Getting Started

LAN Speed Test (Lite) basically builds a file, transfers it both ways (either across your network or to a local drive), 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. Clear out the file cache (so that reading will be accurate without having to re-start the computer)

6. Start the Read Timer

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

8. Stop the Read Timer and do necessary read calculations

9. Fill in all result fields

10. 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.

LAN Speed Test is totally portable. It can be run on any computer from the network share drive, a USB Drive, it's own hard drive, etc.