Orb App: The Smarter Way to Measure Internet Stability Beyond Speed
Wondering how to measure your internet connection quality more accurately than just running a speed test? The Orb app offers an innovative solution by assessing your internet's stability, reliability, and responsiveness, not just download and upload speeds. Developed by Doug Suttles, the former CEO of Ookla (the company behind Speedtest.net), Orb is designed to give users a comprehensive view of their network performance, addressing key concerns like latency, packet loss, and jitter. Whether you're dealing with laggy Zoom calls, buffering Netflix streams, or inconsistent gaming connections, Orb provides actionable insights to help you improve your online experience.
Image Credits:Orb.net Orb App: A New Era for Internet Quality Testing
For nearly two decades, Speedtest.net was the go-to tool for measuring internet speeds globally. However, Doug Suttles believed users deserved a more complete picture of their connection quality. Launched alongside Ookla executive Jamie Steven in 2023, Orb aims to go beyond simple speed tests. According to Suttles, just knowing your internet speed today is like using a dipstick to check your car's oil — you find the problem only after it's too late. Orb, by contrast, acts as a full dashboard, warning you of potential issues before they disrupt your online activities.
What Orb Measures: Beyond Speed to Total Stability
Orb evaluates your internet connection using three critical performance variables:
-
Responsiveness: Combines lag, jitter, latency, and packet loss to measure how quickly and consistently your network reacts.
-
Reliability: Tracks these responsiveness metrics over time to highlight persistent issues.
-
Speed: Measures both download and upload speeds, as traditional speed tests do.
Users can monitor these metrics over various intervals — from one minute to 24 hours — giving them detailed insights into how their network performs throughout the day.
By consolidating these factors, Orb generates a stability score. A score above 80 means your connection is solid; 70 to 80 suggests acceptable but improvable performance; anything below 70 could indicate severe problems needing immediate attention.
Actionable Insights with Orb’s AI Assistance
If your Orb score dips below optimal levels, the app doesn't just alert you — it suggests practical steps for improving your network performance. Thanks to large language models (LLMs) integrated into the system, Orb provides easy-to-understand explanations of issues like network congestion, router interference, or ISP throttling, along with specific solutions to help you get the best from your connection.
This makes Orb not just a measurement tool but a personal internet optimization assistant, perfect for users frustrated with intermittent service or slow speeds during critical tasks like video conferencing, cloud gaming, or streaming 4K content.
Multi-Platform Support: Measure Stability Anywhere
Flexibility is at the core of Orb’s design. The app is available across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms. For tech enthusiasts and advanced users, Orb can also be installed on devices like Raspberry Pi, OpenWrt routers, Docker containers, Steam Deck, Proxmox servers, and even older smartphones. This wide compatibility ensures users can monitor their connections anywhere, anytime — even building custom setups for real-time network diagnostics.
Soon, Orb plans to introduce a shared monitoring feature. This will allow users to monitor a friend or family member’s connection remotely, with both parties receiving alerts if connection quality deteriorates — an excellent tool for IT managers, remote workers, or concerned relatives supporting less tech-savvy users.
Free to Use, Built for the Future
Unlike many advanced network tools that hide features behind a paywall, Orb is currently free to use. Doug Suttles emphasizes the company’s commitment to keeping the consumer version accessible while focusing on enterprise and ISP licensing for revenue. This business model could ensure high-quality service without intrusive ads or subscription costs — another major advantage for users tired of "freemium" models.
So far, Orb has secured $3.8 million in seed funding from Sidekick Ventures and notable tech leaders from companies like Netflix, Fastly, Oculus Studios, and Vetro Fiber. Their investment reflects growing confidence in Orb’s mission to make internet performance monitoring more meaningful and actionable.
More Than Just Speed: Service-Specific Monitoring
One exciting feature Orb is working on involves creating service-specific tests. Imagine being able to check whether services like Zoom, Netflix, X (formerly Twitter), or Google Drive are experiencing connectivity issues — before wasting time troubleshooting your own devices. This "recipes" feature could help users distinguish between ISP problems and service outages instantly, saving time, frustration, and even money on unnecessary tech support calls.
Why Orb Matters for Your Online Life
Whether you're a gamer needing low latency, a remote worker relying on seamless video calls, or a casual streamer who hates buffering, Orb offers a proactive solution to internet woes. With its combination of speed tests, latency monitoring, packet loss analysis, and actionable AI-based advice, Orb stands out as a next-generation network tool built for the modern, connected world.
As internet reliability becomes more crucial — from telehealth to cloud gaming to hybrid work — apps like Orb could soon become as essential as antivirus software for anyone serious about staying connected.
Post a Comment