How to Install and Run Speedtest on Debian/Ubuntu

If you are experiencing slow speeds on your baremetal server or VPS, running a speed test can help diagnose the issue. Follow these steps to install and run Speedtest on your Debian or Ubuntu system.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing any new packages, it is good practice to update your system. Open your terminal and run:

sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Speedtest CLI

The Speedtest CLI (Command Line Interface) tool by Ookla is available for Debian/Ubuntu systems. Follow these steps to install it:

1. Install Prerequisites:

   Make sure you have the required packages:

   sudo apt install curl gnupg2 -y

2. Add Ookla's Official Repository:

   Download and add the Ookla repository signing key:

   curl -s https://packagecloud.io/install/repositories/ookla/speedtest-cli/script.deb.sh | sudo bash

3. Install Speedtest CLI:

   Now, install the Speedtest CLI package:

   sudo apt install speedtest -y

Step 3: Run a Speed Test

Once installed, you can run a speed test using the following command:

speedtest

This command will perform a speed test and display your download and upload speeds.

Example Output

Here is an example of what the output might look like:

   Speedtest by Ookla

      Server: Adamo - Madrid (id: 1680)
         ISP: CUBEPATH
Idle Latency:     8.92 ms   (jitter: 0.10ms, low: 8.82ms, high: 8.98ms)
    Download:   108.77 Mbps (data used: 154.3 MB)                                                   
                  9.01 ms   (jitter: 1.95ms, low: 8.86ms, high: 231.79ms)
      Upload:   937.72 Mbps (data used: 819.2 MB)                                                   
                 12.62 ms   (jitter: 0.43ms, low: 8.84ms, high: 13.52ms)
 Packet Loss:     0.0%
  Result URL: https://www.speedtest.net/result/c/068ae5b7-8013-41f3-a6c3-5c0b8be35aad

Troubleshooting

• No Internet Connection: Make sure your server or VPS is connected to the internet.
• Slow Speeds: Ensure no other intensive tasks are running on the server or VPS that might affect the network performance.
• Firewall Issues: If the speed test cannot connect to servers, check your firewall settings to ensure they are not blocking the test.

Summary

By following these steps, you should be able to install the Speedtest CLI and measure the internet speed on your Debian or Ubuntu server or VPS. If you encounter persistent slow speeds, please provide the test results when contacting support so we can better assist you.