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Netperf

github.com

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Spec score 7.7 #21 of 33 in Network Testing Software

What it is

Netperf is an open-source, self-hosted utility for measuring network performance. It reports unidirectional throughput and end-to-end latency through a client-server arrangement: netperf runs tests and netserver supplies the server side. Netserver can run as an inetd child or standalone daemon. The manual describes TCP and UDP transfer and request/response tests over IPv4 and IPv6 sockets, plus XTI, DLPI, Unix domain socket, and SCTP tests. Where the platform and build support it, results can include CPU utilization and service demand. Optional configuration enables STREAM pacing, timing histograms, and interim results. The primary distribution is source code, intended for systems without readily available binaries. Reported Windows builds use Cygwin, the Windows DDK, or Microsoft Visual Studio 2003; the README discusses an OSX naming workaround. Hewlett Packard Enterprise released this version under the MIT license. The project warns that its manual may be outdated, and several test families require explicit configuration.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Netperf measures network performance, including unidirectional throughput and end-to-end latency.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended users
The manual assumes users have at least a passing familiarity with the networking protocols and interfaces involved.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The README directs people with severe difficulties to contact Rick Jones by email and mentions the netperf-talk mailing list.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
Hewlett Packard Enterprise says this version was open sourced under the MIT license.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Client and server
Netperf uses two executables, netperf and netserver, in a client-server model.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Configuration limits
The manual says XTI, Unix domain sockets, DLPI, and SCTP tests must be explicitly enabled at configure time.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Documentation caveat
The project README warns that its manual may be outdated and points readers to it for fuller information.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The project says its primary distribution form is source code so it can be installed on systems where the authors cannot readily create binaries.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
macOS support
A project README discusses an OSX case-insensitive file and directory name workaround.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Measurements
The manual describes reporting CPU utilization and service demand alongside performance results when supported by the platform and build.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Optional test controls
Optional configure settings enable pacing for STREAM tests, timing histograms, and interim test results.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Protocols and interfaces
The manual lists TCP and UDP transfer and request/response tests over IPv4 and IPv6 using sockets, plus XTI, DLPI, Unix domain socket, and SCTP tests.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security and compliance
The opened project pages identify the MIT license but do not state security certifications or compliance claims.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Server operation
The manual describes running netserver as an inetd child or as a standalone daemon.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Windows support
The project documents reported builds using Cygwin, the Windows DDK, and Microsoft Visual Studio 2003.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Netperf Free Source code distribution · MIT license · Some platform and test features require configuration Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Netperf plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Measures throughput and end-to-end latency
  • TCP, UDP, IPv4, and IPv6 tests
  • Client-server executables
  • MIT-licensed open source
  • Optional CPU and service-demand reporting

Limits

  • Manual may be outdated
  • Primary distribution is source code
  • Some test types require configure-time enabling
  • No free trial is listed

Who it suits

It suits people familiar with networking protocols who need active throughput or latency measurements on Linux, macOS, or Windows. Source-based installation fits environments where binaries are unavailable.

Verdict

Netperf provides protocol-focused network measurements with configurable reporting and a self-hosted client-server model. Users should account for source installation and the project’s documentation and configuration caveats.

Where Specifiction places it

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