How to Run a Local LAN Speed Test Using MikroTik Bandwidth Test (btest.exe)

When troubleshooting a slow network, most people immediately jump to Fast.com or Speedtest.net. However, public internet speed tests won't tell you if the bottleneck is your actual fiber provider or just a bad Wi-Fi signal.

If you use a MikroTik router, you have access to a powerful, lightweight internal tool designed specifically to test local network throughput: the MikroTik Bandwidth Test.

In this guide, we will show you step-by-step how to test the exact LAN speed between your Windows laptop or desktop and your MikroTik gateway.

Why Use the MikroTik Bandwidth Test?

  • **Isolates Local Issues:** Tests the raw speed of your Ethernet cables, switches, and Wi-Fi access points.
  • **No Internet Required:** Works completely offline within your local area network (LAN).
  • **Granular Controls:** Allows you to test using different network protocols (UDP vs. TCP) and directions (upload, download, or both).

Phase 1: Enable the Bandwidth Test Server on your MikroTik

Before your Windows PC can send test data to the router, you must turn on the server feature inside RouterOS.

  1. Open WinBox and log into your MikroTik router.
  2. In the left-hand menu, navigate to Tools > BTest Server.
  3. In the window that pops up, check the box next to Enabled.
  4. (Optional) For maximum security, uncheck Allocate UDP Ports From Firewall and set up specific user authentication.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.

Phase 2: Download and Run the Windows Client Tool

The client software is a portable executable (.exe) file that does not require installation.

  1. Go to the official MikroTik Downloads Page.
  2. Scroll down to the General section.
  3. Find and click on Bandwidth Test to download btest.exe.
  4. Double-click the downloaded file to launch the program.

Phase 3: Configuring and Executing the Test

Once the btest.exe window is open on your Windows device, fill in the following parameters:

  1. Address: Enter your MikroTik router’s local gateway IP address (e.g., 192.168.88.1).
  2. Protocol:
  • UDP: Recommended for testing raw physical limits. It pushes maximum data without waiting for acknowledgments.
  • TCP: Recommended for simulating actual web traffic and testing connection reliability.
  1. Direction: Choose send (test upload to router), receive (test download from router), or both.
  2. User / Password: Enter your standard WinBox admin credentials.
  3. Click Start.

You will see a live graph showing your exact network throughput in Mbps or Gbps, alongside your current latency (ping).

⚠️ ⚠️ A Critical Warning: Watch Your Router's CPU!

Generating and processing hundreds of megabits of fake test data is an incredibly intensive task for a network processor.

If you run this test on a smaller home or office router (like the hAP lite or hAP ac2), the router’s CPU will likely hit 100% usage. When this happens, your speed test results will drop, and internet traffic for everyone else on the network will grind to a halt.

- Best Practice: Keep an eye on the CPU usage meter at the top of WinBox while running the test. If it hits 100%, the speed bottleneck you see is your router's processor capacity, not your cables or Wi-Fi!

Wrapping Up

The MikroTik Bandwidth Test tool is an essential utility in any network administrator’s toolkit. By running a quick local test, you can confidently determine whether a network slowdown requires a call to your Internet Service Provider, or simply a closer look at your local Wi-Fi configuration.