When is the network bandwidth of interest?

If users or administrators complain about poor response times, it is important to have a tool to determine the network bandwidth. Also when configuration changes are in progress in the network or in the datacenter - and generally for branch offices and remote work (VPN connections). In daily practice, the application servers sometimes have performance problems, but the network is fast. Measurable facts are very helpful for troubleshooting.
 

No installation - easy setup

Speedtest Tool does not require installation as it is a portable tool. All you need is a network share or a drive letter to which you have write access and you are ready to go.

1. Use a network folder to which you have read and write permissions or create a new one. This can be a UNC path (example: \\Fileserver1\Data\Speedtest) or a path with a drive letter (example: U:\Speedtest).
2. Enter this path in the Speedtest tool under "Speedtest destination". Click on "Start". A window appears that checks the remote directory. The first two checks should show a green tick and the third a red X. Now click on "Create files now".
3. Click on "Repeat check". All three checks should now show a green tick. Close the window and perform a speed test.

Fixed speedtest destinations

You can enter fixed speedtest destinations in the PingTool.ini file, which then appear in the drop-down field. The destinations can be drive letters or UNC paths. You need read/write access to the destination. Enter up to three paths in the following syntax:

RemotePath1=<path1>
RemotePath2=<path2>
RemotePath3=<path3>

Example:
RemotePath1=\\FS-Washington\Speedtest
RemotePath2=\\FS-London\Data\Speedtest$
RemotePath3=o:\it\speedtest

History

Speed tests that have already been performed are listed in the history with a time stamp so that you can easily compare two speed tests.

The individual speed tests can be provided with a comment. Use the copy button to transfer the result as text (with timestamp) to the clipboard in order to paste it into another application. For example, in your HelpDesk system, into an E-Mail or a chat conversation.

Start from network drive - portable tool

The Speedtest tool, which is part of PingTool, is a fully portable tool. It therefore requires no installation and can be started from any network folder. This can be a path with a drive letter or a UNC path. This results in many use cases, as you can quickly perform a network speed test from any Windows server or client. Also from the home office (remote work) to check the VPN connection. 

System requirements

Speedtest runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It requires .NET Framework 3.5 or later.

New in version 4.3

• Scheduled speed tests, e.g. "every 5 minutes"
• Stress test (permanent speed tests)
• Table for analyzing the results

FAQ

► How does the Speedtest tool work?

Speedtest Tool performs various file copy operations, measures the time and calculates the bandwidth in Mbps from this. It can be run manual or scheduled.

► How much does the Speedtest tool cost?

Even if the Speedtest tool is not open source software, it is still free of charge. It is part of PingTool, which is also free.

► How long does it take to perform a single speed test?

It just takes a few seconds (< 20), independent of the result.

► Where can I download Speedtest tool?

Speedtest tool is part of PingTool. You can download it from heise.de, for example. Link: PingTool heise.

► Do I need admin rights to run the Speedtest tool?

No. You only need the permission to write to the speedtest destination path.

► Is is possible to start the Speedtest tool without PingTool?

Yes. Just start the Speedtest.exe file. You only need the PingTool.ini file to configure fixed speedtest destinations.

Download

You can download the Spedtest Tool as a part of PingTool. The whole download has a size of 2.3 MB.

Installation

PingTool is a portable software and requires no installation.

1. Unzip the .zip file
2. Run PingTool.exe
3. Click in the "Speedtest" button
4. Click on the "Start" button

Screenshots

Speedtest is running. It only takes a few seconds to determine the bandwidth. Speed tests already performed can be examined in the list box on the left.		Checking the speed test destination. You need write access to the network share or drive letter.