How to Test Local Network Speed the Right Way?

Introduction:

How can I test the local speed of the internal LAN? Tools that enable us to generate network traffic and assess the throughput performance of the network are necessary for network testing and troubleshooting. Both wired and wireless networks are affected by this. A means to evaluate the performance of a wireless (or wired) network is necessary for effective troubleshooting so that, as changes are made, we can assess whether or not they affect the network's performance.

How to Test Local Network Speed?

These LAN benchmarking programs can be used in this situation to measure the network speed between two machines. The idea is that you set up a new wireless network, and it functions flawlessly. Run these tools and make a note of the benchmark outcomes for subsequent use. Run these tools again at a later time when you or others feel performance has decreased and contrast the results with what you discovered when the network was first set up and operating as intended.

More than just tweakers and speed demons need to know how quickly your network can transmit data. Testing out "alternative" (to Ethernet) networking technologies including wireless, powerline, MoCA, and others requires this crucial competence. Fortunately, it's not too difficult to see how quickly the bits fly, and even the paid solutions are not too expensive for most people. There are a few considerations that apply to all of the methods:

Make a benchmark measurement on your Ethernet LAN to get started. That way, you have a benchmark to use for comparison when testing something other than Ethernet. While a 100 Mbps Ethernet connection may deliver 90+ Mbps, a Gigabit Ethernet LAN may only deliver 600 Mbps or less. Use an Internet-based test just to measure the speed of your Internet connection. Simply put, there are simply too many variables at play for this to be a reliable indicator of your LAN's performance. There are tons of free and paid tools in the market to test local network speed, but we will stick to the Windows legacy tools on the operating system itself.

1. Windows Control Panel:

To access Control Panel on Windows 10, use Windows + R, type control panel, then click Enter. To access the Network and Sharing Center, click Network and Internet. In the left panel, select Change adapter settings.

Double-click your Ethernet or Wi-Fi network adapter in the pop-up window. When connected to the network, you can next check Speed under Connection to see how quickly your Ethernet or Wi-Fi adaptor connects.

2. Windows CMD:

Using CMD, determine the network adapter speed in Windows 10

Click Start, input cmd, then choose Run as Administrator from the context menu of the Command Prompt. Enter the command wmic nic where netEnabled=true to obtain the name, and speed in the Command Prompt window. Your Windows 10 computer's Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters will be listed here along with their respective speeds.

3. Windows Settings:

From Settings, check the Network Adapter Speed of Windows 10. To access Windows Settings, click Start -> Settings. Please select Network & Internet. Within the left panel, select Status.

Click the View Your Network Properties link under Change Your Network Settings in the right box. Locate the Ethernet or Wi-Fi network adapter under Properties and look for the speed next to Link speed (Receive/Transmit).

4. Windows Power Shell:

To launch PowerShell in Windows 10, press Windows + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin). Enter the command Get-Net Adapter | select interface Description, name, status, and link speed in the PowerShell window. This command can list the names, states, and speeds of each of your Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters. The same commands are also applicable to Windows 11.

When it comes to Network testing in software development, WeTest offers the industry's leading services thanks to its Local Network Experience Testing. Clients will get here in-depth connectivity status of the server, and assist project teams in making server placement and configuration decisions to reduce unnecessary server overhead. They will also get the ability to find potential issues and ensure the network experience of products in the target area.

Wrapping Up:

A crucial component of your windows computer's hardware that establishes a wired or wireless connection to the internet is the network adapter. Knowing how to test local network speed that your card is capable of will help you utilize the full range of speeds that your Internet service provider offers. There are various techniques to figure out the network adapter speed on Windows, whether you want to improve your internet package or check your network for performance concerns. Let's go over each one individually.