Network jitter is a variability or inconsistency in the delay of network packets as they traverse a network. The difference in the time it takes for packets to travel from the source to the destination can cause issues with real-time applications, such as video and voice communication, as it can result in uneven and choppy audio or video playback.
Jitter is typically measured in milliseconds (ms) and is calculated as the average deviation of the packet delay from the expected or average delay.
To monitor, troubleshoot, optimise and validate a network performance, particularly for real-time applications that are sensitive to latency and packet delay, you would need a jitter testing tool. There are many network monitoring and troubleshooting tools that can measure network performance, diagnose issues and provide detailed reports and alerts.
Here are five of the best network jitter testing tools:
- SolarWinds VoIP & Network Quality Manager (VNQM) is a network performance monitoring tool designed to help businesses manage and troubleshoot their VoIP networks. With VNQM, users can monitor call quality, track network performance metrics such as jitter, packet loss, and latency, and troubleshoot issues in real-time. VNQM also provides VoIP-specific metrics such as MOS (Mean Opinion Score) and R-Factor, enabling users to measure and improve the overall quality of their VoIP network. VNQM integrates with other SolarWinds products, such as Network Performance Monitor and Server & Application Monitor, providing a comprehensive view of network performance.
- PRTG Network Monitor is a powerful network monitoring tool designed to help businesses monitor and manage their IT infrastructure. PRTG provides real-time monitoring of network devices, servers, and applications, allowing users to proactively identify and address issues before they affect end-users. PRTG offers a comprehensive range of sensors to monitor various metrics such as bandwidth, uptime, response time, and network traffic. With PRTG’s customisable dashboards and alerts, users can quickly identify performance issues and take corrective action. PRTG also supports multiple platforms and integrates with various third-party tools, making it a flexible and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.
- StarTrinity Jitter and Packet Loss Test Tool is a powerful and easy-to-use network testing tool. The tool uses a custom algorithm to measure jitter and packet loss, allowing users to identify performance issues in their network. The tool supports various network protocols such as UDP, TCP, and HTTP, enabling users to test network performance under various conditions. StarTrinity Jitter and Packet Loss Test Tool also provides comprehensive reports and graphs, allowing users to visualise network performance data and identify trends over time.
- Fusion Connect Speed Test Plus is a cloud-based network testing tool. The tool provides users with an easy-to-use web interface to measure download and upload speeds, latency, jitter, and packet loss. Fusion Connect Speed Test Plus supports various network protocols such as TCP, UDP, and HTTP, and provides real-time graphs and reports to help users identify network issues. The tool also offers multi-location testing, allowing users to test their network performance from various geographic locations.
- MegaPath Network Jitter Test Tool is a free, cloud-based network testing tool. The tool provides users with an easy-to-use web interface to test network jitter and packet loss. This tool supports various network protocols such as TCP, UDP, and ICMP, and provides users with comprehensive reports and graphs to visualise network performance data. It is user friendly and users can start testing their network performance with just a few clicks.
Detecting jitters in a network is a complex task and the tools mentioned above offer various features that can be useful in this regard.
