Doug Suttles, the co-founder and former CEO of Ookla, the company behind the popular internet speed testing tool Speedtest.net, has launched a new venture called Orb. This innovative tool takes internet connection testing to the next level by measuring not only speed but also latency, packet loss, and jitter to provide a more comprehensive assessment of internet connections.

Suttles, who founded Orb with fellow Ookla executive Jamie Steven in 2023, recognized that as internet speeds have become less of an issue globally, users need more holistic ways to evaluate their internet connections. "Speed tests are like the dipstick in your car, which will tell you that you ran out of oil once your car breaks down. We wanted to build a dashboard to tell you that you are low on oil, so you can fix that problem," Suttles explained in an interview with TechCrunch.

Orb's advanced testing capabilities are designed to provide users with a more accurate picture of their internet connection's performance. The tool measures three key variables: Responsiveness, which combines lag, jitter, latency, and packet loss; Reliability, which assesses responsiveness and packet loss over time; and Speed, which includes download and upload speeds. These variables can be measured over different time intervals, ranging from one minute to 24 hours.

The tool assigns a score based on these measurements, with scores above 80 indicating a good connection, 70-80 indicating an okay connection, and scores below 70 suggesting potential issues. If a user's score is under 80, Orb provides personalized suggestions for improving their connection's performance, leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to offer clear descriptions of key issues and recommended solutions.

Orb is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux, with additional guides for installing the tool on Raspberry Pi, Onewrt, Docker, Steam Deck, Prox Max, WLAN Pi, older smartphones, and other platforms. This flexibility allows users to monitor their connections more frequently and from various devices.

The startup is also working on a feature that enables users to set up an Orb and share it with someone else, allowing both parties to receive notifications if the connection quality deteriorates. This feature has significant implications for remote work, online gaming, and other applications that rely on stable internet connections.

Orb is currently free to use, and the company plans to maintain this model. Instead, Suttles aims to license the technology to enterprises and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), enabling them to monitor and identify network issues with advanced alerts and analytics. This approach has the potential to improve overall internet infrastructure and user experiences.

Orb has already secured $3.8 million in funding from Sidekick Ventures and individual investors, including prominent figures from Fastly, Netflix, Big Network, Oculus Studios, and Naughty Dog. The startup's ambitious vision and innovative approach have garnered significant attention and support from the tech community.

Looking ahead, Orb plans to create "recipes" for different services, allowing users to detect if they can access specific sites, such as Zoom, Netflix, or Google Drive, and check if these services are functioning properly. This feature will further enhance the tool's utility and provide users with a more comprehensive understanding of their internet connections.

In conclusion, Orb represents a significant leap forward in internet connection testing, offering users a more nuanced and accurate assessment of their online experiences. As the internet continues to play an increasingly vital role in our daily lives, tools like Orb will be essential in ensuring that our connections are fast, reliable, and stable.