Now that I have two GigE Macs + GigE switch, how can I test the speed?

[SteveJobs]

Is there a utility to test the LAN connection speed, like there is for internet speed tests?

[Seacrest]

Copy a DVD over the network.

[SteveJobs]

I did, as a matter of fact. Should I just time it and divide the size by time, then? I thought there might be a more accurate program. But, if that's it, then that's it.

[SteveJobs]

Okay, in the activity monitor I copied files to and from a GigE and a 100 bt connection. The GigE topped out at about 36 MB/Sec, whereas the 100 topped out at about 10 MB/Sec.

[ka jowct]

There must be some LAN tools (applications) that presumably could do what you want, but last time I looked, they were expensive.

I'd wouldn't mind knowing the difference in my set-up since adding a gig-e switch and card, but only if I could determine that for free: I don't care enough about the numbers to invest in additional software. I'm happy with the fact that the improvement is noticeable.

[Carthaigh]

Theoretically, your maximum data transfer speed would be 125MB/s but you will be limited by how fast your hard drives can spin.

There are some freeware programs that might help you gauge how fast your transfer speeds are. I just can't remember the name of the one that I used to have.

[Carthaigh]

Here is an old post of mine from dealmac:

"After removing a low speed cable from my network, both of my computers are recognized by my gigabit switch as supporting gigabit ethernet (thanks to The Grim Ninja and JfM).

The only problem I have is that going from 100Base-T to gigabit is that my transfer speeds have gone from 11.5MB/s to 27MB/s which while that is good it is still WAY below the theoretical transfer speed of 125MB/s. With 100Base-T I was getting 11.5MB/s out of a theoretical limit of 12.5MB/s or 92% of theoretical. With gigabit I am getting 27MB/s out of a theoretical limit of 125MB/s or 21.6% of theoretical. Why the huge dip in performance? Does anybody know?

What kind of transfer speeds are others with gigabit ethernet getting?

TIA"

The 4200 rpm hard drive in my PowerBook was limiting my data transfer speeds.

[BigGuynRusty]

If you have Tiger, get SpeedStat Widget.
http://www.islayer.net/viewWidget.php?id=18

If you aren't in Tiger nirvana yet, get MenuMeter.:
http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/10451

BGnR

[WHiiP]

Hey . . . aren't YOU Steve Jobs?????????????????????? WTF you askin' us for???????????????????

Sell a few shares (yeah, a little late for the timing, hun?) and hire somebody that you can yell at . . .

Sheesh . . .

[mikebw]

"how can I test the speed?"

Don't you pour it out in a line on a hookers (body part) and sniff it up through your nose?

Oh wait, you meant the speed of the network...