> But for bandwidth can't you just have two simple computers at either end that can send a 100GB file and if it arrives in 20 seconds, you know you have 40gbps of bandwidth?
Because that is not reproducible and introduces all sorts of other random variables to your test.
Expensive equipment is the only answer here.
Its a bit like when you ask an electrician to install network cable (yuk !).
They consider their job done after a continuity test (if they bother to do a continuity test at all).
Meanwhile, if you put a Fluke on it, you will pick up all sorts of subtle faults that the electrician's continuity tester will never pick up, but will cause subtle and hard-to-diagnose problems when you try to push data over the cable.
Its the same thing with all those cheap USB testers.
They might have all sorts of fancy displays, but in the end they are no substitute for the real thing and will end up lulling you into a false sense of security.
Because that is not reproducible and introduces all sorts of other random variables to your test.
Expensive equipment is the only answer here.
Its a bit like when you ask an electrician to install network cable (yuk !).
They consider their job done after a continuity test (if they bother to do a continuity test at all).
Meanwhile, if you put a Fluke on it, you will pick up all sorts of subtle faults that the electrician's continuity tester will never pick up, but will cause subtle and hard-to-diagnose problems when you try to push data over the cable.
Its the same thing with all those cheap USB testers.
They might have all sorts of fancy displays, but in the end they are no substitute for the real thing and will end up lulling you into a false sense of security.