EVE-NG vs iperf3

EVE-NG is a clientless network emulation platform for network, security, and DevOps professionals. It is presented for building virtual proof-of-concept projects, solutions, and training environments for organizations, educators, individuals, and groups. A topology designer supports lab creation, configuration import and export, XML lab files, and picture or map imports. Running nodes can connect through hot links, including to real networks. Listed Professional features include KVM hardware acceleration, Docker and custom Docker support, and up to 1024 nodes per lab. Integrations include RADIUS and Microsoft Active Directory authentication, Docker-integrated Wireshark, and an integrated NAT cloud. Hosting options include Proxmox, VMware platforms, and Google Cloud platform VMs. The free plan allows 7 nodes per instance and 63 per lab, with the Admin role only. EVE-NG Base and RBL are priced on request; RBL supports multiple roles, with added roles priced separately. Community Edition support and end of life ended in June 2026.

iperf3 is a free command-line network measurement tool that reports achievable IP-network bandwidth, throughput, loss, and related results. It includes client and server functions for TCP, UDP, and SCTP tests, with adjustable timing, protocol, and buffer settings. Client or server output can be emitted as JSON, including line-delimited JSON for real-time parsing, and a library version can be embedded in other programs. The project uses a three-clause BSD license and lists Ubuntu Linux, FreeBSD, and macOS as its officially supported platforms. Windows is not officially supported; its FAQ points users with Windows problems toward iperf2. ESnet supplies source distributions rather than binary packages and recommends checking SHA256 checksums. iperf3 began as a perfSONAR bandwidth tester, its primary user base. It is not backwards compatible with the original iperf. Version 3.22 was released September 29, 2026.