Yes, about 10 years, but mainly on the web (PHP language).
Well… At first glance, a throughput test application looks fairly straightforward, but in reality, there are many difficulties to overcome.
The first difficulty was to develop a fluid and dynamic graphical interface while the CPU is totally requested by the network card, this is why we used OpenGL on the Android version for the nPerf gauge in order to have everything calculated by the GPU and free the CPU.
Then, when you measure network bandwidth, you have to pay attention to many parameters such as packet size, buffers, timeouts, etc.
Finally, the most complicated thing was to take into account all possible cases of failure and to categorize them to know if they are attributable to the network or to something else in order to have objective data when we aggregate the data for our publications.
Of course, we encountered many other difficulties with web browsing and video streaming tests, as well as with maps, but it would take too long to detail everything.
Renaud KeradecRenaud Keradec, the interviewee, is the CTO, Founder, and owner of the nPerf.
Well, I have a very basic usage of my smartphone (mail, social networks, photos, and games) but I can list a few games I loved: The Plague (this was before the Covid!) & Pokémon Go (mixing video game and the real world was a challenge!)
nPerf was published in 2014 but a first app (named DegroupTest) was published in 2012 for the French market only.
Above all, the need to know the quality of your connection completely and quickly. Then with the data collected, it allows knowing in advance what is the quality of the network at a specific location.
Our goal was to offer an all-in-one tool to accurately measure the quality of the network. nPerf was the first (and is still the only one) tool to bring a speed test, browsing test, video streaming test together, and community-based coverage maps with the active mapping tool. One app, all-in-one! From the beginning we focus on reliability, accuracy, and impartiality, that’s why nPerf is the best-rated app in its category.
Well, in the next weeks, we’ll deploy the Android version on alternative stores, starting with Huawei App Gallery. Then we’ll work on a global refresh of the UI that will probably be released next year.
About App:
More than a simple speed test, nPerf brings you the best and the fullest mobile connection quality measurement tool up to 1 Gb/s speed!
Full QoS test: In few seconds, test your bitrate speed, latency, browsing speed, and video streaming quality on your mobile device. Comparison function: Compare your results with those of other users and for each provider with a real-time barometer. Interactive map: Check network coverage and carrier performances in your area (in USA: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless). Network monitor: Stay informed on data speed in real-time on the top of your mobile screen (status bar). Reports your data plan usage (in notifications).
A sliding menu (hamburger icon on top left corner) allows you to start every test separately:
- Speed test
- Browsing test
- website loading speed
- Streaming test
All your results are saved in a history with all test locations on a map. Easily share your results on social networks with nPerf sharing pictures which present a useful summary of your test. Customize your application by switching the background theme using the Settings.
nPerf relies on homemade top technology and a worldwide high-speed servers network that can deliver the bitrate you need for speed tests. With nPerf, you do not blow up your data plan: with many optimizations, testing consumes up to 2 times fewer data than competing speed tests. In addition, a data indicator will notify you if the monthly threshold you can set in the menu Settings is exceeded.
All connection types can be tested over 1 Gb/s speeds !
2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, Wimax, WiFi & Ethernet speed test.
All WiFi technologies are supported. WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/ac dual-band, tri-band & quadri-band
All LTE technologies are supported. LTE, LTE Advanced dual-band, tri-band & more
3G / 4G / 5G coverage & speeds maps :
USA : AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless.
Canada : Bell, MTS, Roger Wireless, Videotron, SaskTel, Telus, WIND.
Malaysia : CellCom, DiGi, Maxis, U Mobile.
Singapore : MobilOne, SingTel, Starhub.
and many more countries all over the world!
Categories: Tools
Date: March 5, 2021
Developer: Renaud Keradec
About developer: Renaud Keradec, the interviewee, is the CTO, Founder, and owner of the nPerf. Read more
Website: http://www.nperf.com/
