How to Test LAN Speed

LAN Speed Test
1. Run LAN Speed Test (see Resources). This is a 'portable' program, which means no installation is necessary.
2. Click 'Start Test.'
3. Choose the location for the temporary file. This file needs to be on a different computer on the network. Click 'OK.'
4. Enter the size of the file with which to test. 100 MB is the default size. Use a larger file size if you have a faster network and/or want a better data result. Click 'OK.'
5. View the results. The completed test will show the sending and receiving statistics, including the number of packets, transfer time and data rate.
Windows Vista or 7 Resource Monitor
6. Run the 'Resource Monitor' program by clicking the 'Start' button and typing in 'Resource Monitor.' Click the 'Network' tab. This displays Windows Vista and Windows 7's built-in network bandwidth monitoring software.
7. Locate a large file on a different computer on the network. The file should be larger than 100 MB for a more accurate test.
8. Copy the large file from the remote computer to the computer where the test is being performed. View the networking monitor to see the speed of the LAN connection.
Windows XP Task Manager
9. Right-click the Taskbar. Click on 'Task Manager.' Click the 'Networking' tab. This displays Windows XP's built-in network bandwidth monitoring software.
10. Locate a large file on a different computer on the network. The file should be larger than 100 MB for a more accurate test.
11. Copy the large file from the remote computer to the computer where the test is being performed. View the networking monitor to see the speed of the LAN connection.