Developed by Zach Saw and based on the Winsock 2.2 architecture, LANBench has been a go-to tool for IT pros and home users alike for over a decade.
At its core, is a benchmarking framework designed to test Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI inference servers over a Local Area Network (LAN). Unlike traditional benchmarks that run on the same machine as the model (which can mask network latency and serialization overhead), LANBench simulates real-world client-server architectures.
A lightweight orchestration script (usually Go or Rust for concurrency) that manages test cases. It loads a prompt dataset (e.g., dialogues.json or code_gen.json ), defines concurrency levels, and sends requests.
Download and open LANBench on the second computer (the Client). LANBench
LANBench is an invaluable tool for pinpointing specific infrastructure weaknesses. Here are three common scenarios where it proves useful: 1. Identifying Bad Network Cabling
LANBench is a simple yet effective LAN/TCP network benchmark utility. It is designed for testing network performance between two computers and is based on Winsock 2.2. The tool adopts a client-server model where one computer acts as the server, and another acts as the client. The client computer is the one used to initiate the tests and harvest the results.
It is the ideal tool for network administrators, IT professionals, and tech enthusiasts who need to cut through the noise and validate the true speed capabilities of their local network hardware. Developed by Zach Saw and based on the Winsock 2
One of the most lightweight, efficient, and classic tools for this job is .
, a veteran systems administrator, it was the sound of a mystery.
While LANBench is highly appreciated for its simplicity, it is a legacy tool that has not seen major updates in recent years. If you require advanced features or compatibility with non-Windows operating systems, consider these alternatives: A lightweight orchestration script (usually Go or Rust
: You can specify packet sizes, test duration, and connection counts.
: Supports specialized data paths including Send Only , Receive Only , or simultaneous Bidirectional testing.