I've configured our SBS 2008 to accept VPN connections (because I can't seem to get our Cisco router's VPN working). I know that the VPN connection is going to be as fast as the connection itself so theoretically if I've got 2Mbit UP/512Kbit DOWN on server side (our office) and client side (my house, same ISP), I'll get a "symmetrical" 512Kbit connection.
Browsing shared folders located on the server shouldn't even be a problem if that's the case but lately, Explorer has been freezing for about 4-5 seconds before stuff loads up in the Explorer window (while browsing Shared Folders).
Is there any way I can test for my real connection speed? or maybe there's a setting in SBS 2008 I've missed (I have searched online but couldn't find anything related to this).
There are speed test software packs around - you could at least run a flash based one from both sides. That said, symmetrical 512 is theoretical - dont forget that anything the server does limits his side... there are tons of reasons why connections get partially stuck, from small packet loss to downloads happeningin the background.