Best bandwidth tests to use in a pinch?

I see many tools that have been discussed for 'proper' bandwidth monitoring and testing - but I am wondering what people use 'in a pinch'? Particularly on systems that they may not easily have admin privileges on?

I am mainly looking for Internet tests. Speedtest.net works in most cases, but it relies on flash - not something that is always available, particularly when rdc'ing into servers.

Anyone have reliable equivalents that will run very lightly? I know they won't give reliable data like ipcop, ntop, ipaudit, bandwidthD when properly configured, but sometimes we just want to make sure things are connected...

Solution 1:

I like DSLReports. They've consolidated several speedtests. Good for quickly going to and finding one if your computer isn't liking one of the tests. There must be over 200 different sites to try. The IPhone one looks HTML only. Unless I'm missing something.

Solution 2:

My preference is http://testmy.net it's fast does not require flash, and easy to remember.

Solution 3:

If you're looking for an extremely unofficial way of testing your bandwidth, that will also NOT require you to install flash or Java... then CNET bandwidth Meter will help you there: http://reviews.cnet.com/internet-speed-test/

Solution 4:

If you have access to machines on both sides of the connection, I'd look into Iperf. From the Wikipedia Article on Iperf:

Iperf is a commonly used network testing tool that can create TCP and UDP data streams and measure the throughput of a network that is carrying them. Iperf is a modern tool for network performance measurement written in C++.

You run the tool on two machines, and iperf will give you information on the bandwidth between them.