[e2e] pointers to pitfalls of using FTP to test network performance?

[Joe Touch]

Amy,

Amy Wang wrote:
> I am trying to collect a list of issues using FTP or windows file 
> transfer to measure network performance in local area network setting. I 
> would appreciate if anyone can guide me to the proper papers and 
> internet links,

If you're trying to measure packet performance, you might try a packet 
generation tool, like netperf or iperf:
http://staff.science.uva.nl/~jblom/gigaport/tools/test_tools.html

If you are trying to measure the performance of transferring a file, FTP 
is a reasonable choice. Testing from a Windows system is useful when 
that's the application you're trying to measure, but you'll probably get 
better results from FTP - even to Windows hosts.

However, I think you're asking more about the pitfalls in trying to use 
application performance to measure network performance, which basically 
translates into "how do I make my apps use the network well" - for that 
purpose, Matt Mathis' work at PSC would be useful to consult:
http://www.psc.edu/networking/projects/tcptune/

Joe

-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: signature.asc
Type: application/pgp-signature
Size: 250 bytes
Desc: OpenPGP digital signature
Url : http://mailman.postel.org/pipermail/end2end-interest/attachments/20080227/bb9b4b60/signature.bin