Netperf/iperf /TTCP Introduction
What
Netperf and iperf are historic client/server sets of tools that allow to make some performance mesure on the network link: wheter ethernet, wifi, CPL,aDSL, and so forth …
Why
Ever trusted the vendors when they claim 11 Mbps, 54 Mbps or even 108Mbps throughput ?
How
1-Download and install Netperf on server and client (located in current directory or in _TOOLS\stress\PerfTools-ttcp or web).
For instance:
- run netserver-2.1pl1.exe on the server: find appropriate options to start as a server and look for appropriate default protocol and port used
- run netperf-2.1pl1.exe on the client: find appropriate options to start as a client pointing to the appropriate server.
èWhence found, write down the option for further use!!!!
2- Download and install iperf on server and client (located in current directory or in _TOOLS\...)
- run iperf.exe … on the server: find appropriate options to start as a server in listening mode and look for appropriate default protocol and port used (type «help» option to have all options described)
- run iperf.exe on the client: find appropriate options to start as a client pointing to the appropriate server.
èWhence found, write down the option for further use!!!!
Note: Of course, when there is a clientóserver pair of software that is supposed to work togather, the server must be started and in listening mode before any client can connect to.
What more ? Other free test tools maybe better than Netperf?
- Testing performances for tcp and udp trafic: When principle is understood with netperf, try using TTCP (ttcpzip.exe)
- You are aware of side effects or troubles due to CSMA/CA in 802.11. One way to investigate the performance of multicast trafic going through your wireless-link is to play a file as a multicast stream using VLC (as a streaming server) and receive it through a wireless link on another VLC (as a client of a registered multicast stream: by the way, that what is currently used in your CretinBox at home through your ADSL link)
- Video Lan Client: a «must have»
VLC is famous when dealing with playing DivX or MKV files (I never did but I was told…) but it also has some additional features you would like to be aware ofconcerning streaming:
- VLC on the Stream Server side:
- «Fichier/Ouvrir un flux réseau»
- select the «Fichier» tab
- select the file to play as the «Ouvrir» field
- in «Options avancées», check the option «Diffuser/Sauvegarder» and click on «Paramètres» button
- in «Sorties», check «Jouer en local» and «udp» adresse 224.0.55.55 port 5001
- Connect another VLC client now listener of this multicast trafic (play with the appropriate «Ouvrir…» option
- Alternative multicast client if you do not mind looking at the streamed video:
Best and easier perf tool that also support multicast trafic is iperf:
- start it as a receiver:
- iperf -s -u -B 224.0.55.55 -i 1