Question : Problem: how to test LAN bandwidth?

how to test my LAN bandwidth?

is there software for this?
  basically... i wanna see the differences between my cat5 and cat6 cables... is there software or hardware to measure this?  free downloadable software would be best!!!!

if it can test my wlan as well... that would be even better!

again, i DON'T care about testing internet connection speed... i want to test how quickly files move from PC1 TO PC2....the bandwidth INTERNALLY

Answer : Problem: how to test LAN bandwidth?

You cannot really test the difference in performance between your CAT5 and CAT6. One will not out perform the other if properly installed. Both are more than capable of handling Gigabit connections . The CAT6 does not have better bandwidth.
However, you can use a proper cable certification meter >$6000 such as Fluke DSP, to test and certify the cable is properly installed, and will perform as expected.
http://www.flukenetworks.com/fnet/en-us/products/DSP+CableAnalyzer+Series/Features/
The meter tests for signal loss, cross-talk, noise, etc., all of which can lead to reduced performance, and less bandwidth. The meter verifies the cable is up to snuff, and does give you a "Headroom" value indicating by how much the cable has surpassed the standards. Again, so long as it passes, your network should perform at whatever connection speeds your network adapters and switches are operating.
For the record though CAT5, rather than CAT5E, will support Gigabit, it must be carefully installed and tested.

It is not a bandwidth tester, but a free tool that will compare network performance is QCheck. It is not meant to provide an absolute value, but more as a benchmark or comparison between different points:
http://www.ixiacom.com/solutions/display?skey=qcheck