Orb Revolutionizes Internet Testing with Stability and Performance Metrics

Since its inception nearly two decades ago, Speedtest.net has been the go-to tool for measuring internet speed. However, Doug Suttles, founder and former CEO of Ookla, recognized that speed alone doesn't fully capture the quality of an internet connection. To address this gap, Suttles launched Orb in 2023 alongside Ookla executive Jamie Steven, a tool designed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of network stability by measuring latency, packet loss, jitter, and speed.

Orb evaluates three core variables to assess internet connection quality:

• Responsiveness – measured by lag, jitter, latency, and packet loss
• Reliability – tracking responsiveness and packet loss over time
• Speed – traditional download and upload rates

These metrics can be measured over intervals ranging from one minute to 24 hours, culminating in an Orb score that quantifies connection stability. Scores above 80 indicate a strong connection, 70-80 suggest moderate quality, and below 70 highlight potential issues. When problems arise, Orb uses large language models (LLMs) to provide detailed explanations and actionable suggestions to improve network performance.

Orb supports a wide range of platforms including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, and even Raspberry Pi and Docker. The tool also plans to enable shared monitoring, allowing users to collaborate on connection oversight with real-time notifications for quality fluctuations.

Currently free to use, Orb aims to license its technology to enterprises and ISPs for advanced network analytics and alerting. Backed by $3.8 million in funding from notable investors across tech and streaming sectors, Orb is positioned to redefine how internet quality is measured and managed.

Orb also plans to develop service-specific diagnostics to verify accessibility and performance of popular platforms like Zoom, Netflix, Twitter, and Google Drive, providing users with tailored insights into their connectivity for critical applications.

By moving beyond simple speed tests, Orb offers a proactive, data-driven approach to internet monitoring that empowers users and organizations to maintain optimal network performance and reliability in an increasingly connected world.