This is not a new problem, but as ISPs offer faster speeds and a larger menu of options, users are becoming more demanding.

[March 25, 2008]

On the ISP-Tech list in February, SR asked

I am looking for suggestions regarding FREE (or pay, if it's good) speed test software. We're looking for software we can run securely on a FreeBSD and/or a Linux server.

We'd prefer that our DSL customers can use it but we also want it accurate enough to measure higher bandwidth applications such as T1, T3, or even fiber if possible.

I don't want any Windows software; just BSD or Linux software.

...

We're finding [that what we have now] works decently for DSL but it's not always the most accurate. Also, we're wanting folks on T1s or even fiber to be able to use it and the software above doesn't do that well.

All suggestions welcome.

[MP recommended] "You might want to give these folks a look:

http://www.speedtest.net/

http://www.speedtest.net/mini.php"

[CS agreed] "We just installed the trial version from www.speedtest.net because we're doing some raw bandwidth monitoring. I'll probably use the mini version after the trial for general use by our customers.

It takes about 2 minutes or less to setup. Nothing to install. Just dump the files in a directory in your web path, choose your asp flavor (.asp, asp.net or .php), make a simple mod in the .xml file (the path to your speed test) and start testing. You can fancy it up later if you wish."

[CH noted] "http://www.dslreports.com/stest?apply=1"

[SH recommended] "We've been using NDT for a few years now. It's not as easy to setup as some of the others (it requires some linux kernel patches on the server), but I've been happy with it. The only complaint I've ever gotten about it is that it doesn't work with IE for some strange reason (something about that Microsoft version of java most likely.) If nothing else it's saved me a lot of pain by pointing out the duplex mismatches."

Some respondents felt that no speed test would be adequate.

[GR hedged] "I'm not sure which speed test software anyone should use. I had used Derek Del Conti's for quite some time and now use speestest.net's mini because it's graphical look and it's upload test.

But you need to have some speed test on your site for your subs to use.When they find the ones on the net that don't work so well, your subs will think your ripping them off and they are not getting what they are paying for.

That's the delema, subs checking their speeds with some test they find on the net that is not accurate.

We've had to fight that one and subs just don't understand how bandwidth works.

So maybe along with a speed test a page with explanations of speed tests and why they are there and how they work to head off the disillusionment of inaccurate results.

Speedtest.net is not the win all answer either.We run a wide open network where my subs are going to get as fast as the network will allow them at the time they use it. This means maybe they will get 6 megs maybe they will get 20 Mbps.

With speedtest.net, there is one test in Portland that comes back at 1500 Kbps every time. If they choose one in San Jose or Spokane, Wash. they will see up to 20 Mbps, but the Portland, Ore. test always comes back at 1500 Kbps. Just yesterday I had a sub tell me they were going slow, because of the Portland test."

[SV argued] "I have not seen a useable speed test utility. Marketing will want a utility that when run on the same network that serves the last mile always indicates the customers bandwidth meets the SLA.

The limiting factor is always the upstream connections. Responding servers should be located off network and hosted by third parties. This will give you an honest appraisal of the service the customer is receiving.

A true test should verify more than simple bandwidth for ftp or http transfers. Small ordered UDP packets such as one would see for voice or video should be an option along with the large MTU barn buster tests.

Fiber (I assuming it is Ethernet and not SONET) and DSL are asynchronous circuits and present a different challenge to quantify than synchronous circuits such as DS-1 and DS-3 that will always deliver the channel data capacity unless impaired.

Service Level Measurement metrics are a key to providing your customers visibility to why your network was a good choice. They are essential tools to manage your network. My opinion is if you are delivering on your SLA's then making your network visible to your customers can only help promote your business.

We do not use a traditional speed test. We gather metrics using Solar Winds and deliver them to our customers via a web portal, all managed service customers have portal access. We do not shy away from monitoring a DSL circuit if a customer voices concerns. Having this data is key to overcoming price objections. I can't compete on price, only service.

Good luck, hope these thoughts help."

—End