Check speed and performance of Provider

I must make some test regarding the speed and the performance of some Network, before to buy a dedicated server.
What are the ways or services o that to use to check the speed a Provider hosting?

ping IP (from Dos Prompt)

Some online tools?

I am in Italy and I need to make this test on some Hosting Provider, located on USA, Dallas, Chicago, etc.

I would like know all the best tecnich and ways to check this.

Thank you

 

I recommend you use http://www.websitegoodies.com/tools/speed-test.php to check the speed.

 

Most hosts will offer a 50mb or 100mb test file, as well as a test IP.