Ping refers to the time it takes for your connected device to get a response from the server you are trying to access. The discussion about response time is usually connected to the speed and usability angle.
A ping test ensures that the server you are trying to connect to is accessible and test whether there are long delays in the ping response you receive.
A slight delay in response time is normal because these few milliseconds are used to establish the connection from your home computer with a server that sometimes exists in another country or even a continent.
This small delay in ping is expected when the data is sent upstream and when it’s received downstream. Based on different factors such as the connection speed, location, and the server’s performance that hosts the application, the ping can differ.
The unit of measurement for ping is milliseconds.
Here, you will learn more and get some tips to reduce ping and choose the right ping test.
How to Know Your Ping?
Now that you know how a ping test works let’s put the knowledge into practice and understand how efficient your internet connection is. There are two methods that you can use to test your ping.
Method 1: Using Online Tools
Step 1: Disconnect all the secondary devices connected to the internet connection or use the same WiFi connection.
Step 2: Close all the applications on your PC that use the internet connection.
Step 3: The best way to do a ping test is by using free online software that is instantly accessible for you. Also, there are a few mobile applications available if you want to check them on your smartphone.
Step 4: Make sure that the online tool you are using has a feature that can also measure the ping’s latency so that you can ascertain that there is no prolonged delay.
Step 5: Run the Ping Test
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
Step 1: Open Command Prompt on your PC by clicking the start menu and then searching using the keyword cmd.
Step 2: When the command window opens, add this command ping example.com. After this, press enter.
Step 3: The command prompt will start to fetch the data and soon display the result on your screen.
Upstream, Downstream, Ping, Jitter: How To Read A Ping Test?
Now that you have done the test, how will you know whether the results are good or bad? So, to assess the result, you must first look into the data collected by the test. Look for the numbers you find get for these elements:
- the upward debt;
- downward Flow;
- the ping;
- and jitter.
- The upward Flow
Upward Flow refers to the uploads from your device. It’s usually calculated in Mbps, and if you see higher numbers for this, that means you have a good internet connection.
- Downward Flow
This is the opposite of upward Flow, and this is the data you received from a server. Like upward Flow, this is also calculated in Mbps, and the higher the data obtained, the better is the internet connection you currently have.
- Ping
Ping is nothing but the time between the upward and downward data retrieval. If you notice lower numbers, that means you have a faster internet connection.
This data corresponds to the round trip time of a request sent by one device to another. The lower the ping test results, the faster is the connection.
- Jitter
Jitter is the difference observed between each ping, and again it’s measured in milliseconds. If you see a high jitter in your connection, that means inconsistency in the speed. But if the jitter remains stable, the internet connection that you have is pretty decent.
Ping Quality Index
20-80 milliseconds: This is the ideal ping you need if you use the internet connection for some heavy-duty stuff like playing graphic-intensive online games. This will ensure the data is transferred to full potential and no lag hampers the excitement.
80- 120 milliseconds: The quality of the connection is medium or average. This is the type of connection that may cause a delay while playing games online.
More than 120 milliseconds: Consider this as the worst connection experience. Such a connection is bad for gamers and can cause issues even during normal day-to-day activities.
How to Improve Your Ping?
Here are some of the most common ways to fix issues with bad ping
- Increase the performance of your PC
- Limit the number tabs open in your browser.
- Stop secondary internet activities such as downloading
- Last but the best option is to change the operator