Netperf
Netperf is a network performance measurement tool for throughput and end-to-end latency.
What Netperf is
Netperf is a network performance measurement tool for throughput and end-to-end latency. It uses two executables in a client-server setup: netperf runs tests and netserver handles the server side. The server can run as an inetd child or a standalone daemon. The manual describes TCP and UDP transfer and request/response tests over IPv4 and IPv6 using sockets, as well as tests for XTI, DLPI, Unix domain sockets, and SCTP. When the platform and build support it, results can include CPU utilization and service demand. Optional configure settings enable pacing for STREAM tests, timing histograms, and interim results. The project primarily distributes source code so it can be installed on systems where binaries are not readily available. It documents reported Windows builds using Cygwin, the Windows DDK, and Microsoft Visual Studio 2003; a README also covers an OSX file and directory naming workaround. Hewlett Packard Enterprise released this version under the MIT license. The project cautions that its manual may be outdated, and some test types need enabling at configure time. Price: free.
Good
- Measures throughput and end-to-end latency
- Tests TCP and UDP over IPv4 and IPv6
- Can report CPU utilization and service demand
- Released under the MIT license
Watch out
- Distributed primarily as source code
- Some tests require configure-time enabling
- The project warns that its manual may be outdated
Who it suits
Netperf suits users familiar with the networking protocols and interfaces they want to measure. It is also relevant for users who can build and configure source code on their systems.
Verdict
Netperf offers a broad set of network measurement methods through a client-server workflow. Its source-based distribution and configuration requirements may call for networking and build experience.
Plans and prices
From Netperf's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Netperf | Free | Source code distribution · MIT license · Some platform and test features require configuration |
The facts
Each one read from Netperf's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Client and server
- Netperf uses two executables, netperf and netserver, in a client-server model.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Configuration limits
- The manual says XTI, Unix domain sockets, DLPI, and SCTP tests must be explicitly enabled at configure time.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Documentation caveat
- The project README warns that its manual may be outdated and points readers to it for fuller information.checked 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The manual assumes users have at least a passing familiarity with the networking protocols and interfaces involved.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise says this version was open sourced under the MIT license.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Measurements
- The manual describes reporting CPU utilization and service demand alongside performance results when supported by the platform and build.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Optional test controls
- Optional configure settings enable pacing for STREAM tests, timing histograms, and interim test results.checked 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Netperf measures network performance, including unidirectional throughput and end-to-end latency.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The opened project pages identify the MIT license but do not state security certifications or compliance claims.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Server operation
- The manual describes running netserver as an inetd child or as a standalone daemon.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The README directs people with severe difficulties to contact Rick Jones by email and mentions the netperf-talk mailing list.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- macOS support
- A project README discusses an OSX case-insensitive file and directory name workaround.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The project documents reported builds using Cygwin, the Windows DDK, and Microsoft Visual Studio 2003.checked 4 Oct 2026
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