LAN Speed Test displays your Computer Name, IP address, and MAC address automatically.  If this is the first time using LAN Speed Test then you will need to select the network folder you want to test the write and read speeds from (or the IP address of the computer running LST Server) as well as the number of test packets (number of times to repeat the process).  Make sure 'Log Results' is checked if you want to log your results.


LAN Speed Test basically builds a file, transfers it both ways, keeps track of the time it takes, and does the calculations for you.  Here is a little more detail...


1. Build the test packet file (the size you choose) in memory and on the fly (in 1 MB chunks).

2. Start the Write Timer

3. Write the file to the location you choose (this can be another drive, network url, or the IP address of the LST Server)

4. Stop the Write Timer and do necessary write calculations

5. Continue the writing process the number of times entered in 'Number of Test Packets'

6. Clears Out the Windows File Cache (so that reading will be accurate without having to re-start the computer)

7. Start the Read Timer

8. Reads back (to memory) the file that had been transferred

9. Stop the Read Timer and do necessary read calculations

10. Continue the reading process the number of times entered in the 'Number of Test Packets'

11. Fill in all result fields

12. Delete the file from the network folder if not using LST Server


Note.  If testing with LST Server there is no file saved to any hard drive.  The Client talks directly to the Server through the network with no hard drive limitations.  This gives more accurate results of true network performance.  LST Server also makes it possible To test your WAN (internet) connection!  LST Server is an add-on available at http://www.totusoft.com


Tip... Most network speeds are specified in Mbps - that is Mega bits per second.  Don't get this confused with MBps (Mega bytes per second) as it takes 8 bits to make a byte.  For example: A 100 Meg network card has a theoretical rate of 100 Mbps (Mega bits per second).  A 1 Gig network card is 1000 Mbps.  Again, these are theoretical.  Real world speeds (speed displayed in results) with protocol overhead, network switches, hard drives, etc. could be 50 % of theoretical speeds or less.