SpeedTest: (External) Interested in how fast you can go. This is a testing site for the “hole shot”. This is really a simple brute force test to find out how fast your internet connection is and compare it to those utilizing the same test around you. This test should be performed several times throughout the day to determine your actual speed. You should compare your SpeedTest results with the expected speeds indicated on your bill from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you are getting substantially lower speeds than those indicated by your ISP, you (or your internet service provider) probably have a piece of network equipment that is failing.
Ping Test: (External) If SpeedTest.net tests the hole shot, this is the slalom course which tests the quality of your internet connection and how reliable it is. You can have a very fast connection that drops out regularly. This tests how robust and reliable a given connection is. If you are using any kind of streaming video service like Netflix or Hulu, you want at least a B+ (preferably an A) rating from PingTest. If you are getting low ratings from PingTest you (or your internet service provider) probably have a piece of network equipment that is failing.
