Lately with my pfSense firewall project I’ve been pretty busy with the configuration but now that I’m slowing down a little and finishing up the last bits, I can concentrate on a very important part of any firewall or server for that matter. I needed a way to test the amount of data (throughput) that the link outside of my firewall could handle and also test the processor and disk usages when at load (performance). I accomplished this by using TTCP, a utility that allows you to send and receive multiple threads of TCP data. At the end of the test, which usually takes about a minute and a half, you get a display of how long the test took, what your buffer size was (that can be modified), and what your total throughput was. The binaries for Windows and other OS’ can be downloaded from here. You will need to have this running two or more computers to get any kind of results. The “receiver” is ran accordingly:

pcattcp.exe -r

The transmitter, another computer on a remote segment of the network can be run with:

pcattcp.exe -t 10.0.0.20

The software will then work it’s magic and give you the report at the end of the test. To test from multiple locations, you can launch multiple sessions one right after another on the receiver side and have multiple computers be transmitters to that single receiver.

The diagram below illustrates what I am speaking to accomplish with this.

Alternatives to TTCP would be iperf and qcheck as well as a whole lot more.

My father subscribes to Inc. magazine which is one of my favorites. I don’t get a subscription because my dad gives them to me when he’s done and I’m cheap. I think you already knew that from my previous posts of “free” tech, but just in case you didn’t know….I am cheap. This in it’s own way is an environmentally friendly gesture. Less paper prints, or I would like to think so anyways, though, I’m sure they have a set number of prints they must roll out, I just don’t participate in the disposal of those prints, and tree killing. I’m not a tree hugger, but I hate printing things out when I don’t have to. The same goes for technical things, if I can get it on the computer, I will. It’s searchable, highlightable, and saveable. SHSable.

OK, back to the original subject. Approximately 14,000 blogs have agreed today to post something about the environment. This could include how to’s for making your own Eco friendly detergents, cleaners, or batteries. It could include how to make a solar grid work for your home, install a wind generator, or even explain the benefits of geothermal heat. The reason I mentioned Inc. magazine was it’s never ending ability to always put an Eco friendly spin on technology, include articles about businesses and entrepreneurs who are Eco friendly and they look good doing it. Just go to the website, http://www.inc.com and see for yourself.

Here are a few of my favorite Eco friendly videos. It really makes you wonder what they will come out with next.

Water::..

Solar::..

Wind::..

Earth::..

Captain Planet::..

Ok, I was driving my Mini Cooper S around today, like I always do and couln’t help but thinking that the car was acting really lame. Well, it took my brain a minute to catch up and thought to myself, duh, the intercooler is heatsoaked. With it being so hot outside, the engine holds an internal temperature (at least in coolant) of 170 Degrees to 220 Degrees F. which makes the intercooler heat up through radiant temperature much quicker. The intercooler I suppose was only about 20-25% effecient rather than 60-70% effecient bringing down the power that the motor is capable of making. This happens not directly because of the temperature but because the motor has to pull the timing on its ignition so that it won’t blow up. That would suck. Hopefully when the money starts coming in again, I’ll be able to afford an intercooler sprayer and possibly an intercooler upgrade. We’ll see. Have to pay some bills first. Until next time…

I found this on the blog Daily Cup of Tech (link on right) and thought it was pretty interesting. The website freely allows you to connect to international land lines for free. I tested it from my cell to my wife’s cell and it worked just fine. Pretty neat.