testing performance over the long term

[networking.2]

People on my wireless network are saying that sometimes (very occasionally), they get bouts of 3-5secs where the network becomes unable. Then everything goes back to fine.

I would like to verify this. Since it doesn't matter a lot, I thought I would just initiate very large transfer and keep an eye on the network performance chart in Task Manager. However, when I leave for a few minutes, I miss out on some data.

Is there any way to monitor the transfer rate over night without me having to sit there? I know there are tools I could use and get an average transfer rate at the end. But that's not what I want to know. I want to know if the transfer rate dropped below say 5mbps even for a few seconds.

 

[thiggins]

How Fast Is Your Network? Five Ways To Measure Network Speed

I'd look at Netstress or Netmeter. Both have plots and can log results.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Possible Interference

Since the problem is with wireless and intermittent I would also look for possible sources of interference.

If your wireless network is on channels 1 -4 look at your microwave or possible even the microwave in an adjacent office.

Next I would check to see that there are not any old cordless phones around that are not DECT 6.

Then see if it could be a motor on some appliance, a copy or fax machine.

Finally look at how many networks are operating on the same channel as your WiFi network. Perhaps a nearby network is using a double wide 40 Mhz channel.

Finally I would look to eliminate the possibility that a power glitches are not causing problems. The AC compressor kicking on could cause a voltage drop, ARC welding equipment, large freezers and or walk in coolers, etc. The simplest way to rule out power problems is by either using a UPS on your modem and router or an isolation transformer. Surge protectors don't help with voltage drops.