Is there a way to track internet connection speed?

08
2014-07
  • Hong

    Is there a utility program for tracking internet connection speeds?

    The program would test internet upload and download speeds periodically (e.g. once every hour) and record the results.

    • Answers
  • phi

    TestMy.Net offers a tool to automatically check you internet connection speed for multiple attempts. It does not run infinitely, but it should give you a good idea whether your connection speed is too slow for what you pay for.

    Here's the link: http://testmy.net/auto

    Make sure you don't use your connection though, otherwise your results will be skewed, best leave it running while you are at work, kids at school, etc.


    • Related Question

    Why can't I achieve full speed on a Symmetrical Internet Connection?
  • Questioner

    We are using a business Ethernet connection (3Mbit upload, 3Mbit download) and trying to understand issues with our tested bandwidth speeds. When uploading a large file we sustain 340 KB/s; downloading we sustain 340KB/s. However when we run these transfers simultaneously the two transfer speeds rise and fall erratically with a average speed for both at around 250 KB/s. We're using a Hatteras HN404 CPi and we've bypassed the router (plugged a machine directly into the Hatteras; set the NIC to full-duplex).

    Is this expected? Should a max upload interfere with a max download on this type of Internet connection?


    • Related Answers
  • Andrew Moore

    You have to understand that even when you are downloading, you are also uploading data (headers) in order to fetch the proper resource and to tell the server that you are ready to receive the next packet.

    If all your upload bandwidth is clogged, those packets are delayed until you are able to send them, which slows down your download speed.

    The same applies in the other direction. When uploading a file, depending on the protocol, your machine will expect a certain response between parts. That response consumes download bandwidth and if there is no bandwidth available, your receiving of that packet is delayed, reducing your upload speed.

    In order to achieve maximum performance, try to throttle your resources so that they are limited to ~90% of available bandwidth on both sides. That way, you have a ~10% always available for protocol messages.