Tip

Testing throughput

Want to test the throughput/time for a file transfer between two points either on a LAN or over a WAN? Try this handy little tool is called NetCPS. By setting one device up as a server and the other as the client, you can send a simulated file between the two locations.

This is how to use it:

TO SET UP AS A SERVER

C:NETCPS>netcps -server <ret> (The following output will appear.)

NetCPS 1.0 - Entering server mode. Press ^C to quit
Waiting for new connection...^C

By default the server uses port 4455. To change the port

C:NETCPS>netcps -p4465 -server <ret> (The same output will appear, there is no indication of the port number used.)

NetCPS 1.0 - Entering server mode. Press ^C to quit
Waiting for new connection...^C

TO SET UP A CLIENT (and run test)

C:NETCPS>netcps -m(filesize MB) (Netcps server)
e.g.
C:NETCPS>netcps -m100 192.168.200.158 <ret> (The output is as follows.)

NetCPS 1.0 - Entering client mode. Press ^C to quit
Connecting to 192.168.200.158 port 4455... Connected!
---> CPS 1182561.50 KPS: 1154.85 MPS: 1.13

This also appears on the server end. Again the default port is 4455; this time it is displayed.

Once the test is complete, the results are displayed along with transfer time. This is also displayed on the server. By using the available data you can calculate the packet rate.
Avrg CPS           1185662.25 

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         KPS:            1157.87           MPS:            1.13
Peek CPS           1236566.88           KPS:            1207.58           MPS:            1.18
Done. 104857600 Kb transferred in 88.45 seconds.

Server output:

Waiting for new connection...
Client connected from 192.168.200.158
---> CPS           1250874.25           KPS:            1221.56           MPS: 1.19
Avrg CPS           1239730.00           KPS:            1210.67           MPS: 1.18
Peek CPS           1274629.38           KPS:            1244.76           MPS: 1.22

Client disconnected. 104857600 Kb transferred in 88.45 seconds.

The result above was a 100M byte file transferred on port 4455 in a time of 88.45 seconds.

To change the port on the client (remember to change on the server also):

C:NETCPS>netcps -m100 -p4465 192.168.200.158 <ret>

This will send a 100M byte file on port 4465 (default is 4455) to the server 192.168.200.158. (NOTE: In the option indicator at the beginning it gives a capital P. This is incorrect -- it must be lowercase.)

To change the file size:

C:NETCPS>netcps -m200 etc etc

This was first published in September 2002

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