Appears to be a new collaboration between M-Lab and Google and now displaying on google.co.nz
From Google:
The Internet speed test measures the speed of your Internet connection, which includes things like download speed and upload speed.
Google partners with Measurement Lab (M-Lab) to run this test.
How the test works
The test takes about 30 seconds. It figures out your Internet speed by measuring how much data can move through your connection in that time.
Important: The test uses different amounts of data depending on how fast your connection is and where you do the test. For example, a typical test in the U.S. uses 9.4 MB of data, but a test outside the U.S. uses about 4.4 MB. Mobile data charges might apply.
Understand your test results
The Internet speed test measures your connection’s download speed, upload speed, and latency. The best Internet connections have high download and upload speeds but low latency.
- Download speed is how fast information can be transferred to you. It affects things like how long it takes to download large files or display webpages with lots of images. Download speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
- Upload speed is how fast information can be transferred from you. It affects things like how long it takes to post pictures to social media. Upload speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
- Latency measures how quickly you get a response from the server. Low response times are important for real-time apps, like video calls and online gaming. Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms).
Note: Currently, the test can measure connection speeds up to 700 Mbps. If you have a connection speed over 700 Mbps, your results may be lower than your actual connection.
Why your test results may vary
Your test results can change in a short period of time, and they might be different from other Internet speed test results. Results can vary for many reasons, such as:
- Changes in network conditions
- Differences in where testing servers are located
- Differences in testing methods
Google’s partnership with M-Lab
To run the test, your IP address is shared with M-Lab, but no other personal information is shared. M-Lab incorporates your test results, which include your IP address, into their collection of global Internet performance data. M-Lab makes this information publicly available to advance Internet research.
Just for some evidence on how often this feature could possibly get used:
Google Adwords Keyword Tool reports 74,000 per month for the phrase “speed test” with a drop down to 14,800 per month for the more specific “internet speed test”.
Little wonder Google has decided to take a measure of control of this search.
