Network performance is a crucial aspect to ensure a smooth and efficient user experience. There are several metrics that help us understand the quality of a network, including consumption (download and upload), network availability, packet loss, latency, and jitter.

‍Network Consumption (Download and Upload)

Network consumption refers to the amount of data that is being downloaded (downloaded) and uploaded to a network. Downloading is the process of receiving data from the internet to your device, while uploading is the process of sending data from your device to the internet. Download and upload speed is generally measured in megabits per second (Mbps). These metrics are different from the band. The band is the maximum transmission capacity and varies depending on the access provider and the product purchased. Dedicated links are symmetric. The upload capacity is the same as the download capacity. Broadband or semi-dedicated links are asymmetric. The upload capacity varies between 30% and 50% of the download capacity. But since consumption is typically also higher when downloading, they are solutions that work well in most cases. But the level of service also varies depending on the provider and product, so availability becomes the most important criterion.

Availability

Network availability is a measure of how long the network has been operational and accessible for use. It is generally expressed as a percentage of total time. High network availability is essential to ensure that users can access and use network services when needed. Availability can be affected by several factors, including hardware failures, scheduled maintenance, and network attacks. But the availability of a location increases greatly if there is automatic redundancy, combining multiple links. The formula in this case is as follows:

Disp location = 1 - (1 - disp link 1) (1 - disp link 2)... * (1 - disp link N)

‍Packet Loss

Packet loss occurs when one or more data packets that are being transmitted over the network fail to reach their intended destination. This can be caused by a number of factors, including network congestion, hardware failures, or software issues. Packet loss can result in noticeable delays and decreased quality of the user experience. It's an important metric to monitor, as a high packet loss rate can indicate serious network problems.

Ping

Latency is the time it takes for a data packet to travel from a source to a destination. It is generally measured in milliseconds (ms) and can be affected by several factors, including the physical distance between the source and the destination, the quality of the network hardware and software, and network congestion. Latency is especially important for real-time applications, such as online games and video calls, where delays can have a significant impact on the user experience.

Jitter

Jitter is the variation in latency over time. In other words, it's the difference in the time it takes for data packets to reach their destination. A high level of jitter can result in an unstable user experience, as it can cause delays and interruptions in data transmission. It's an important metric to monitor, especially on networks that support time-sensitive applications, such as VoIP and video streaming.

In short, measuring network performance is an essential part of ensuring a high-quality user experience. By monitoring network consumption, network availability, packet loss, latency, and jitter, we can effectively identify and resolve network problems, thus improving the overall quality of our network. In addition, these metrics allow us to make more accurate predictions about future network behavior and to plan accordingly for growth and expansion.