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Netperf
What it is
Netperf is open-source software for measuring network performance, including unidirectional throughput and end-to-end latency. It uses a client-server model with separate netperf and netserver executables. The server can run as an inetd child or as a standalone daemon. Its manual describes TCP and UDP transfer and request/response tests over IPv4 and IPv6 sockets, plus tests involving XTI, DLPI, Unix domain sockets, and SCTP. Where the platform and build support it, results can include CPU utilization and service demand. Optional configure settings add STREAM pacing, timing histograms, and interim results. The project distributes source code as its primary form, allowing installation where ready-made binaries are unavailable. It documents reported Windows builds using Cygwin, the Windows DDK, and Microsoft Visual Studio 2003, and discusses an OSX case-insensitive naming workaround. Hewlett Packard Enterprise released this version under the MIT license. The project warns that its manual may be outdated, and some test types require explicit configure-time enablement.
For and against
For
- Measures throughput and end-to-end latency
- Supports TCP, UDP, and documented SCTP tests
- Can report CPU utilization and service demand
- MIT-licensed open source
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
Against
- Primary distribution is source code
- Some tests require configure-time enablement
- Project manual may be outdated
- No free trial is offered
The verdict
Netperf provides protocol-level performance tests with optional timing and resource measurements. Its source-first distribution and configuration requirements make it more suitable for technically experienced users.
Who it suits
Netperf suits users familiar with networking protocols and interfaces who need active measurements on Linux, macOS, or Windows. It is suited to self-hosted, source-based deployments.
Plans and prices
Netperf
Source code distribution · MIT license · Some platform and test features require configuration
Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Client and server
- Netperf uses two executables, netperf and netserver, in a client-server model.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Configuration limits
- The manual says XTI, Unix domain sockets, DLPI, and SCTP tests must be explicitly enabled at configure time.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Documentation caveat
- The project README warns that its manual may be outdated and points readers to it for fuller information.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- 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.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The manual assumes users have at least a passing familiarity with the networking protocols and interfaces involved.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise says this version was open sourced under the MIT license.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- macOS support
- A project README discusses an OSX case-insensitive file and directory name workaround.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Measurements
- The manual describes reporting CPU utilization and service demand alongside performance results when supported by the platform and build.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Optional test controls
- Optional configure settings enable pacing for STREAM tests, timing histograms, and interim test results.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- 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.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Netperf measures network performance, including unidirectional throughput and end-to-end latency.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The opened project pages identify the MIT license but do not state security certifications or compliance claims.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Server operation
- The manual describes running netserver as an inetd child or as a standalone daemon.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The README directs people with severe difficulties to contact Rick Jones by email and mentions the netperf-talk mailing list.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The project documents reported builds using Cygwin, the Windows DDK, and Microsoft Visual Studio 2003.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
