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Network Speed Test

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by retro77

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I am looking for some software, hopefully free, that I can test network speeds from 2 hosts. Namely from a server in California to a server in Idaho across my VPN.

Thanks.

11 replies

by retro77

I'll try that out. In the mean time, if anyone has like a client server software that they can recommend, let me know.

My issue is that speed tests to the internet are showing that my T1 lines are ramping up no problem at each location. But when copying files over the VPN it is painfully slow. Each site has 3 T1s.

by nepenthe0

As I understand the technology, VPN [i]tunnels[/i] through the ISP using encryption. Encrypting and decrypting files takes time, particularly so for graphics.

Cisco posts a brief explanation of the VPN technology:

http://tinyurl.com/6yfbt6

So long as you require encrypted communications, you must accept the associated decrement in transfer speeds. Perhaps others with more detailed knowledge of VPN technology can respond in this thread and offer you some alternatives.

Rick/Portland, OR

by retro77

There is a lot of overhead with VPN encryption. What we did to improve performance was to set the MTU for the tunnel to 1200.

Here is the command for our ASA's:
sysopt connection tcpmss 1200

I eventually used robocopy to tell me how fast I could transfer a file. It has some good reporting.

by nepenthe0

Upon your suggestion, I downloaded and installed MySpeedLite and ran the test (http, Calfornia server):

http://www.myspeed.com/pe/

download speed 8.2mbps
upload speed 1.3mbps

Using AuditMyPC:

http://www.auditmypc.com/broadband-speed-test.asp

download speed 4.3mbps
upload speed 2.2mbps

As you see, there is substantial discrepancy. Do you have an explanation? I pose this as an honest question, not a challenge.

Rick/Portland, OR

by retro77

Differences in tests are from the servers you are testing to are in different locations, different connections to the cloud and difference amount of traffic on their lines.

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