Introduction
NetAlly offers three distinct network speed test applications as part of the AllyWare™ common technology platform, each designed for a specific use case. Most people will only need one, but understanding the differences will help ensure you’re using the most effective application for the job. Whether you’re verifying a cable, assessing endpoint capacity, or pushing your wired network to the max, the right tool can make all the difference.
NetAlly’s Performance Test Application
Best All-Around for Wired Network Validation
The NetAlly Performance Test is designed to push your wired infrastructure to its limits, simulating multiple streams of real-world traffic (like voice, video, and data) at 100% of line rate, using Layer 3 (IPv4) and the UDP protocol. (NOTE: NetAlly speed tests do not measure IPv6 traffic.)
- Multiple streams: Emulates complex traffic patterns
- Best for full line-rate validation
- Requires another NetAlly device to act as a Peer or Reflector endpoint to hit the full line rate – CyberScope, EtherScope, and LinkRunner all provide endpoint capabilities
- Also supports the NetAlly Performance Test (NPT) software reflector, free to download from Link-Live.com
- Tests the true capacity of the wired network—not just the endpoints
This test delivers the most accurate and comprehensive view of network performance, making it ideal for infrastructure validation, troubleshooting, and capacity planning.
iPerf Test Application
Industry Standard for Wi-Fi Throughput Testing
The iPerf application uses a widely recognized open-source tool for testing network throughput, iPerf v3. It’s ideal for comparing results with third-party systems and is currently the only performance test available for measuring Wi-Fi traffic in NetAlly tools. iPerf results can be limited by device capabilities and may not hit 100% network utilization, especially with older endpoints.
- Only option for performance testing over Wi-Fi in NetAlly tools
- Operates at Layer 3, using either UDP or TCP
- Open standard: Works with a wide range of devices
- Useful for endpoint capacity testing, especially over Wi-Fi
- Provides insights into both network conditions and device performance
Use iPerf when you need cross-platform compatibility, require Wi-Fi speed measurements, or want to benchmark endpoints.
LANBERT Test Application
Physical Layer Testing for Cable and Fiber
LANBERT (LAN Bit Error Rate Test) is NetAlly’s high-precision tool for evaluating the physical layer of your network. This test operates at Layer 2, consuming 100% of the wired media’s bandwidth to validate raw transmission quality—perfect for assessing the quality of cable or fiber links.
- No IP needed, great for testing physical links before provisioning
- Consumes 100% of the wired media, confirming the integrity of the link
- Uses a reflecting endpoint, such as another NetAlly device—One device sends traffic, and the other reflects it back
- Fiber can be physically looped back with an adapter or patch cable, ideal for solo testing.
LANBERT is especially useful during installation or qualification of new copper and fiber connections. It’s not meant for diagnosing application-level performance (like the Performance app) but excels at identifying layer 2 issues.
Summary: Match the Test to the Task
| AllyWare Test App | Layer | Protocol | Best For | Notes |
| Performance | 3 | IPv4 + UDP | Wired network validation | Most accurate and comprehensive for wired testing |
| iPerf | 3 | UDP or TCP | Endpoint-to-endpoint testing | Industry standard for Wi-Fi performance validation |
| LANBERT | 2 | None (raw data) | Copper/fiber quality and integrity check | Physical layer assessment |