Iperf3 is a powerful tool for measuring maximum TCP and UDP network throughput between two points in a network. This article describes how to install and use this tool on the CentOS 7 operating system, enabling users to test and analyze the performance of their network connection.
Installation of Iperf3
Before you begin with Iperf3, you need to install it on both devices (server and client) between which you want to test network throughput. In CentOS 7, Iperf3 can be installed from the EPEL repository, which must be enabled beforehand.
- Enabling the EPEL repository
sudo yum install epel-release - Installation of Iperf3
sudo yum install iperf3
After successful installation, you can verify that Iperf3 is ready for use by displaying its version with the command iperf3 -v.
Configuration and Usage of Iperf3
To measure network throughput, one computer must be configured as a server and the other as a client. Iperf3 then sends data between these two points and measures throughput.
Server Setup
On the device serving as the server, start Iperf3 in server mode using the following command:
iperf3 -s
Client Setup
On the client device from which you will be testing throughput, run Iperf3 with the server's address:
iperf3 -c <server_IP_address>
Replace <server_IP_address> with the actual IP address or hostname of the server.
Advanced Options
Iperf3 offers many parameters for detailed test configuration, including protocol selection (TCP/UDP), test duration, data block size, and more. Here are some useful parameters:
- Protocol selection: For UDP testing, use
-u. - Test duration: Set the test duration in seconds using
-t <seconds>. - Parallel testing: To run multiple parallel tests, use
-P <number_of_connections>.
Example of Advanced Test
For an advanced TCP test with 5 parallel connections lasting 10 seconds:
On the client:
iperf3 -c <server_IP_address> -P 5 -t 10
Result Analysis
Upon completion of the test, Iperf3 will display a detailed result message, including maximum achieved throughput, latency, and potential data loss. This data will help you better understand your network's performance and identify potential bottlenecks.
Iperf3 is a powerful tool for testing network throughput, offering flexibility in test configuration and providing valuable insights for network performance analysis. Its usage in CentOS 7 is straightforward and effective, enabling network administrators and IT professionals to quickly and accurately diagnose and address network issues.
