Top Network Throughput Test Software to Measure Speed & Performance

Top Network Throughput Test Software

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In the modern world, a slow or unreliable network is the biggest buzzkill, it can cause a hindrance in cloud applications, data transfers, and even remote work connectivity. This is why a reliable network throughput is essential to accurately measure and diagnose performance issues and optimising data flow. 

Network throughput test software helps administrators and IT professionals assess how much data a network can handle under real-world conditions. This guide helps explore what a network throughput is and what sets it apart from the bandwidth and latency along with the best tools to improve the performance. 

What Is Network Throughput? 

Network throughput refers to the actual amount of data that is successfully transmitted over a network from one point to another within the specified time frame in bits per second, or MB/ GB per second. 

Unlike the speed limits that we learn from a theoretical point of view, a network throughput test software measures the performance based on real-world tasks. These tests could include metrics like network congestion, hardware capabilities, and protocol overhead. The tests provide a view of how well your network can handle data under different conditions. 

How Network Throughput Differs from Bandwidth & Latency

While all three of these terms are used interchangeably, they are quite different from each other. 

  • Bandwidth is the maximum data transfer capacity of a network connection. More like a width of a highway that defines how many car lanes can be made on it. 
  • Latency is the amount of time that is delayed between a data request and the response. It is usually measured in milliseconds (ms) and represents the travelling speed of the data. 
  • Throughput is the actual volume of the data that was successfully transferred from one point to another in a given time. It is directly affected by both bandwidth and latency. 

Best Network Throughput Test Software

The best network throughput test software is completely dependent on your needs and use cases. Here are some of the best ones available for use. 

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ToolPlatformTypeKey FeaturesUse CaseFree / Paid
iPerf / iPerf3Windows, Linux, macOSCLI ToolTCP/UDP throughput, jitter, loss, bidirectional testingAdvanced testing, scripting, automationFree, Open Source
NetPerfWindows, LinuxCLI ToolMeasures TCP/UDP latency and throughput, flexible test optionsNetwork performance tuning and analysisFree, Open Source
TamoSoft Throughput TestWindowsGUI ToolClient-server model, graphs, real-time throughput, TCP/UDP supportEasy-to-use GUI for throughput testingFree for non-commercial use
LAN Speed TestWindows, macOSGUI ToolFile transfer-based speed testing, simple interfaceHome or small business LAN testingPaid (Free Lite version)
OstinatoWindows, Linux, macOSGUI Packet GeneratorCustom packet crafting, traffic replay, multi-stream generationSimulating and testing network scenariosPaid (Free trial available)
SolarWinds Network Performance MonitorWindows ServerEnterprise Monitoring SuiteReal-time monitoring, alerting, SNMP support, detailed reportsEnterprise-grade monitoring and throughputPaid (Free trial available)

Use Cases for Network Throughput Testing

Some of the best and most common use cases for network throughput testing are in data centers and companies where employees work remotely, since they both require high speed networks. 

  1. Data Centers

In data centers, high speed network throughput is crucial for seamless communication between the servers and other infrastructure features. Rigid network throughput testing ensures that the network can handle large volumes of data without any hurdles or turtlenecks. 

  1. Remote Work Connectivity

Since most companies are moving towards remote work, therefore it is important to ensure that you use stable and fast VPN. Networking throughput testing helps most IT teams evaluate the quality of remote connections, detect bandwidth limitations, and improve configurations. 

  1. Cloud Migrations

When you are moving the workload to the cloud, it is important that you move to faster networks to ensure seamless data transfer. Throughput testing during and after the migration helps you figure out all the potential bottlenecks and ensure that the applications perform reliably. 

  1. Application Performance Tuning

Some applications can slow down due to network related issues. By regular network throughput testing, you can ensure that you encounter zero downtime. 

Common Bottlenecks Identified in Throughput Tests

 While testing network throughput, you can encounter some issues that need attention. 

  1. Bandwidth Limitations

One of the most common issues during throughput testing is hitting the maximum bandwidth. This mostly occurs when you are competing with multiple devices or applications for network resources.  

  1. Latency and Jitter

High latency or inconsistent jitter can reduce the effectiveness of throughput, mainly for real-time applications like video conferencing or VoIP. These issues mainly occur due to long distancing routing or misconfigured QoS policies. 

  1. Packet Loss

Even a small amount of packet loss can decrease the throughput. This can result in network congestion, faulty hardware, or interference in wireless environments. 

  1. Hardware Limitations

Hardware limitations such as network interferences, switches, or routers can cause hindrance. 

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  1. Protocol Overhead

Certain protocols can add overheads that can in turn reduce the real throughput of a network. 

  1. Poor Cabling or Interference

Physical hardware issues are the biggest cause of incorrect results while testing. This can include degraded cables, incorrect connectors, or electromagnetic interference. 

Conclusion

Using a network throughput test software regularly is essential for maintaining optimal performance in complex environments. From data centers to remote work environments, it is essential to aim for the best network throughput. 

Marium Fahim
Hi! I am Marium, and I am a full-time content marketer fueled by an iced coffee. I mainly write about tech, and I absolutely love doing opinion-based pieces. Hit me up at [email protected].
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