iPerf is an excellent open source tool, for testing the throughput between to points on a network. This is not really related to IT Security, but I periodically like to test my network to make sure everything is operating as it should be. Recently, I have made some upgrades to my home network; pulling a new network drop and installing a new switch for the entertainment center devices. It’s been a few years since I have had to wire up anything and I wanted to make sure the new segment is performing correctly, enter iPerf.

iPerf operates in a client/server model, in order to test a network segment correctly; you will need two machines, one on each side of the segment to be tested. Keep in mind, to do this correctly there should be no other network traffic on the segment being tested.

I will continue to use my home network in this example, beginning with a brief explanation of the physical layout of my test. I created a new vlan for the new segment, while I am testing it. I assigned 2 ports on the main switch to the new vlan, one for the line to the new switch and one for my iPerf server (old Apple G4 running Debian PPC). The client on the far side of the segment is the mac mini that I use as a media center.