Internet Speed Test: How to Effectively Test Your Connection

Evaluating Your Internet Speed Beyond Basic Tests

Simply using a service like SpeedTest.net can provide a general indication of your internet connection's performance. However, a more thorough assessment is often needed.

If you desire to monitor your internet speed consistently and verify that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is delivering the promised service, more detailed testing is required.

The Need for Comprehensive Testing

Occasional speed tests are useful, but they don't reveal potential fluctuations or long-term performance issues. Consistent monitoring provides a clearer picture of your connection's reliability.

Understanding your actual speeds over time allows you to determine if you are receiving the bandwidth you are paying for from your ISP.

Source of the Question

This question and its answer originate from SuperUser, a valuable resource within the Stack Exchange network.

Stack Exchange is a collection of question-and-answer websites maintained by a community of users, offering expertise on a wide range of topics.

SuperUser specifically focuses on questions and answers related to advanced computer usage and troubleshooting.

The platform provides a collaborative environment for users to share knowledge and find solutions to technical challenges.

Evaluating Internet Connection Performance

A SuperUser user, KronoS, finds himself with a unique opportunity: simultaneous access to both a cable and a DSL internet connection. He aims to thoroughly evaluate both services before making a final decision.

The User's Core Questions

KronoS has outlined three key areas of inquiry regarding his internet connection testing. These focus on quantitative measurement, broader considerations, and automated tooling.

Specifically, he wants to determine the optimal methods for:

• Quantitatively assessing speeds (both upload and download) and connection quality, including ping times and downtime.
• Identifying additional factors to consider during the testing process.
• Locating tools capable of automating the tests and recording the results.

Quantitative Testing Approaches

To objectively compare the connections, several quantitative methods can be employed. These will provide measurable data for analysis.

Speed Tests: Utilizing online speed test services is a fundamental step. Multiple tests should be conducted at various times of day.

Ping Tests: Regular ping tests to reliable servers (like Google's DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) will reveal latency. Consistent monitoring is crucial.

Traceroute Analysis: Running traceroute commands can identify potential bottlenecks along the data path. This helps pinpoint where delays occur.

Throughput Tests: Tools like iperf3 allow for direct measurement of network throughput between two devices. This provides a more accurate assessment than standard speed tests.

Additional Considerations for Comprehensive Testing

Beyond basic speed and latency, several other factors significantly impact the user experience.

Connection Stability: Monitor for intermittent disconnections or packet loss. These can be particularly disruptive during streaming or online gaming.

Time of Day: Network performance often fluctuates based on peak usage hours. Testing during both peak and off-peak times is essential.

Concurrent Usage: Simulate real-world scenarios by running multiple applications simultaneously (e.g., streaming video, downloading files, web browsing). This reveals how the connection handles load.

Wireless vs. Wired: If using Wi-Fi, test both close to the router and at the edge of the wireless range. Wired connections provide a more stable baseline.

Automated Testing Tools

Several tools can automate the testing process and capture results for detailed analysis.

Speedtest CLI: A command-line interface for Speedtest.net, allowing for automated testing and scripting.

PingPlotter: Combines ping and traceroute functionality, providing a visual representation of network performance over time.

iperf3: As mentioned previously, this tool can be automated via scripting to perform regular throughput tests.

PRTG Network Monitor: A comprehensive network monitoring solution that can track various metrics, including bandwidth usage, latency, and uptime.

By employing these methods and tools, KronoS can gather the data necessary to make an informed decision regarding his internet service provider.

Evaluating Internet Connection Performance

A SuperUser community member, Dennis, suggests a series of diagnostic tests to assess your internet connection. These tools are designed to pinpoint potential issues and measure performance metrics.

DSLReports.com Broadband Tests

DSLReports.com provides a comprehensive suite of tests and tools for evaluating broadband connections. This includes both basic speed tests and more in-depth line quality assessments.

Speed Tests

These tests measure your maximum upload speed and download speed from multiple server locations. This helps determine consistency across different geographic areas.

Tests are available utilizing Java, Flash, and a 100% browser-based option for iPhone users.

Smokeping

Smokeping allows for intensive monitoring of an IP address over an extended period – 24 hours or more. This reveals potential packet loss and fluctuations in latency.

Monitoring is conducted from three distinct locations within the United States.

Line Quality - Ping Test

This test assesses latency, jitter, and packet loss directly to your IP address. It also identifies any network issues occurring along the route to your connection.

Successful completion of this test requires that your IP address is pingable.

Alternative Long-Term Speed Testing

If a dedicated long-term speed test tool isn't available, consider utilizing a command-line network retriever like Wget or Wget for Windows.

This allows you to download uncompressable test files using a shell or batch script, providing data over time.

Test File Locations

Suitable test file servers near Arizona include speedtest.dal01.softlayer.com (Dallas, TX) and speedtest.sea01.softlayer.com (Seattle, WA).

Further insights and discussion on this topic can be found in the original Stack Exchange thread. Feel free to share your own experiences and findings in the comments section.