Boost Your Internet Speed Tests With Ookla Speedtest CLI

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Boost Your Internet Speed Tests with Ookla Speedtest CLI

Hey guys! Ever wondered how fast your internet connection really is? Sure, you can head over to a website and click a button, but what if you want more control, or need to automate those speed checks? That's where the Ookla Speedtest CLI (Command Line Interface) comes in! This awesome tool lets you run speed tests directly from your terminal, giving you a ton of flexibility and data at your fingertips. In this article, we'll dive deep into what the Speedtest CLI is, why you should use it, how to install it, and even some cool ways to put it to work. Get ready to level up your internet knowledge!

What is the Ookla Speedtest CLI?

Alright, let's start with the basics. The Ookla Speedtest CLI is a command-line utility that allows you to perform internet speed tests using the popular Speedtest.net platform, directly from your terminal or command prompt. Unlike the browser-based speed tests, the CLI version offers a more streamlined and scriptable experience. This means you can integrate speed tests into scripts, automate them, and gather data over time without needing to manually click anything. It is like having a turbo button for your internet speed tests!

Core Functionality and Features

So, what can this tool actually do? The primary function is, of course, to test your internet speed. It measures your download and upload speeds, as well as your ping (latency). But the CLI is more than just a simple speed checker; it's a powerful tool with some really neat features.

Firstly, it automatically finds the closest Speedtest.net servers to give you the most accurate results. You can also specify a server manually if you want to test against a particular location. Secondly, the CLI provides detailed output, including your IP address, the server used for the test, and the exact download, upload, and ping results. This is way more data than you get from a simple web-based test. Plus, the results are easily parsable, meaning you can easily save them to a file or use them in scripts for data analysis. This is super helpful if you want to track your internet performance over time and see how it changes. Finally, it supports various command-line options. You can use these to customize your tests, such as specifying the test duration or changing the units for the results. In a nutshell, the Speedtest CLI gives you a lot more control and information than the usual speed test.

Benefits Over Browser-Based Speed Tests

Okay, so why should you ditch the web browser tests and start using the CLI? Well, there are several compelling reasons. The main advantage is the ability to automate. Imagine setting up a script to run a speed test every hour and log the results. This is incredibly useful for monitoring your internet performance and identifying any slowdowns. Also, the CLI is less resource-intensive than a browser. Running a speed test in your terminal won't bog down your system as much as opening a web page with lots of graphics and scripts. The results are also often more reliable. Web-based tests can sometimes be affected by browser extensions, caching, and other factors. The CLI is a much more direct route to getting your speed data. The CLI's scriptability allows for easy integration with other tools and services. You can pipe the results into a data analysis tool or even use them to trigger alerts if your internet speed drops below a certain threshold. Finally, the CLI is simply more convenient for advanced users and network administrators who prefer working in the terminal. If you are a fan of command-line tools, then this is definitely the way to go!

How to Install the Ookla Speedtest CLI

Alright, let's get you set up! Installing the Ookla Speedtest CLI is usually straightforward, but the exact steps vary depending on your operating system. Don't worry, I'll walk you through the process for the most common platforms. It's like building your own internet speed-testing super-powered machine.

Installation on Windows

For Windows, the easiest way to install the Speedtest CLI is via the official installer, which you can download from the Ookla website. Here's how to do it:

  1. Download the Installer: Head over to speedtest.net/apps/cli and download the Windows installer. Make sure you get the correct version (either 32-bit or 64-bit, depending on your system).
  2. Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded .exe file to start the installation. Follow the on-screen prompts. Usually, you can accept the default settings.
  3. Verify the Installation: Once the installation is complete, open the Command Prompt or PowerShell and type speedtest. If everything went well, you should see the Speedtest CLI's help message. Congratulations, you're ready to go!

Installation on macOS

macOS installation is also pretty simple, and the preferred method is using Homebrew, a popular package manager for macOS. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Install Homebrew (if you haven't already): Open Terminal and run this command: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)" Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
  2. Install Speedtest CLI: Once Homebrew is set up, install the Speedtest CLI by typing brew install speedtest in your Terminal and hitting Enter.
  3. Verify the Installation: After installation, type speedtest in your Terminal. You should see the help message, which confirms that the installation was successful.

Installation on Linux

Linux installation can vary slightly depending on your distribution. Here's a general guide that should work for most Debian/Ubuntu-based systems:

  1. Download the .deb Package: Go to speedtest.net/apps/cli and download the .deb package suitable for your architecture (usually AMD64 for most modern systems).
  2. Install the Package: Open your terminal, navigate to the directory where you downloaded the .deb file, and run sudo dpkg -i speedtest-cli_*.deb. Replace speedtest-cli_*.deb with the actual filename of the package you downloaded.
  3. Fix Dependencies (if needed): Sometimes, the installation might fail due to missing dependencies. If this happens, run sudo apt-get install -f. This command will attempt to fix any broken dependencies.
  4. Verify the Installation: Type speedtest in the terminal to confirm that the installation was successful.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. If you run into problems during installation, here are a few things to check:

  • Permissions: Make sure you have the necessary permissions to install software on your system (e.g., administrator privileges). On Linux, you'll need to use sudo.
  • Firewall: Your firewall might be blocking the Speedtest CLI from accessing the internet. Make sure your firewall allows connections to the necessary ports (typically, it should be fine by default).
  • Path Issues: On some systems, the Speedtest CLI might not be added to your system's PATH environment variable automatically. This means you might get an "command not found" error when you try to run speedtest. You can often fix this by manually adding the CLI's installation directory to your PATH (search online for how to do this for your specific operating system).
  • Dependencies: Double-check that all required dependencies are installed. On Linux, this might involve installing specific libraries. The error messages during installation can often give you clues about missing dependencies.

If you're still having trouble, a quick search online for the specific error message you're seeing can often help you find a solution. The internet is a great place to solve these kinds of problems, as others have probably experienced the same issue as you!

Using the Ookla Speedtest CLI: Basic Commands and Options

Now that you have the Ookla Speedtest CLI installed, let's learn how to use it! The basic command is simple, but there are tons of options that let you customize your tests. Think of it like a remote control for your internet speed.

Running a Basic Speed Test

The most basic command is just speedtest. When you run this, the CLI will automatically find the closest server and perform a speed test. It will show your download speed, upload speed, and ping time. Give it a try! Open your terminal, type speedtest, and hit Enter. You should see something like this:

   Speedtest by Ookla

      Server: [Server Name] ([Server Location])
         ISP: [Your ISP]
    Download: [Download Speed] Mbps
      Upload: [Upload Speed] Mbps
         Ping: [Ping Time] ms

The output might vary slightly depending on your system and internet connection. If you see this kind of result, you have successfully run a speed test using the CLI. Pretty cool, right?

Exploring Useful Command-Line Options

The real power of the Speedtest CLI comes from its command-line options. Here are some of the most useful options:

  • --help: Displays a list of all available options. This is your go-to resource if you need to remember what each option does. Type speedtest --help in the terminal.
  • --server [server ID]: Allows you to specify a particular server to test against. You can find the server ID using the --list option. For example, speedtest --server 12345 will test against the server with ID 12345.
  • --list: Lists all available Speedtest.net servers along with their IDs and other details. This is helpful if you want to test against a server in a specific location.
  • --json: Outputs the results in JSON format. This is super handy if you want to parse the results in a script or log them to a file.
  • --bytes: Displays the download and upload speeds in bytes per second instead of bits per second.
  • --debug: Shows more detailed debugging information, which can be useful if you're having trouble with the test.
  • --accept-license: Accepts the license agreement without prompting. Useful for automation.

Examples of Command Usage

Let's put some of these options to use. Here are a few examples:

  • Testing against a specific server: speedtest --server 12345 (replace 12345 with the actual server ID).
  • Getting results in JSON format: speedtest --json (this is great for scripting).
  • Listing all available servers: speedtest --list (use this to find the server IDs).
  • Displaying speeds in bytes: speedtest --bytes.

Experiment with these commands to see how the output changes. Mastering these options will allow you to get the most out of the Speedtest CLI.

Automating Speed Tests with the Ookla Speedtest CLI

Now for the fun part: automation! One of the biggest advantages of the Ookla Speedtest CLI is its ability to be integrated into scripts and automated tasks. You can set it and forget it, keeping tabs on your internet speed without lifting a finger. Think of it like having your own personal internet speed monitor.

Scripting Examples (Bash, Python)

Let's look at some examples of how to automate speed tests using both Bash and Python. These scripts will give you a good starting point. Feel free to adapt them to fit your specific needs.

Bash Script

Here's a simple Bash script that runs a speed test, logs the results to a file, and adds a timestamp:

#!/bin/bash

# Set the log file path
LOG_FILE="/home/user/speedtest_log.txt"

# Run the speed test and capture the output in JSON format
SPEEDTEST_OUTPUT=$(speedtest --json)

# Get the current timestamp
TIMESTAMP=$(date +"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")

# Append the timestamp and speed test results to the log file
echo "$TIMESTAMP - $SPEEDTEST_OUTPUT" >> "$LOG_FILE"

echo "Speed test completed and logged." # Display a confirmation message

How it works:

  1. Shebang: The #!/bin/bash line specifies that this is a Bash script.
  2. Log File: The LOG_FILE variable stores the path to the log file where we'll save the results.
  3. Speed Test Execution: speedtest --json runs the speed test and outputs the results in JSON format. The output is saved to the SPEEDTEST_OUTPUT variable.
  4. Timestamp: date +"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S" gets the current date and time.
  5. Logging: echo "$TIMESTAMP - $SPEEDTEST_OUTPUT" >> "$LOG_FILE" appends the timestamp and speed test results to the log file. The >> operator means to append to the file; it doesn't overwrite any existing content.
  6. Confirmation: A message confirms the completion.

To use this script:

  1. Save the script to a file (e.g., speedtest_automation.sh).
  2. Make the script executable: chmod +x speedtest_automation.sh.
  3. Run the script: ./speedtest_automation.sh.

The speed test results will be added to the log file each time you run the script. You can then view the contents of your log file.

Python Script

Here's a Python script that does a similar job:

import subprocess
import json
import datetime

# Set the log file path
LOG_FILE = "/home/user/speedtest_log.txt"

# Run the speed test and capture the output
try:
  result = subprocess.check_output(['speedtest', '--json'])
  data = json.loads(result.decode('utf-8'))

  # Get the current timestamp
  timestamp = datetime.datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")

  # Extract download and upload speeds
  download_speed = data['download']['bandwidth']
  upload_speed = data['upload']['bandwidth']

  # Log the results to the file
  with open(LOG_FILE, 'a') as f:
    f.write(f"{timestamp} - Download: {download_speed} Mbps, Upload: {upload_speed} Mbps\n")
    print("Speed test completed and logged.")
except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
  print(f"Error running speedtest: {e}")
except json.JSONDecodeError:
  print("Error decoding JSON output.")

How it works:

  1. Imports: Imports the subprocess, json, and datetime modules.
  2. Log File: The LOG_FILE variable stores the path to the log file.
  3. Speed Test Execution: subprocess.check_output(['speedtest', '--json']) runs the speed test and captures the output. The output is saved to the result variable. The result output is decoded and converted to JSON data.
  4. Timestamp: The current date and time is captured.
  5. Download and Upload Speed: The download and upload speed are extracted from the JSON response.
  6. Logging: The script logs the speed test results to the specified file.

To use this Python script:

  1. Save the script to a file (e.g., speedtest_automation.py).
  2. Make the script executable: chmod +x speedtest_automation.py
  3. Run the script: python3 speedtest_automation.py

You'll get a similar log with download and upload speeds. This script demonstrates how to parse the JSON output.

Scheduling Automated Tests (Cron, Task Scheduler)

Now, let's schedule these scripts to run automatically. You can use tools like cron on Linux/macOS or the Task Scheduler on Windows.

Using Cron (Linux/macOS)

  1. Open the crontab: In the terminal, type crontab -e. This will open the crontab editor.
  2. Add a cron job: Add a line to the crontab to schedule your script. For example, to run the Bash script every hour, add this line: 0 * * * * /path/to/your/script.sh Replace /path/to/your/script.sh with the full path to your script.
  3. Save the crontab: Save the file and exit the editor. Cron will automatically start running your script at the specified intervals.

Using Task Scheduler (Windows)

  1. Open Task Scheduler: Search for "Task Scheduler" in the Windows search bar and open it.
  2. Create a basic task: Click "Create Basic Task...".
  3. Name the task: Give your task a name and description.
  4. Set the trigger: Choose how often you want the task to run (e.g., daily, weekly, hourly).
  5. Set the action: Choose "Start a program" as the action.
  6. Specify the program: Enter C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe as the program/script and, in "Add arguments," specify the path to your script, with the /c command. For the bash script it is recommended to add "C:\Program Files\Git\usr\bin\bash.exe" -c "/path/to/your/script.sh". The exact path might vary depending on how Git is installed on your Windows machine, ensure that you fill in the path.
  7. Finish: Click "Finish" to create the task.

Monitoring and Alerting

Once you're logging your speed test results, you can use these data to monitor your internet performance and set up alerts.

  • Data Analysis: Use tools like grep, awk, or sed (or more advanced tools like Python scripts) to analyze your log files. Calculate the average download/upload speeds over time, identify trends, and spot any drops in performance.
  • Alerting: You can create scripts to check your speed test results and send you a notification (e.g., an email or a message via a messaging service) if your internet speed falls below a certain threshold. For example, you could write a script that checks the latest speed test results in the log file, and if the download speed is below a certain value, sends you an email. This is useful for knowing when your internet is slow and could indicate a problem with your connection.

By combining these techniques, you can set up a fully automated system for monitoring your internet speed and getting notified when something goes wrong. This is incredibly useful for troubleshooting internet issues and ensuring you're getting the service you're paying for!

Advanced Tips and Tricks for the Ookla Speedtest CLI

Let's get even more creative! Here are some advanced tips and tricks to maximize the potential of the Ookla Speedtest CLI. It's time to become an internet speed guru.

Integrating with Network Monitoring Tools

The Speedtest CLI integrates seamlessly with various network monitoring tools, allowing you to incorporate internet speed tests into your overall network monitoring strategy. Here's how you can make that happen:

  • Prometheus and Grafana: You can use the speedtest --json output and a small script to scrape the data and expose it as Prometheus metrics. Then, you can visualize the data in Grafana, creating dashboards that display your internet speed over time alongside other network metrics.
  • Zabbix/Nagios: Use the same speedtest --json output to create custom checks for Zabbix or Nagios. You can then set up alerts if your internet speed drops below a certain threshold.
  • Custom Scripts: Write custom scripts in your favorite scripting language to parse the JSON output of the Speedtest CLI and feed the data into other monitoring tools or dashboards.

Using the CLI in Docker Containers

If you're a fan of Docker, you can easily run the Speedtest CLI inside a container. This offers several benefits:

  • Isolation: The CLI runs in an isolated environment, preventing conflicts with other software on your system.
  • Portability: The container can be easily deployed on different systems, making it simple to monitor internet speed from anywhere.
  • Automation: You can create automated builds to get the CLI, making setup quick.

Here's a basic Dockerfile that you can use to create a Docker image with the Speedtest CLI:

FROM ubuntu:latest

RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends curl ca-certificates gnupg

RUN curl -s https://install.speedtest.net/app/cli/install.deb | bash

CMD ["speedtest", "--json"]

To build and run the container:

  1. Save the Dockerfile: Save the above code to a file named Dockerfile.
  2. Build the image: Open your terminal and navigate to the directory where you saved the Dockerfile, then run docker build -t speedtest-cli ..
  3. Run the container: Run docker run --rm speedtest-cli to perform a speed test. The --rm option removes the container after it's finished.

You can then modify the CMD in the Dockerfile to run different Speedtest CLI commands or integrate it with other automation tasks within the container.

Troubleshooting Advanced Usage Scenarios

Sometimes, things can get a bit tricky when you're working with advanced setups. Here are some tips for troubleshooting more complex scenarios:

  • Network Configuration: Ensure that the system running the Speedtest CLI has a proper network configuration (IP address, DNS, etc.).
  • Firewall Rules: If you're running the CLI in a container or on a server, make sure your firewall rules allow outgoing connections on the necessary ports (typically port 80 and 443).
  • Proxy Settings: If you're behind a proxy server, you might need to configure the Speedtest CLI to use the proxy. You can often do this by setting environment variables like http_proxy and https_proxy.
  • Server Selection: Experiment with different servers using the --list and --server options. The choice of server can affect your test results.
  • Error Logs: Check the system logs for any error messages related to the Speedtest CLI. These logs can often give you valuable clues about what's going wrong.

Conclusion: Mastering the Ookla Speedtest CLI

And there you have it! You've learned how to use the Ookla Speedtest CLI to test your internet speed, automate the process, and integrate it into your network monitoring setup. This powerful tool gives you granular control and the ability to track your internet performance over time, and it is a handy tool. You now have the knowledge and tools to keep your internet connection running smoothly, troubleshoot problems effectively, and ensure you're getting the service you pay for. So go ahead, experiment, automate, and enjoy the benefits of having your own personal internet speed monitoring system. Now you're well on your way to becoming an internet speed expert!

So, whether you're a network administrator, a tech enthusiast, or just someone who wants to know if their internet is living up to its promises, the Ookla Speedtest CLI is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal. Happy testing!