diff --git a/TestON/tests/IntentPerfNext/IntentPerfNext.py b/TestON/tests/IntentPerfNext/IntentPerfNext.py
index 0661073..c965612 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/IntentPerfNext/IntentPerfNext.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/IntentPerfNext/IntentPerfNext.py
@@ -45,6 +45,9 @@
 
         main.case( "Setting up test environment" )
 
+        main.step( "Starting mininet topology" )
+        main.Mininet1.startNet()
+
         main.step( "Creating cell file" )
         cellFileResult = main.ONOSbench.createCellFile(
             BENCHIp, cellName, MN1Ip,