Speed Test Feature Updates: Speed Test Metrics, Dashboard Widgets & Minimum Speed

Speed Tests stand as crucial tools for evaluating the health and efficiency of a network. In this article, we delve into the significance of Speed Tests, explore the enhanced features introduced by Obkio’s Network Performance Monitoring Tool, and understand the transformative impact of these updates on your network performance monitoring.

Network Speed refers to the rate at which data is transferred across a network connection is referred to as network speed, also known as Internet speed or bandwidth. Bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), or megabits per second (Mbps) are the common units of measurement. The more quickly data can be transferred over a network, the higher the network speed.

Numerous factors can impact network speed, such as the kind of connection (wired or wireless), the quantity of data being transferred, the number of devices linked to the network, and the connection quality. By keeping an eye on your network speed, you may spot any problems or bottlenecks that might be causing your internet connection to lag and take action to improve network performance.

Speed tests typically refer to assessments or measurements of the speed or performance of a particular system, service, or device. The term is commonly used in the context of evaluating internet speed, but it can also be applied to various other technologies. Speed Tests measure latency, download and upload rates, and other network-related metrics.

• Internet Speed Tests: They measure the speed of your Internet connection, including download and upload speeds. They often involve sending and receiving a small amount of data between your device and a server.
• Network Speed Tests: These tests evaluate the speed of data transfer within a network. They can be used to identify bottlenecks or issues affecting the efficiency of data transmission.
• Website Speed Tests: They measure the loading time of a website or web page. These tests provide insights into the user experience and can be crucial for optimizing websites for faster performance.
• Computer or Device Performance Tests: These tests assess the speed and efficiency of a computer or device. They involve running software or scripts that stress different components, such as the processor, memory, and storage, to gauge overall performance.
• Mobile Network Speed Tests: Similar to Internet speed tests, these specifically assess the speed of a mobile network, including 3G, 4G, or 5G connections.
• Application Performance Tests: They focus on evaluating the speed and responsiveness of specific software applications. These tests are useful for developers and organizations to optimize software performance.

Speed Tests serve a myriad of purposes in the realm of network management. They are instrumental in:

• Identifying potential bottlenecks
• Assessing the impact of network changes
• Ensuring that service level agreements (SLAs) are met

Furthermore, Speed Tests contribute to the proactive identification of issues, enabling swift troubleshooting and resolution. End users can perform speed tests to fix connectivity issues and find out if the issue is with their Internet connection or something else.

Lastly, speed tests are used by ISPs to evaluate customer experience and the calibre of the Internet services they offer. It aids in their comprehension of the actual speeds experienced by customers and points out areas in need of development.

Obkio introduces groundbreaking updates to its Speed Test feature, offering a comprehensive solution that goes beyond conventional monitoring. Let's delve into the details and understand how these updates bring unparalleled value to network administrators.

Every user has access to two different types of speed tests. When needed, On Demand Speed Tests are manually initiated.

Using Scheduled Speed Test Templates, you can plan Scheduled Speed Tests between the two monitoring agents of your choosing at predetermined frequencies.

Several of our clients, for example, will arrange Speed Tests at 100% of the connection speed at night using this tool. They won't disturb workers while they're working, even if they create congestion.

Additionally, schedule the speed tests at 50% during the working day to make the frequency less disruptive during working hours.

To provide you with an overview of the entire performance of your network, you can use both types of speed tests in addition to other of Obkio’s network monitoring features.

Any monitoring agent within the company, including public monitoring agents, can use the speed test capability. A speed test between two agents can be started without a Network Monitoring Session.

It is necessary to specify two agents when designing a speed test. One agent will be chosen automatically to act as the client, starting the connection, and another agent to act as the server, waiting for an incoming connection. The same algorithm that is utilized for the network monitoring session is also used for the network monitoring role selection.

A monitoring agent may only be assigned to one-speed test at a time. When two agents are not available, speed tests that are created simultaneously will be queued.

To ensure flexible customization and user-centric design Obkio introduced Minimum Speed configuration for Speed Tests. Users can now set their expected minimum speed thresholds, allowing them to pinpoint tests that fall short of their predefined standards.

In Mbps, the minimum speeds are in both directions. The speed test status is set to Below minimum if the results of the speed tests are less than the "Minimum Speed" that is preset in one of the two directions. The speed test status is set to Success if the required steps were taken and the test was conducted correctly. Make use of this function to monitor speed test results that fall short of anticipated throughput levels.

How it Works:

Create the Speed Tests and access the new feature Minimum Speed. In the example below, the user has a 300Mbps Up and Down Internet connection.

The user received a Speed Test result of 200Mbps Up and Down, which is below the Minmium Speed configured. Therefore the new status Below Minimum indicated that the Speed Tests was done succesfully, but is below the minimum speed configured. The Maximum Speed is set to 1 000 Mbps / 1 Ggbps, because this is the maximum Speed Test set on the Public Monitoring Agent used.

The Benefit for Businesses:

Businesses often have specific performance requirements for their networks or applications. By identifying and addressing instances where speeds fall below preset minimums, businesses can tailor speed tests based on their unique needs and expectations.

• Proactive Monitoring: Setting minimum speed thresholds enables businesses to proactively monitor their network performance. Instead of reacting to performance issues after they occur, the configurable minimum speeds allow for early detection of potential problems.
• Quality of Service (QoS) Improvement: Configurable minimum speeds are beneficial for businesses that prioritize QoS. By setting minimum thresholds, organizations can ensure that their network meets the required service levels, minimizing disruptions and optimizing user experiences.
• Service Level Agreement (SLA) Compliance: For businesses offering services with defined SLAs, configurable minimum speeds provide a tool to ensure compliance. The system can automatically assess whether the network or service meets the agreed-upon speed standards.
• Enhanced User Experience: By consistently meeting or exceeding the predefined minimum speeds, businesses can enhance user satisfaction. Users experience reliable and high-performance services, leading to improved overall satisfaction and loyalty.

The introduction of Speed Test Metrics and Dashboard Widgets is a game-changer. Network admins can now seamlessly monitor and analyze crucial metrics over time through visually intuitive dashboards.

Now, users can effortlessly monitor crucial metrics such as Download Speed, Upload Speed, Ping (Latency), Jitter, and Packet Loss through intuitive and informative dashboards.

To view the speed test results over time, use the Speed Test Metrics widget. This widget allows you to upload and retrieve speed tests from scheduled and manual tests. Because of the time range that was chosen, while examining aggregated data, the tooltip's period and the graph's minimum speed test represent the total amount of time. Every speed test that is completed is displayed on the graph, and the period on the tooltip displays N/A if the period does not require data aggregation.

An Example of a Speed Test Dashboard

• This is a dashboard for an SD-WAN Branch with 2 ISPs.
• 1 row = Default path (user path / SD-WAN path) load balanced on the 2 ISPs
• Other 2 rows = Performance on the ISP + Amount of trafic on the ISp + Speed Test done on the ISP

The Benefit for Businesses:

• Enhanced Visibility: Gain a comprehensive view of crucial network metrics, providing a holistic understanding of network performance. Easily interpret data with the tooltip's period and graph's minimum speed test, representing the total duration selected for a specific time range.
• Intuitive Monitoring: Effortlessly monitor and analyze metrics over time through visually intuitive dashboards, ensuring quick comprehension and informed decision-making. Enjoy an interface that simplifies the monitoring process, making it accessible for network admins with varying levels of expertise.
• Dynamic Insights: Utilize the Speed Test Metrics widget to view speed test results over time, enabling proactive management and timely interventions for optimal network performance. This widget facilitates the uploading and retrieval of speed tests from scheduled and manual tests, ensuring a streamlined and efficient testing process.

When it comes to monitoring network speed, or Internet speed, precision is paramount. While running a standalone speed test using a website tool might seem like a quick solution, it provides only a quick snapshot of your network's performance at the time of the test. However, the true essence of network speed monitoring lies in employing an end-to-end network monitoring solution that extends beyond mere speed measurements.

Incorporating a comprehensive Network Performance Monitoring (NPM) tool becomes imperative, especially when considering other critical network metrics such as packet loss, jitter, and latency. This holistic approach ensures complete visibility into the overall quality of your network, offering a nuanced understanding that goes beyond raw speed figures.

It's common for individuals to resort to standalone speed tests when seeking to monitor network or Internet speed. Yet, this approach falls short of providing a comprehensive evaluation of performance. Simply put, a speed test at a single point in time doesn't offer the depth required to make informed decisions about network efficiency.

Moreover, the aftermath of standalone speed tests can contribute to network congestion, impacting all traffic on the Internet connection. While this might be tolerable for residential tests, in a business environment, it could lead to severe disruptions in critical operations like VoIP calls or video conferences. The importance of employing an NPM tool becomes evident in mitigating these potential disruptions by offering a more holistic and strategic approach to network monitoring.

For this reason, we advise using a tool like the Obkio Network Performance Monitoring and Network Speed Monitoring Tool to track network performance from LAN to WAN.

Take advantage of Obkio's free trial and leave slow Internet behind you! You can identify performance problems, keep an eye on your network speed, and maximize the efficiency of your internet connection using Obkio.

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