Unit 1 · Data Communication Fundamentals

1.10Hands-on lab: Measure bandwidth and latency

Do these tasks on your own computer or in the lab using free software. Write down what you see at each step: your notes are useful evidence for assessments and for revision.

  1. Run ping 8.8.8.8 and note the round-trip time (RTT) in milliseconds.
  2. Run a speed test and record download and upload speeds.
  3. Compare your measured throughput to the bandwidth your ISP advertises and explain any difference.

Tip: use the transfer time calculator in 1.7 to work out how long a 1 GB download should take at your measured speed, then time a real download and compare.