July 16, 2025

Ping In Internet Speed Test

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Introduction

In today’s digital-first business environment, the quality of your internet connection directly impacts your team’s productivity, customer experience, and real-time interaction. From virtual appointments to sending big files and joining video calls, stable and high-performance internet is essential. While most businesses focus on download speed and upload speed, an equally vital but often overlooked metric is ping. This blog from Enabla Technology explores the science of ping, how it works, its role in internet speed tests, and how you can optimize it to improve everything from streaming videos and web pages to online gaming and remote work.

What Is Ping?

Ping, also known as latency or reaction time, is a measure of how quickly your network responds to a request. Specifically, it calculates how long it takes a data packet to travel from your device to a server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). In network administration, ping plays a crucial role in diagnosing connection quality and overall network performance.

The term “ping” originated from sonar echoes, and the tool was invented by Mike Muuss in the 1980s. It uses Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) to send an echo request and await an echo reply. This Packet InterNet Groper (PING) method gives insights into your network connections, Response Times, and availability.

How Ping Works in Speed Tests

When you conduct an internet speed test—for instance using Speedtest by Ookla or the nbn™ PLUS TEST page—the system measures ping by sending a small packet to a server and recording the ping speed (round-trip time). It often selects a nearby server to minimize distance-based delays.

Ping is part of a broader network quality picture that includes upload speed, download speed, jitter, and packet loss. The combination of these factors determines the Customer Experience for tasks like online games, real-time applications, and websockets technology.

Why Ping Matters

Online Gaming

Low ping equals faster reaction time, giving players a competitive edge. For platforms like Xbox Series X and high-speed fibre options, sub-20ms ping is optimal for lag-free performance.

Video Calls and Virtual Appointments

Smooth video calls and virtual meetings rely on minimal latency. Whether you’re joining a meeting invite or conducting a client review, low ping prevents communication breakdowns.

Web Browsing

Opening web pages might seem simple, but a high ping slows down rendering, especially when loading content-heavy sites or cloud-based applications.

Streaming Videos

Buffering and low resolution are signs of high ping. Services that use real-time streaming protocols depend on consistent and fast ping speed.

Recommended Ping Ranges by Activity

Online Activity Recommended Ping
Online Gaming < 20 ms
Video Calls < 50 ms
Web Browsing < 100 ms
Streaming Videos < 100 ms

What Constitutes Good vs. Bad Ping

Knowing whether your ping is acceptable depends on your connection type and use case:

  • Excellent: < 2ms (premium fibre options or enterprise-grade Ethernet cables)
  • Good: 5–30ms (typical nbn™ connection, Whole Home Wi-Fi, and Fixed Wireless)
  • Average: 30–50ms (DSL and copper connection)
  • Poor: > 50ms (often found with SkyMuster Plus, mobile hotspots, or congested networks)

Typical Ping Values Across Connection Technologies

Connection Type Typical Ping
Fibre < 20 ms
Cable 20–40 ms
DSL 40–60 ms
Mobile 50+ ms
Satellite (SkyMuster Plus) 600+ ms

Factors Affecting Ping

  • Distance to Server: Longer travel time equals higher latency.
  • Connection Type: Wired Ethernet cables beat Wi-Fi for speed and reliability.
  • Network Congestion: Crowded networks during peak hours worsen latency.
  • Router & Hardware: Old or low-grade network adapters and routers create bottlenecks.
  • Background Applications: Cloud sync or streaming apps can spike your ping.
  • Smart Devices & Mesh Systems: Overloaded networks with many smart devices or misconfigured mesh systems can introduce delay.
  • Proxy Server Routing: Using a proxy server for security or region-specific access can increase latency.

How to Test Your Ping

Step-by-Step Using Speed Tools

  1. Go to Speedtest by Ookla, Fast.com, or the nbn™ PLUS TEST page.
  2. Click “Go” or “Start”.
  3. Evaluate your ping speed, upload speed, and download speed (measured in megabits per second or kilobits per second).
  4. Repeat the test during different times of day.

Terminal & Network Tools

  • Windows: Press Windows + R, type cmd, and enter ping www.google.com.
  • Mac: Open Terminal and run the same ping command.
  • Use Control + C to stop the test.
  • Use Network Utility App or Ting Internet Tools for additional metrics like jitter and packet loss.

Troubleshooting High Ping

Common Issues & Fixes

  • Congestion: Reduce usage during peak times.
  • Poor Router Settings: Upgrade firmware and enable Quality of Service (QoS).
  • Wi-Fi Interference: Switch channels or use Ethernet cable.
  • Obsolete Equipment: Replace with Whole Home Wi-Fi or a modern mesh system.
  • Background Apps: Close heavy users of data transmission.
  • ISP Problems: Contact Customer Support for diagnostics or consider a new internet plan.

Quick Fix Checklist

  • Restart your router
  • Use wired over wireless
  • Limit connected devices
  • Optimize QoS settings
  • Upgrade to a better nbn™ connection or ISP

Ping vs. Other Network Metrics

Metric Definition
Ping Response time in ms
Jitter Ping variability
Download Speed Data received (Mbps/Kbps)
Upload Speed Data sent (Mbps/Kbps)
Packet Loss % of dropped packets
Mean Opinion Score Perceived voice call quality

Advanced Tools & Diagnostics

Ping pairs well with tools like traceroute (maps the network path) and ICMP ping for detecting weak links. Together with tools like websockets technology, network admins can fine-tune performance across remote sites, helping the remote worker or hybrid team stay connected.

FAQ

  1. What’s a good ping for gaming on Xbox Series X?
    • Under 20ms ensures ultra-responsive play.
  2. Can I improve ping without upgrading my internet plan?
    • Yes. Try hardware upgrades, wired connections, and reducing interference.
  3. Why does ping fluctuate?
    • Due to background usage, network traffic, or device interference.
  4. Which is more important: ping or speed?
    • For real-time applications, ping matters more; for file transfers, speed is king.
  5. Do outdated devices affect ping?
    • Yes. Older PCs or phones with legacy network adapters create lag.
  6. Is ping always worse on international connections?
    • Typically yes, due to longer Internet Protocol paths and routing delays.

Conclusion

Ping is more than a number—it reflects the connection quality of your entire digital infrastructure. Whether you’re a casual internet user, a growing business, or a tech-savvy network administrator, optimizing ping can drastically improve customer experience, especially in high-demand scenarios like virtual appointments, video calls, and online gaming.

At Enabla Technology, we help businesses across Australia upgrade their network performance with proactive monitoring, robust hardware recommendations, and tailored internet plans.

Need expert guidance? Contact Enabla Technology today to assess your current ping and overall network health.

 

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