How can I check whether my internet connection is stable?
Press Start monitoring and leave this tab visible. Compare the blue response-time dots: a relatively flat graph means this particular path responded consistently during the test. Spikes show slower web requests; red crosses mark checks that did not finish successfully. Try it when the problem usually happens, then compare a second run with other downloads paused.
What is the difference between internet speed and stability?
Speed describes how quickly data transfers. Stability is about consistency over time. A fast connection can still have occasional interruptions. Use the internet speed test for download and upload rates, then use this monitor for a longer view of response times. Avoid running both at once when you want an otherwise idle baseline.
Is this an online ping test or a packet-loss test?
This is an HTTP response-time test, not an ICMP ping or a direct packet-loss measurement. Every check requests a zero-byte response from Cloudflare’s measurement endpoint. Checks run one at a time, so a slow or timed-out request can reduce the sampling frequency. Browser scheduling, connection setup and the target service contribute to the timings. A timeout can reflect the service, a browser restriction or your connection; it does not identify the cause by itself.
What does jitter mean here?
Jitter here is the average absolute difference between consecutive successful response times. A missed check breaks that sequence. It describes variation in these web requests, rather than a calibrated measurement of your call or game traffic. There is no universal pass/fail threshold for every connection.
Why did monitoring stop when I switched tabs?
Browsers can throttle hidden tabs or suspend a phone’s background page. This tool stops instead of presenting that time as uninterrupted monitoring. Keep the tab visible and your device awake; press Start a new test when you return. Existing results remain available on this page until you start another test or leave.
How can I tell whether Wi-Fi is causing the problem?
Compare runs on the same device near the router and in the room where you have trouble. If possible, compare with an Ethernet cable, keeping other activity similar. Improvement over Ethernet is a useful clue, but one test does not prove which device or service is at fault. Restarting equipment, moving a router into a more open position and checking for competing downloads may help before buying anything.
Could a mesh Wi-Fi system improve coverage?
If the issue is weak wireless coverage, a mesh system may be worth considering after checking router placement and wired options. The NETGEAR Orbi 970 mesh Wi-Fi system (opens in a new tab) (affiliate link) is one option to compare. Check the kit contents, your home layout, router compatibility and current price. New Wi-Fi equipment will not fix an ISP outage or guarantee a particular test result. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Can I send these results to technical support?
Use Copy results or Download report to share a summary with someone you trust. It includes the test times, response statistics and missed checks, without adding your IP address. Tell support where you tested, whether you used Wi-Fi or Ethernet and what else was happening. You can also share the browser and device checker and our guide to useful support details.
Do I need an account or an app?
No account or download is required. Requests begin only after Start and go directly to Cloudflare’s measurement service, subject to its availability and privacy policy. The tool uses no paid lookup account or AWS test-data fallback. Local results are not sent as Google Analytics measurements.