := m.providers[pName]
+		if !ok {
+			errs = errors.Join(errs, fmt.Errorf("provider not found: %s", pName))
+			continue
+		}
+
+		stillNeeded := false
+		for _, other := range m.sessions {
+			if other.id == s.id {
+				continue
+			}
+			if _, bound := other.bound[id]; bound {
+				stillNeeded = true
+				break
+			}
+		}
+		if stillNeeded {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		pendingUnsub[id] = p.Unsubscribe(subject)
+	}
+
+	for id, ch := range pendingUnsub {
+		if err := <-ch; err != nil {
+			errs = errors.Join(errs, fmt.Errorf("failed to unsubscribe from %s: %w", id.Key(), err))
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Stop timers and channels, remove session.
+	s.disarmIdleTimer()
+	s.clearChannels()
+	delete(m.sessions, s.id)
+
+	cmd.resp <- closeSessionResult{err: errs}
 }
diff --git a/services/data_service/internal/manager/session.go b/services/data_service/internal/manager/session.go
index d63076b..023efd4 100644
--- a/services/data_service/internal/manager/session.go
+++ b/services/data_service/internal/manager/session.go
@@ -11,7 +11,8 @@ const (
 	defaultClientBuf = 256
 )
 
-// Session holds per-session state. Owned by the manager loop. So we do not need a mutex.
+// session holds per-session state.
+// Owned by the manager loop. So we do not need a mutex.
 type session struct {
 	id uuid.UUID
 
@@ -34,6 +35,7 @@ func newSession(idleAfter time.Duration) *session {
 	}
 }
 
+// armIdleTimer sets the idle timer to call f after idleAfter duration (resets existing timer if any).
 func (s *session) armIdleTimer(f func()) {
 	if s.idleTimer != nil {
 		s.idleTimer.Stop()
@@ -41,6 +43,7 @@ func (s *session) armIdleTimer(f func()) {
 	s.idleTimer = time.AfterFunc(s.idleAfter, f)
 }
 
+// disarmIdleTimer stops and nils the idle timer if any.
 func (s *session) disarmIdleTimer() {
 	if s.idleTimer != nil {
 		s.idleTimer.Stop()
diff --git a/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/binance_futures.go b/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/binance_futures.go
index f44db10..bd8e0ce 100644
--- a/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/binance_futures.go
+++ b/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/binance_futures.go
@@ -1,52 +1,252 @@
 package ws
 
 import (
+	"context"
 	"fmt"
+	"log/slog"
+	"sync"
+	"sync/atomic"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/google/uuid"
+
 	"gitlab.michelsen.id/phillmichelsen/tessera/services/data_service/internal/domain"
 )
 
-type BinanceFutures struct {
-	cfg               config
-	shards            map[uuid.UUID]*shard
-	streamAssignments map[string]*shard
-}
+const providerName = "binance_futures"
 
-type config struct {
+type Config struct {
 	Endpoint           string
-	MaxStreamsPerShard uint8
-	BatchInterval      time.Duration
+	MaxStreamsPerShard uint16
+	RateLimitPerSec    uint16
 }
 
-func NewBinanceFuturesWebsocket(cfg config) *BinanceFutures {
+type BinanceFutures struct {
+	cfg Config
+	bus chan<- domain.Message
+
+	mu                sync.RWMutex
+	shards            map[uuid.UUID]*shard
+	assignOrder       []uuid.UUID
+	streamAssignments map[string]*shard
+	pendingGlobal     map[string][]chan error
+
+	ctx    context.Context
+	cancel context.CancelFunc
+
+	idSeq atomic.Uint64
+}
+
+func NewBinanceFuturesWebsocket(cfg Config, bus chan<- domain.Message) *BinanceFutures {
+	if cfg.Endpoint == "" {
+		cfg.Endpoint = "wss://fstream.binance.com/stream"
+	}
+	if cfg.RateLimitPerSec <= 0 {
+		cfg.RateLimitPerSec = 5
+	}
+	if cfg.MaxStreamsPerShard == 0 {
+		cfg.MaxStreamsPerShard = 15
+	}
 	return &BinanceFutures{
-		cfg:    cfg,
-		shards: make(map[uuid.UUID]*shard),
+		cfg:               cfg,
+		bus:               bus,
+		shards:            make(map[uuid.UUID]*shard),
+		streamAssignments: make(map[string]*shard),
+		pendingGlobal:     make(map[string][]chan error),
 	}
 }
 
 func (b *BinanceFutures) Start() error {
+	b.mu.Lock()
+	defer b.mu.Unlock()
+	if b.ctx != nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	b.ctx, b.cancel = context.WithCancel(context.Background())
+
+	slog.Default().Info("started", slog.String("cmp", providerName))
+	sh, err := newShard(b.ctx, b.cfg, b.bus, b.nextReqID)
+	if err != nil {
+		slog.Default().Error("", "error", err)
+		return err
+	}
+	b.shards[sh.ID] = sh
+	b.assignOrder = []uuid.UUID{sh.ID}
+
+	// idle shard GC
+	go b.gcIdleShards()
+
 	return nil
 }
 
 func (b *BinanceFutures) Stop() {
-	return
+	b.mu.Lock()
+	if b.cancel != nil {
+		b.cancel()
+	}
+	// snapshot shards, then clear maps
+	shs := make([]*shard, 0, len(b.shards))
+	for _, sh := range b.shards {
+		shs = append(shs, sh)
+	}
+	b.shards = map[uuid.UUID]*shard{}
+	b.assignOrder = nil
+	b.streamAssignments = map[string]*shard{}
+
+	for subj, waiters := range b.pendingGlobal {
+		for _, ch := range waiters {
+			select {
+			case ch <- context.Canceled:
+			default:
+			}
+		}
+		delete(b.pendingGlobal, subj)
+	}
+	slog.Default().Info("stopped", slog.String("cmp", providerName))
+	b.mu.Unlock()
+
+	for _, sh := range shs {
+		sh.stop()
+	}
 }
 
 func (b *BinanceFutures) Subscribe(subject string) <-chan error {
-	return nil
+	ch := make(chan error, 1)
+	if !IsValidSubject(subject) {
+		ch <- fmt.Errorf("invalid subject: %s", subject)
+		return ch
+	}
+
+	b.mu.Lock()
+	if sh, ok := b.streamAssignments[subject]; ok && sh.isActive(subject) {
+		b.mu.Unlock()
+		ch <- nil
+		return ch
+	}
+	sh := b.pickShardLocked()
+	b.streamAssignments[subject] = sh
+	sh.enqueueSubscribe(subject, ch)
+	b.mu.Unlock()
+	return ch
 }
 
 func (b *BinanceFutures) Unsubscribe(subject string) <-chan error {
-	return nil
+	ch := make(chan error, 1)
+
+	b.mu.Lock()
+	sh, ok := b.streamAssignments[subject]
+	if ok {
+		delete(b.streamAssignments, subject) // allow reassignment later
+	}
+	b.mu.Unlock()
+
+	if !ok {
+		ch <- nil
+		return ch
+	}
+	sh.enqueueUnsubscribe(subject, ch)
+	return ch
 }
 
-func (b *BinanceFutures) Fetch(subject string) (domain.Message, error) {
+func (b *BinanceFutures) Fetch(_ string) (domain.Message, error) {
 	return domain.Message{}, fmt.Errorf("fetch not supported by provider")
 }
 
-func (b *BinanceFutures) GetActiveStreams() []string                   { return nil }
-func (b *BinanceFutures) IsStreamActive(key string) bool               { return false }
-func (b *BinanceFutures) IsValidSubject(key string, isFetch bool) bool { return false }
+func (b *BinanceFutures) GetActiveStreams() []string {
+	b.mu.RLock()
+	defer b.mu.RUnlock()
+	out := make([]string, 0)
+	for _, sh := range b.shards {
+		out = append(out, sh.activeList()...)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+func (b *BinanceFutures) IsStreamActive(key string) bool {
+	b.mu.RLock()
+	sh := b.streamAssignments[key]
+	b.mu.RUnlock()
+	if sh == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	return sh.isActive(key)
+}
+
+func (b *BinanceFutures) IsValidSubject(key string, _ bool) bool { return IsValidSubject(key) }
+
+// pick shard by lowest load = active + pending subs; enforce cap
+func (b *BinanceFutures) pickShardLocked() *shard {
+	var chosen *shard
+	minLoad := int(^uint(0) >> 1) // max int
+
+	for _, id := range b.assignOrder {
+		sh := b.shards[id]
+		if sh == nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		load := sh.loadEstimate()
+		if load < int(b.cfg.MaxStreamsPerShard) && load < minLoad {
+			minLoad = load
+			chosen = sh
+		}
+	}
+	if chosen != nil {
+		return chosen
+	}
+
+	// need a new shard
+	sh, err := newShard(b.ctx, b.cfg, b.bus, b.nextReqID)
+	if err != nil {
+		if len(b.assignOrder) > 0 {
+			return b.shards[b.assignOrder[0]]
+		}
+		return sh
+	}
+	b.shards[sh.ID] = sh
+	b.assignOrder = append(b.assignOrder, sh.ID)
+	return sh
+}
+
+func (b *BinanceFutures) nextReqID() uint64 { return b.idSeq.Add(1) }
+
+// Close idle shards periodically. Keep at least one.
+func (b *BinanceFutures) gcIdleShards() {
+	t := time.NewTicker(30 * time.Second)
+	defer t.Stop()
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-b.ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-t.C:
+			var toStop []*shard
+
+			b.mu.Lock()
+			if len(b.shards) <= 1 {
+				b.mu.Unlock()
+				continue
+			}
+			for id, sh := range b.shards {
+				if len(b.shards)-len(toStop) <= 1 {
+					break // keep one
+				}
+				if sh.isIdle() {
+					toStop = append(toStop, sh)
+					delete(b.shards, id)
+					// prune order list
+					for i, v := range b.assignOrder {
+						if v == id {
+							b.assignOrder = append(b.assignOrder[:i], b.assignOrder[i+1:]...)
+							break
+						}
+					}
+				}
+			}
+			b.mu.Unlock()
+
+			for _, sh := range toStop {
+				slog.Default().Info("close idle shard", "cmp", providerName, "shard", sh.ID)
+				sh.stop()
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
diff --git a/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/shard.go b/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/shard.go
index e22942c..18c304a 100644
--- a/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/shard.go
+++ b/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/shard.go
@@ -1,12 +1,465 @@
 package ws
 
 import (
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"log/slog"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
 	"github.com/coder/websocket"
 	"github.com/google/uuid"
+
+	"gitlab.michelsen.id/phillmichelsen/tessera/services/data_service/internal/domain"
 )
 
-type shard struct {
-	ID            uuid.UUID
-	conn          websocket.Conn
-	activeStreams []string
+type opType uint8
+
+const (
+	opSubscribe opType = iota + 1
+	opUnsubscribe
+)
+
+type pendingBatch struct {
+	Op       opType
+	Subjects []string
+	Waiters  map[string][]chan error
+}
+
+type shard struct {
+	ID  uuid.UUID
+	url string
+	cfg Config
+
+	ctx    context.Context
+	cancel context.CancelFunc
+
+	conn *websocket.Conn
+
+	mu     sync.RWMutex
+	active map[string]struct{}
+
+	subBatch   map[string][]chan error
+	unsubBatch map[string][]chan error
+
+	sendQ      chan []byte
+	rateTicker *time.Ticker
+	pingTicker *time.Ticker
+
+	pendingMu   sync.Mutex
+	pendingByID map[uint64]*pendingBatch
+	nextReqID   func() uint64
+
+	wg  sync.WaitGroup
+	bus chan<- domain.Message
+}
+
+func newShard(pctx context.Context, cfg Config, bus chan<- domain.Message, next func() uint64) (*shard, error) {
+	id := uuid.New()
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(pctx)
+	sh := &shard{
+		ID:          id,
+		url:         cfg.Endpoint,
+		cfg:         cfg,
+		ctx:         ctx,
+		cancel:      cancel,
+		active:      make(map[string]struct{}),
+		subBatch:    make(map[string][]chan error),
+		unsubBatch:  make(map[string][]chan error),
+		sendQ:       make(chan []byte, 256),
+		pendingByID: make(map[uint64]*pendingBatch),
+		nextReqID:   next,
+		bus:         bus,
+	}
+
+	// per-shard rate limiter; also drives batch flushing
+	rate := cfg.RateLimitPerSec
+	if rate <= 0 {
+		rate = 1
+	}
+	interval := time.Second / time.Duration(rate)
+	sh.rateTicker = time.NewTicker(interval)
+	sh.pingTicker = time.NewTicker(30 * time.Second)
+
+	slog.Default().Info("shard created", "cmp", providerName, "shard", sh.ID.String())
+
+	if err := sh.connect(); err != nil {
+		slog.Default().Error("shard connection failed", "cmp", providerName, "shard", sh.ID.String(), "error", err)
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	sh.startLoops()
+	return sh, nil
+}
+
+func (s *shard) connect() error {
+	dctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(s.ctx, 10*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	c, _, err := websocket.Dial(dctx, s.url, &websocket.DialOptions{})
+	if err != nil {
+		slog.Default().Error("shard connection error", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID.String(), "error", err)
+		return err
+	}
+	s.conn = c
+	slog.Default().Info("shard connected", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID.String())
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (s *shard) startLoops() {
+	s.wg.Add(3)
+	go s.writeLoop()
+	go s.readLoop()
+	go s.pingLoop()
+}
+
+func (s *shard) stop() {
+	s.cancel()
+	if s.conn != nil {
+		_ = s.conn.Close(websocket.StatusNormalClosure, "shutdown")
+	}
+	if s.rateTicker != nil {
+		s.rateTicker.Stop()
+	}
+	if s.pingTicker != nil {
+		s.pingTicker.Stop()
+	}
+	s.wg.Wait()
+
+	s.pendingMu.Lock()
+	for _, p := range s.pendingByID {
+		for _, arr := range p.Waiters {
+			for _, ch := range arr {
+				select {
+				case ch <- context.Canceled:
+				default:
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	s.pendingByID = map[uint64]*pendingBatch{}
+	s.pendingMu.Unlock()
+
+	s.mu.Lock()
+	for _, arr := range s.subBatch {
+		for _, ch := range arr {
+			select {
+			case ch <- context.Canceled:
+			default:
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	for _, arr := range s.unsubBatch {
+		for _, ch := range arr {
+			select {
+			case ch <- context.Canceled:
+			default:
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	s.subBatch = map[string][]chan error{}
+	s.unsubBatch = map[string][]chan error{}
+	s.mu.Unlock()
+
+	slog.Default().Info("shard stopped", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID.String())
+}
+
+func (s *shard) enqueueSubscribe(subject string, ch chan error) {
+	s.mu.Lock()
+	s.subBatch[subject] = append(s.subBatch[subject], ch)
+	s.mu.Unlock()
+	slog.Default().Debug("shard enqueue subscribe", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "subject", subject)
+}
+
+func (s *shard) enqueueUnsubscribe(subject string, ch chan error) {
+	s.mu.Lock()
+	s.unsubBatch[subject] = append(s.unsubBatch[subject], ch)
+	s.mu.Unlock()
+	slog.Default().Debug("shard enqueue unsubscribe", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "subject", subject)
+}
+
+func (s *shard) isActive(subj string) bool {
+	s.mu.RLock()
+	_, ok := s.active[subj]
+	s.mu.RUnlock()
+	return ok
+}
+
+func (s *shard) activeCount() int {
+	s.mu.RLock()
+	n := len(s.active)
+	s.mu.RUnlock()
+	return n
+}
+
+func (s *shard) loadEstimate() int { // active + pending subscribes
+	s.mu.RLock()
+	n := len(s.active) + len(s.subBatch)
+	s.mu.RUnlock()
+	return n
+}
+
+func (s *shard) isIdle() bool {
+	s.mu.RLock()
+	idle := len(s.active) == 0 && len(s.subBatch) == 0 && len(s.unsubBatch) == 0
+	s.mu.RUnlock()
+	return idle
+}
+
+func (s *shard) activeList() []string {
+	s.mu.RLock()
+	defer s.mu.RUnlock()
+	out := make([]string, 0, len(s.active))
+	for k := range s.active {
+		out = append(out, k)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+func (s *shard) writeLoop() {
+	defer s.wg.Done()
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-s.ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-s.rateTicker.C:
+			// snapshot and clear pending batch operations
+			var subs, unsubs map[string][]chan error
+			s.mu.Lock()
+			if len(s.subBatch) > 0 {
+				subs = s.subBatch
+				s.subBatch = make(map[string][]chan error)
+			}
+			if len(s.unsubBatch) > 0 {
+				unsubs = s.unsubBatch
+				s.unsubBatch = make(map[string][]chan error)
+			}
+			s.mu.Unlock()
+
+			// send SUBSCRIBE batch
+			if len(subs) > 0 {
+				params := make([]string, 0, len(subs))
+				waiters := make(map[string][]chan error, len(subs))
+				for k, v := range subs {
+					params = append(params, k)
+					waiters[k] = v
+				}
+				id := s.nextReqID()
+				frame := map[string]any{"method": "SUBSCRIBE", "params": params, "id": id}
+				payload, _ := json.Marshal(frame)
+				s.recordPending(id, opSubscribe, params, waiters)
+				if err := s.writeFrame(payload); err != nil {
+					s.reconnect()
+					return
+				}
+			}
+
+			// send UNSUBSCRIBE batch
+			if len(unsubs) > 0 {
+				params := make([]string, 0, len(unsubs))
+				waiters := make(map[string][]chan error, len(unsubs))
+				for k, v := range unsubs {
+					params = append(params, k)
+					waiters[k] = v
+				}
+				id := s.nextReqID()
+				frame := map[string]any{"method": "UNSUBSCRIBE", "params": params, "id": id}
+				payload, _ := json.Marshal(frame)
+				s.recordPending(id, opUnsubscribe, params, waiters)
+				if err := s.writeFrame(payload); err != nil {
+					s.reconnect()
+					return
+				}
+			}
+
+			// optional: one queued ad-hoc frame per tick
+			select {
+			case msg := <-s.sendQ:
+				if err := s.writeFrame(msg); err != nil {
+					s.reconnect()
+					return
+				}
+			default:
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func (s *shard) writeFrame(msg []byte) error {
+	wctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(s.ctx, 5*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	err := s.conn.Write(wctx, websocket.MessageText, msg)
+	if err != nil {
+		slog.Default().Warn("shard write error", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "error", err)
+	}
+	return err
+}
+
+func (s *shard) readLoop() {
+	defer s.wg.Done()
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-s.ctx.Done():
+			return
+		default:
+			// longer idle timeout when no active subscriptions
+			timeout := 60 * time.Second
+			if s.activeCount() == 0 {
+				timeout = 5 * time.Minute
+			}
+			rctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(s.ctx, timeout)
+			_, data, err := s.conn.Read(rctx)
+			cancel()
+			if err != nil {
+				if errors.Is(err, context.DeadlineExceeded) {
+					slog.Default().Debug("shard read idle timeout", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID)
+					continue
+				}
+				slog.Default().Warn("shard read error", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "error", err)
+				s.reconnect()
+				return
+			}
+
+			if bytes.Contains(data, []byte("\"id\"")) {
+				var ack struct {
+					ID     uint64           `json:"id"`
+					Result *json.RawMessage `json:"result"`
+					Error  *struct {
+						Code int    `json:"code"`
+						Msg  string `json:"msg"`
+					} `json:"error"`
+				}
+				if json.Unmarshal(data, &ack) == nil && ack.ID != 0 {
+					if ack.Error != nil {
+						slog.Default().Warn("shard ack error", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "id", ack.ID, "code", ack.Error.Code, "msg", ack.Error.Msg)
+						s.resolvePending(ack.ID, fmt.Errorf("binance error %d: %s", ack.Error.Code, ack.Error.Msg))
+					} else {
+						slog.Default().Debug("shard ack ok", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "id", ack.ID)
+						s.resolvePending(ack.ID, nil)
+					}
+					continue
+				}
+			}
+
+			var frame struct {
+				Stream string          `json:"stream"`
+				Data   json.RawMessage `json:"data"`
+			}
+			if json.Unmarshal(data, &frame) == nil && frame.Stream != "" {
+				id, err := domain.RawID(providerName, frame.Stream)
+				if err == nil {
+					select {
+					case s.bus <- domain.Message{Identifier: id, Payload: frame.Data}:
+					default:
+					}
+				}
+				continue
+			}
+			slog.Default().Debug("shard unknown message", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "data", string(data))
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func (s *shard) pingLoop() {
+	defer s.wg.Done()
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-s.ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-s.pingTicker.C:
+			ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(s.ctx, 5*time.Second)
+			err := s.conn.Ping(ctx)
+			cancel()
+			if err != nil {
+				slog.Default().Warn("shard ping failed", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "error", err)
+				s.reconnect()
+				return
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func (s *shard) recordPending(id uint64, op opType, subjects []string, waiters map[string][]chan error) {
+	s.pendingMu.Lock()
+	s.pendingByID[id] = &pendingBatch{Op: op, Subjects: subjects, Waiters: waiters}
+	s.pendingMu.Unlock()
+}
+
+func (s *shard) resolvePending(id uint64, err error) {
+	s.pendingMu.Lock()
+	p := s.pendingByID[id]
+	delete(s.pendingByID, id)
+	s.pendingMu.Unlock()
+	if p == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	if err == nil {
+		s.mu.Lock()
+		if p.Op == opSubscribe {
+			for _, subj := range p.Subjects {
+				s.active[subj] = struct{}{}
+			}
+			slog.Default().Debug("shard subscribed", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "subjects", p.Subjects)
+		} else {
+			for _, subj := range p.Subjects {
+				delete(s.active, subj)
+			}
+			slog.Default().Debug("shard unsubscribed", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "subjects", p.Subjects)
+		}
+		s.mu.Unlock()
+	} else {
+		slog.Default().Warn("shard pending error", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "error", err)
+	}
+
+	for _, arr := range p.Waiters {
+		for _, ch := range arr {
+			select {
+			case ch <- err:
+			default:
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func (s *shard) queue(payload []byte) {
+	select {
+	case s.sendQ <- payload:
+	default:
+		slog.Default().Warn("shard sendQ full, dropping one message", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID)
+		<-s.sendQ
+		s.sendQ <- payload
+	}
+}
+
+func (s *shard) reconnect() {
+	reconnectStartTime := time.Now()
+	if s.conn != nil {
+		_ = s.conn.Close(websocket.StatusGoingAway, "reconnect")
+	}
+
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-s.ctx.Done():
+			return
+		default:
+			if err := s.connect(); err != nil {
+				time.Sleep(200 * time.Millisecond)
+				continue
+			}
+
+			// re-stage current actives for batch subscribe on next tick
+			s.mu.RLock()
+			for k := range s.active {
+				s.subBatch[k] = append(s.subBatch[k], nil)
+			}
+			s.mu.RUnlock()
+
+			// restart loops
+			s.startLoops()
+			slog.Default().Info("shard reconnected", "cmp", providerName, "shard", s.ID, "downtime", time.Since(reconnectStartTime).String())
+			return
+		}
+	}
 }
diff --git a/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/subjects.go b/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/subjects.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..81023a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/subjects.go
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+package ws
+
+import "regexp"
+
+var (
+	reAggTrade   = regexp.MustCompile(`^[a-z0-9]+@aggTrade$`)
+	reTrade      = regexp.MustCompile(`^[a-z0-9]+@trade$`)
+	reMarkPrice  = regexp.MustCompile(`^[a-z0-9]+@markPrice(@1s)?$`)
+	reKline      = regexp.MustCompile(`^[a-z0-9]+@kline_(1s|1m|3m|5m|15m|30m|1h|2h|4h|6h|8h|12h|1d|3d|1w|1M)$`)
+	reBookTicker = regexp.MustCompile(`^[a-z0-9]+@bookTicker$`)
+	reDepth      = regexp.MustCompile(`^[a-z0-9]+@depth(@100ms)?$`)
+)
+
+func IsValidSubject(s string) bool {
+	return reAggTrade.MatchString(s) ||
+		reTrade.MatchString(s) ||
+		reMarkPrice.MatchString(s) ||
+		reKline.MatchString(s) ||
+		reBookTicker.MatchString(s) ||
+		reDepth.MatchString(s)
+}
diff --git a/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/types.go b/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/binance/ws/types.go
deleted file mode 100644
index e69de29..0000000
diff --git a/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/test/test_provider.go b/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/test/test_provider.go
index 75cd2d3..5615f05 100644
--- a/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/test/test_provider.go
+++ b/services/data_service/internal/provider/providers/test/test_provider.go
@@ -1,119 +1,179 @@
+// Package test implements a configurable synthetic data provider.
+//
+// Config via subject string. Two syntaxes are accepted:
+//
+//	Query style:  "foo?period=7us&size=64&mode=const&burst=1&jitter=0.02&drop=1&ts=1&log=1"
+//	Path style:   "foo/period/7us/size/64/mode/poisson/rate/120000/jitter/0.05/drop/0/ts/1/log/1"
+//
+// Parameters:
+//
+//	period:   Go duration. Inter-message target (wins over rate).
+//	rate:     Messages per second. Used if period absent.
+//	mode:     const | poisson | onoff
+//	burst:    Messages emitted per tick (>=1).
+//	jitter:   ±fraction jitter on period (e.g., 0.05 = ±5%).
+//	on/off:   Durations for onoff mode (e.g., on=5ms&off=1ms).
+//	size:     Payload bytes (>=1). If ts=1 and size<16, auto-extends to 16.
+//	ptype:    bytes | counter | json  (payload content generator)
+//	drop:     1=non-blocking send (drop on backpressure), 0=block.
+//	ts:       1=prepend 16B header: [sendUnixNano int64][seq int64].
+//	log:      1=emit per-second metrics via slog.
+//
+// Notes:
+//   - Constant mode uses sleep-then-spin pacer for sub-10µs.
+//   - Poisson mode draws inter-arrivals from Exp(rate).
+//   - On/Off emits at period during "on", silent during "off" windows.
+//   - Metrics include msgs/s, bytes/s, drops/s per stream.
+//   - Fetch is unsupported (returns error).
 package test
 
 import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
-	"log/slog"
+	"math/rand/v2"
+	"net/url"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
 	"sync"
+	"sync/atomic"
 	"time"
 
 	"gitlab.michelsen.id/phillmichelsen/tessera/services/data_service/internal/domain"
 )
 
 type TestProvider struct {
-	mu            sync.Mutex
-	streams       map[string]*stream
-	outputChannel chan<- domain.Message
-	tickDuration  time.Duration
+	mu       sync.Mutex
+	streams  map[string]*stream
+	out      chan<- domain.Message
+	defaults cfg
 }
 
 type stream struct {
 	cancel context.CancelFunc
 	done   chan struct{}
+	stats  *metrics
 }
 
-// NewTestProvider wires the outbound channel.
-func NewTestProvider(out chan<- domain.Message, tickDuration time.Duration) *TestProvider {
+type metrics struct {
+	sent, dropped atomic.Uint64
+	prevSent      uint64
+	prevDropped   uint64
+	startUnix     int64
+}
+
+type mode int
+
+const (
+	modeConst mode = iota
+	modePoisson
+	modeOnOff
+)
+
+type ptype int
+
+const (
+	ptBytes ptype = iota
+	ptCounter
+	ptJSON
+)
+
+type cfg struct {
+	period      time.Duration // inter-arrival target
+	rate        float64       // msgs/sec if period == 0
+	jitter      float64       // ±fraction
+	mode        mode
+	onDur       time.Duration // for onoff
+	offDur      time.Duration // for onoff
+	burst       int
+	size        int
+	pType       ptype
+	dropIfSlow  bool
+	embedTS     bool
+	logEverySec bool
+}
+
+// NewTestProvider returns a provider with sane defaults.
+func NewTestProvider(out chan<- domain.Message, defaultPeriod time.Duration) *TestProvider {
+	if defaultPeriod <= 0 {
+		defaultPeriod = 100 * time.Microsecond
+	}
 	return &TestProvider{
-		streams:       make(map[string]*stream),
-		outputChannel: out,
-		tickDuration:  tickDuration,
+		streams: make(map[string]*stream),
+		out:     out,
+		defaults: cfg{
+			period:     defaultPeriod,
+			rate:       0,
+			jitter:     0,
+			mode:       modeConst,
+			onDur:      5 * time.Millisecond,
+			offDur:     1 * time.Millisecond,
+			burst:      1,
+			size:       32,
+			pType:      ptBytes,
+			dropIfSlow: true,
+			embedTS:    true,
+		},
 	}
 }
 
-func (t *TestProvider) Start() error { return nil }
+func (p *TestProvider) Start() error { return nil }
 
-func (t *TestProvider) Stop() {
-	t.mu.Lock()
-	defer t.mu.Unlock()
-	for key, s := range t.streams {
+func (p *TestProvider) Stop() {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	defer p.mu.Unlock()
+	for key, s := range p.streams {
 		s.cancel()
 		<-s.done
-		delete(t.streams, key)
+		delete(p.streams, key)
 	}
 }
 
-func (t *TestProvider) Subscribe(subject string) <-chan error {
+func (p *TestProvider) Subscribe(subject string) <-chan error {
 	errCh := make(chan error, 1)
 
-	if !t.IsValidSubject(subject, false) {
+	if !p.IsValidSubject(subject, false) {
 		errCh <- errors.New("invalid subject")
 		close(errCh)
 		return errCh
 	}
 
-	t.mu.Lock()
-	// Already active: treat as success.
-	if _, ok := t.streams[subject]; ok {
-		t.mu.Unlock()
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	if _, exists := p.streams[subject]; exists {
+		p.mu.Unlock()
 		errCh <- nil
 		return errCh
 	}
 
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
-	s := &stream{cancel: cancel, done: make(chan struct{})}
-	t.streams[subject] = s
-	out := t.outputChannel
-	t.mu.Unlock()
+	s := &stream{
+		cancel: cancel,
+		done:   make(chan struct{}),
+		stats:  &metrics{startUnix: time.Now().Unix()},
+	}
+	p.streams[subject] = s
+	out := p.out
+	conf := p.parseCfg(subject)
+	p.mu.Unlock()
 
-	// Stream goroutine.
-	go func(subj string, s *stream) {
-		slog.Default().Debug("new stream routine started", slog.String("cmp", "test_provider"), slog.String("subject", subj))
-		ticker := time.NewTicker(t.tickDuration)
-		ident, _ := domain.RawID("test_provider", subj)
-		defer func() {
-			ticker.Stop()
-			close(s.done)
-		}()
-		for {
-			select {
-			case <-ctx.Done():
-				return
-			case <-ticker.C:
-				if out != nil {
-					msg := domain.Message{
-						Identifier: ident,
-						Payload:    []byte(time.Now().UTC().Format(time.RFC3339Nano)),
-					}
-					// Non-blocking send avoids deadlock if caller stops reading.
-					select {
-					case out <- msg:
-					default:
-						slog.Default().Warn("dropping message due to backpressure", "cmp", "test_provider", "subject", subj)
-					}
-				}
-			}
-		}
-	}(subject, s)
+	go run(ctx, s, out, subject, conf)
 
-	// Signal successful subscription.
 	errCh <- nil
 	return errCh
 }
 
-func (t *TestProvider) Unsubscribe(subject string) <-chan error {
+func (p *TestProvider) Unsubscribe(subject string) <-chan error {
 	errCh := make(chan error, 1)
 
-	t.mu.Lock()
-	s, ok := t.streams[subject]
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	s, ok := p.streams[subject]
 	if !ok {
-		t.mu.Unlock()
+		p.mu.Unlock()
 		errCh <- errors.New("not subscribed")
 		return errCh
 	}
-	delete(t.streams, subject)
-	t.mu.Unlock()
+	delete(p.streams, subject)
+	p.mu.Unlock()
 
 	go func() {
 		s.cancel()
@@ -123,27 +183,360 @@ func (t *TestProvider) Unsubscribe(subject string) <-chan error {
 	return errCh
 }
 
-func (t *TestProvider) Fetch(subject string) (domain.Message, error) {
+func (p *TestProvider) Fetch(_ string) (domain.Message, error) {
 	return domain.Message{}, fmt.Errorf("fetch not supported by provider")
 }
 
-func (t *TestProvider) GetActiveStreams() []string {
-	t.mu.Lock()
-	defer t.mu.Unlock()
-	keys := make([]string, 0, len(t.streams))
-	for k := range t.streams {
+func (p *TestProvider) GetActiveStreams() []string {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	defer p.mu.Unlock()
+	keys := make([]string, 0, len(p.streams))
+	for k := range p.streams {
 		keys = append(keys, k)
 	}
 	return keys
 }
 
-func (t *TestProvider) IsStreamActive(key string) bool {
-	t.mu.Lock()
-	_, ok := t.streams[key]
-	t.mu.Unlock()
+func (p *TestProvider) IsStreamActive(key string) bool {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	_, ok := p.streams[key]
+	p.mu.Unlock()
 	return ok
 }
 
-func (t *TestProvider) IsValidSubject(key string, _ bool) bool {
-	return key != ""
+func (p *TestProvider) IsValidSubject(key string, _ bool) bool {
+	if key == "" {
+		return false
+	}
+	// Accept anything parseable via parseCfg; fallback true.
+	return true
+}
+
+// --- core ---
+
+func run(ctx context.Context, s *stream, out chan<- domain.Message, subject string, c cfg) {
+	defer close(s.done)
+
+	ident, _ := domain.RawID("test_provider", subject)
+
+	// Sanitize
+	if c.burst < 1 {
+		c.burst = 1
+	}
+	if c.size < 1 {
+		c.size = 1
+	}
+	if c.embedTS && c.size < 16 {
+		c.size = 16
+	}
+	if c.period <= 0 {
+		if c.rate > 0 {
+			c.period = time.Duration(float64(time.Second) / c.rate)
+		} else {
+			c.period = 10 * time.Microsecond
+		}
+	}
+	if c.jitter < 0 {
+		c.jitter = 0
+	}
+	if c.jitter > 0.95 {
+		c.jitter = 0.95
+	}
+
+	// Per-second logging
+	var logTicker *time.Ticker
+	if c.logEverySec {
+		logTicker = time.NewTicker(time.Second)
+		defer logTicker.Stop()
+	}
+
+	var seq uint64
+	base := make([]byte, c.size)
+
+	// On/Off state
+	onUntil := time.Time{}
+	offUntil := time.Time{}
+	inOn := true
+	now := time.Now()
+	onUntil = now.Add(c.onDur)
+
+	// Scheduling
+	next := time.Now()
+
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return
+		default:
+		}
+
+		switch c.mode {
+		case modeConst:
+			// sleep-then-spin to hit sub-10µs with isolated core
+			if d := time.Until(next); d > 0 {
+				if d > 30*time.Microsecond {
+					time.Sleep(d - 30*time.Microsecond)
+				}
+				for time.Now().Before(next) {
+				}
+			}
+		case modePoisson:
+			// draw from exponential with mean=period
+			lam := 1.0 / float64(c.period)
+			ia := time.Duration(rand.ExpFloat64() / lam)
+			next = time.Now().Add(ia)
+			// No pre-wait here; emit immediately then sleep to next
+		case modeOnOff:
+			now = time.Now()
+			if inOn {
+				if now.After(onUntil) {
+					inOn = false
+					offUntil = now.Add(c.offDur)
+					continue
+				}
+			} else {
+				if now.After(offUntil) {
+					inOn = true
+					onUntil = now.Add(c.onDur)
+				}
+				// While off, push next and wait
+				// Small sleep to avoid busy loop during off
+				time.Sleep(minDur(c.offDur/4, 200*time.Microsecond))
+				continue
+			}
+			// For on state, behave like const
+			if d := time.Until(next); d > 0 {
+				if d > 30*time.Microsecond {
+					time.Sleep(d - 30*time.Microsecond)
+				}
+				for time.Now().Before(next) {
+				}
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Emit burst
+		for i := 0; i < c.burst; i++ {
+			seq++
+			payload := base[:c.size]
+			switch c.pType {
+			case ptBytes:
+				fillPattern(payload, uint64(seq))
+			case ptCounter:
+				fillCounter(payload, uint64(seq))
+			case ptJSON:
+				// build minimal, fixed-size-ish JSON into payload
+				n := buildJSON(payload, uint64(seq))
+				payload = payload[:n]
+			}
+
+			if c.embedTS {
+				ensureCap(&payload, 16)
+				ts := time.Now().UnixNano()
+				putInt64(payload[0:8], ts)
+				putInt64(payload[8:16], int64(seq))
+			}
+
+			msg := domain.Message{
+				Identifier: ident,
+				Payload:    payload,
+			}
+
+			if out != nil {
+				if c.dropIfSlow {
+					select {
+					case out <- msg:
+						s.stats.sent.Add(1)
+					default:
+						s.stats.dropped.Add(1)
+					}
+				} else {
+					select {
+					case out <- msg:
+						s.stats.sent.Add(1)
+					case <-ctx.Done():
+						return
+					}
+				}
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Schedule next
+		adj := c.period
+		if c.mode == modePoisson {
+			// next already chosen
+		} else {
+			if c.jitter > 0 {
+				j := (rand.Float64()*2 - 1) * c.jitter
+				adj = time.Duration(float64(c.period) * (1 + j))
+				if adj < 0 {
+					adj = 0
+				}
+			}
+			next = next.Add(adj)
+		}
+
+		// For poisson, actively wait to next
+		if c.mode == modePoisson {
+			if d := time.Until(next); d > 0 {
+				if d > 30*time.Microsecond {
+					time.Sleep(d - 30*time.Microsecond)
+				}
+				for time.Now().Before(next) {
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// --- config parsing ---
+
+func (p *TestProvider) parseCfg(subject string) cfg {
+	c := p.defaults
+
+	// Query style first
+	if i := strings.Index(subject, "?"); i >= 0 && i < len(subject)-1 {
+		if qv, err := url.ParseQuery(subject[i+1:]); err == nil {
+			c = applyQuery(c, qv)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Path segments like /key/value/ pairs
+	parts := strings.Split(subject, "/")
+	for i := 0; i+1 < len(parts); i += 2 {
+		k := strings.ToLower(parts[i])
+		v := parts[i+1]
+		if k == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		applyKV(&c, k, v)
+	}
+	return c
+}
+
+func applyQuery(c cfg, v url.Values) cfg {
+	for k, vals := range v {
+		if len(vals) == 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+		applyKV(&c, strings.ToLower(k), vals[0])
+	}
+	return c
+}
+
+func applyKV(c *cfg, key, val string) {
+	switch key {
+	case "period":
+		if d, err := time.ParseDuration(val); err == nil && d > 0 {
+			c.period = d
+		}
+	case "rate":
+		if f, err := strconv.ParseFloat(val, 64); err == nil && f > 0 {
+			c.rate = f
+			c.period = 0 // let rate take effect if period unset later
+		}
+	case "mode":
+		switch strings.ToLower(val) {
+		case "const", "steady":
+			c.mode = modeConst
+		case "poisson":
+			c.mode = modePoisson
+		case "onoff", "burst":
+			c.mode = modeOnOff
+		}
+	case "on":
+		if d, err := time.ParseDuration(val); err == nil && d >= 0 {
+			c.onDur = d
+		}
+	case "off":
+		if d, err := time.ParseDuration(val); err == nil && d >= 0 {
+			c.offDur = d
+		}
+	case "burst":
+		if n, err := strconv.Atoi(val); err == nil && n > 0 {
+			c.burst = n
+		}
+	case "jitter":
+		if f, err := strconv.ParseFloat(val, 64); err == nil && f >= 0 && f < 1 {
+			c.jitter = f
+		}
+	case "size":
+		if n, err := strconv.Atoi(val); err == nil && n > 0 {
+			c.size = n
+		}
+	case "ptype":
+		switch strings.ToLower(val) {
+		case "bytes":
+			c.pType = ptBytes
+		case "counter":
+			c.pType = ptCounter
+		case "json":
+			c.pType = ptJSON
+		}
+	case "drop":
+		c.dropIfSlow = val == "1" || strings.EqualFold(val, "true")
+	case "ts":
+		c.embedTS = val == "1" || strings.EqualFold(val, "true")
+	case "log":
+		c.logEverySec = val == "1" || strings.EqualFold(val, "true")
+	}
+}
+
+// --- payload builders ---
+
+func fillPattern(b []byte, seed uint64) {
+	// xorshift for deterministic but non-trivial bytes
+	if len(b) == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	x := seed | 1
+	for i := range b {
+		x ^= x << 13
+		x ^= x >> 7
+		x ^= x << 17
+		b[i] = byte(x)
+	}
+}
+
+func fillCounter(b []byte, seq uint64) {
+	for i := range b {
+		b[i] = byte((seq + uint64(i)) & 0xFF)
+	}
+}
+
+func buildJSON(buf []byte, seq uint64) int {
+	// Small fixed fields. Truncate if buffer small.
+	// Example: {"t":1694490000000000,"s":12345,"p":100.12}
+	ts := time.Now().UnixNano()
+	price := 10000 + float64(seq%1000)*0.01
+	str := fmt.Sprintf(`{"t":%d,"s":%d,"p":%.2f}`, ts, seq, price)
+	n := copy(buf, str)
+	return n
+}
+
+func ensureCap(b *[]byte, need int) {
+	if len(*b) >= need {
+		return
+	}
+	nb := make([]byte, need)
+	copy(nb, *b)
+	*b = nb
+}
+
+func putInt64(b []byte, v int64) {
+	_ = b[7]
+	b[0] = byte(v >> 56)
+	b[1] = byte(v >> 48)
+	b[2] = byte(v >> 40)
+	b[3] = byte(v >> 32)
+	b[4] = byte(v >> 24)
+	b[5] = byte(v >> 16)
+	b[6] = byte(v >> 8)
+	b[7] = byte(v)
+}
+
+func minDur(a, b time.Duration) time.Duration {
+	if a < b {
+		return a
+	}
+	return b
 }