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Round trip time (rtt), what is round trip time.

Round-trip time (RTT) is the duration, measured in milliseconds, from when a browser sends a request to when it receives a response from a server. It’s a key performance metric for web applications and one of the main factors, along with Time to First Byte (TTFB), when measuring  page load time  and  network latency .

Using a Ping to Measure Round Trip Time

RTT is typically measured using a ping — a command-line tool that bounces a request off a server and calculates the time taken to reach a user device. Actual RTT may be higher than that measured by the ping due to server throttling and network congestion.

Example of a ping to google.com

Factors Influencing RTT

Actual round trip time can be influenced by:

• Distance  – The length a signal has to travel correlates with the time taken for a request to reach a server and a response to reach a browser.
• Transmission medium  – The medium used to route a signal (e.g., copper wire, fiber optic cables) can impact how quickly a request is received by a server and routed back to a user.
• Number of network hops  – Intermediate routers or servers take time to process a signal, increasing RTT. The more hops a signal has to travel through, the higher the RTT.
• Traffic levels  – RTT typically increases when a network is congested with high levels of traffic. Conversely, low traffic times can result in decreased RTT.
• Server response time  – The time taken for a target server to respond to a request depends on its processing capacity, the number of requests being handled and the nature of the request (i.e., how much server-side work is required). A longer server response time increases RTT.

See how Imperva CDN can help you with website performance.

Reducing RTT Using a CDN

A CDN is a network of strategically placed servers, each holding a copy of a website’s content. It’s able to address the factors influencing RTT in the following ways:

• Points of Presence (PoPs)  – A CDN maintains a network of geographically dispersed PoPs—data centers, each containing cached copies of site content, which are responsible for communicating with site visitors in their vicinity. They reduce the distance a signal has to travel and the number of network hops needed to reach a server.
• Web caching  – A CDN  caches  HTML, media, and even dynamically generated content on a PoP in a user’s geographical vicinity. In many cases, a user’s request can be addressed by a local PoP and does not need to travel to an origin server, thereby reducing RTT.
• Load distribution  – During high traffic times, CDNs route requests through backup servers with lower network congestion, speeding up server response time and reducing RTT.
• Scalability  – A CDN service operates in the cloud, enabling high scalability and the ability to process a near limitless number of user requests. This eliminates the possibility of server side bottlenecks.

Using tier 1 access to reduce network hops

One of the original issues CDNs were designed to solve was how to reduce round trip time. By addressing the points outlined above, they have been largely successful, and it’s now reasonable to expect a decrease in your RTT of 50% or more after onboarding a CDN service.

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Written by Vasilena Markova • September 27, 2023 • 12:58 pm • Internet

Round-Trip Time (RTT): What It Is and Why It Matters

Round-Trip Time (RTT) is a fundamental metric in the context of network performance, measuring the time it takes for data packets to complete a round trip from source to destination and back. Often expressed in milliseconds (ms), RTT serves as a critical indicator for evaluating the efficiency and reliability of network connections. In today’s article, we dive into the concept of RTT, exploring how it works, why it matters in our digital lives, the factors that influence it, and strategies to enhance it. Whether you’re a casual internet user seeking a smoother online experience or a network administrator aiming to optimize your digital infrastructure, understanding this metric is critical in today’s interconnected world.

Table of Contents

What is Round-Trip Time (RTT)?

Round-Trip Time is a network performance metric representing the time it takes for a data packet to travel from the source to the destination and back to the source. It is often measured in milliseconds (ms) and is a crucial parameter for determining the quality and efficiency of network connections.

To understand the concept of RTT, imagine sending a letter to a friend through the postal service. The time it takes for the letter to reach your friend and for your friend to send a reply back to you forms the Round-Trip Time for your communication. Similarly, in computer networks, data packets are like those letters, and RTT represents the time it takes for them to complete a round trip.

How Does it Work?

The concept of RTT can be best understood by considering the journey of data packets across a network. When you request information from a web server, for example, your device sends out a data packet holding your request. This packet travels through various network devices in between, such as routers and switches, before reaching the destination server. Once the server processes your request and prepares a response, it sends a data packet back to your device.

Round-Trip Time is determined by the time it takes for this data packet to travel from your device to the server (the outbound trip) and then back from the server to your device (the inbound trip). The total RTT is the sum of these two one-way trips.

Let’s break down the journey of a data packet into several steps so you can better understand the RTT:

• Sending the Packet: You initiate an action on your device that requires data transmission. For example, this could be sending an email, loading a webpage, or making a video call.
• Packet Travel: The data packet travels from your device to a server, typically passing through multiple network nodes and routers along the way. These middle points play a significant role in determining the RTT.
• Processing Time: The server receives the packet, processes the request, and sends a response back to your device. This processing time at both ends also contributes to the Round-Trip Time.
• Return Journey: The response packet makes its way back to your device through the same network infrastructure, facing potential delays on the route.
• Calculation: It is calculated by adding up the time taken for the packet to travel from your device to the server (the outbound trip) and the time it takes for the response to return (the inbound trip).

Why does it matter?

At first look, Round-Trip Time (RTT) might seem like technical terminology, but its importance extends to various aspects of our digital lives. It matters for many reasons, which include the following:

• User Experience

For everyday internet users, RTT influences the sensed speed and responsiveness of online activities. Low Round-Trip Time values lead to a seamless experience, while high RTT can result in frustrating delays and lag during tasks like video streaming, online gaming, or live chats.

• Network Efficiency

Network administrators and service providers closely monitor RTT to assess network performance and troubleshoot issues. By identifying bottlenecks and areas with high RTT, they can optimize their infrastructure for better efficiency.

• Real-Time Applications

Applications that rely on real-time data transmission, such as VoIP calls, video conferencing, and online gaming, are highly sensitive to RTT. Low RTT is crucial for smooth, interruption-free interactions.

In cybersecurity, Round-Trip Time plays a role in detecting network anomalies and potential threats. Unusually high RTT values can be a sign of malicious activity or network congestion.

Factors Affecting Round-Trip Time (RTT)

Several factors can influence the metric, both positively and negatively. Therefore, understanding these factors is crucial, and it could be very beneficial for optimizing network performance:

• Distance: The physical distance between the source and destination plays a significant role. Longer distances result in higher RTT due to the time it takes for data to travel the network.
• Network Congestion: When a network experiences high volumes of traffic or congestion, data packets may be delayed as they wait for their turn to be processed. As a result, it can lead to packet delays and increased RTT.
• Routing: The path a packet takes through the network can significantly affect RTT. Efficient routing algorithms can reduce the time, while not-so-optimal routing choices can increase it.
• Packet Loss: Packet loss during transmission can occur due to various reasons, such as network errors or congestion. When lost, packets need to be retransmitted, which can seriously affect the Round-Trip Time.
• Transmission Medium: It is a critical factor influencing RTT, and its characteristics can vary widely based on the specific medium being used. Fiber optic cables generally offer low RTT due to the speed of light in the medium and low signal loss. In contrast, wireless mediums can introduce variable delays depending on environmental factors and network conditions.

How to improve it?

Improving Round-Trip Time (RTT) is a critical goal for network administrators and service providers looking to enhance user experiences and optimize their digital operations. While some factors affecting it are beyond our control, there are strategies and practices to optimize Round-Trip Time for a smoother online experience:

• Optimize Routing: Network administrators can optimize routing to reduce the number of hops data packets take to reach their destination. This can be achieved through efficient routing protocols and load balancing .
• Optimize Network Infrastructure: For businesses, investing in efficient network infrastructure, including high-performance routers and switches, can reduce internal network delays and improve RTT.
• Upgrade Hardware and Software: Keeping networking equipment and software up-to-date ensures that you benefit from the latest technologies and optimizations that can decrease RTT.
• Implement Caching: Caching frequently requested data closer to end-users can dramatically reduce the need for data to travel long distances. The result really helps with lowering RTT.
• Monitor and Troubleshoot: Regularly monitor your network for signs of congestion or packet loss. If issues arise, take steps to troubleshoot and resolve them promptly.

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Round-Trip Time (RTT) is the silent force that shapes our online experiences. From the seamless loading of web pages to the quality of our video calls, RTT plays a pivotal role in ensuring that digital interactions happen at the speed of thought. As we continue to rely on the Internet for work, entertainment, and communication, understanding and optimizing this metric will be crucial for both end-users and network administrators. By reducing it through strategies, we can have a faster, more responsive digital world where our online activities are limited only by our imagination, not by lag.

Hello! My name is Vasilena Markova. I am a Marketing Specialist at ClouDNS. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics and am studying for my Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity Management. As a digital marketing enthusiast, I enjoy writing and expressing my interests. I am passionate about sharing knowledge, tips, and tricks to help others build a secure online presence. My absolute favorite thing to do is to travel and explore different cultures!

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Understanding & Reducing Network Round-Trip Time (RTT in Networking)

Table of contents.

In the dynamic realm of modern business operations, the heartbeat of connectivity relies on the seamless flow of information across networks. Network administrators and IT professionals, entrusted with the pivotal responsibility of maintaining these vital lifelines, understand the significance of every nanosecond.

In a world where time equates to money and efficiency is non-negotiable, the RTT in networking emerges as a pivotal metric. It represents the time taken for a packet of data to travel from its source to its destination and back again, reflecting the responsiveness and effectiveness of your network infrastructure. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud-based applications, remote collaboration tools, and real-time data analytics, the optimization of RTT has become more critical than ever.

In this comprehensive exploration, we will decode the intricacies of Network Round-Trip Time, demystifying its importance and empowering network administrators and IT professionals with actionable insights to reduce RTT and enhance network performance.

What is Network Round-Trip Time (RTT in Networking)?

First, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page.

Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) in networking, also commonly referred to as Round-Trip Latency or simply Latency, is a crucial metric that measures the time it takes for a packet of data to travel from its source to its destination and back again to the source . RTT is typically expressed in milliseconds (ms) and is a fundamental aspect of network performance.

Here's a breakdown of what RTT encompasses:

• Transmission Time : This is the time it takes for a packet of data to travel from the sender to the receiver. It includes the propagation time (the time it takes for the signal to physically travel through the network medium) and the processing time (the time it takes for routers, switches, and other network devices to handle the packet).
• Propagation Delay : This is the time it takes for an electrical or optical signal to travel over the physical medium, such as a copper or fibre-optic cable. Propagation delay depends on the distance the signal needs to cover and the speed of light or electricity in the medium.
• Queuing and Processing Delay : As data packets pass through routers and switches in a network, they may spend some time in queues waiting for their turn to be processed. This queuing and processing delay can vary based on network congestion and the efficiency of network devices.

In summary, Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) is a key metric in networking that measures the time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination and back, encompassing transmission time, propagation delay, and queuing/processing delay. It plays a significant role in determining the responsiveness and efficiency of networked applications and services.

The Role of RTT (Network Round-Trip Time) in Network Responsiveness

Network responsiveness, often measured by RTT, is the cornerstone of user satisfaction and efficient operations.

RTT is a critical factor in network performance because it directly impacts the responsiveness of network applications and services. Low RTT values indicate that data can travel quickly between endpoints, resulting in faster response times for applications and a more seamless user experience. On the other hand, high RTT values can lead to delays and sluggish performance.

Reducing RTT is essential in scenarios where real-time communication, online gaming, video conferencing, or the timely delivery of data is crucial. Network administrators and IT professionals often work to optimize RTT by employing various strategies such as using content delivery networks (CDNs), minimizing network congestion, and optimizing routing paths.

• User Expectations : Today's users have high expectations for network responsiveness. Whether it's loading a web page, streaming a video, or making a VoIP call, users demand minimal delays. A low RTT ensures that users experience quick response times, leading to seamless and satisfactory interaction with applications and services.
• Real-Time Applications : Many critical business applications, such as video conferencing, online collaboration tools, and financial trading platforms, require real-time data exchange. RTT directly impacts the effectiveness of these applications. A shorter RTT means that data reaches its destination faster, enabling real-time interactions without noticeable delays.

I. Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) and User Experience

User experience is a key driver of customer satisfaction and loyalty. RTT plays a pivotal role in shaping this experience.

• Website Performance : For businesses with an online presence, website performance is paramount. A website with low RTT loads quickly, ensuring that visitors can access information, make purchases, or engage with content without frustrating delays. Studies have shown that longer page load times due to high RTT can result in higher bounce rates and decreased conversions.
• Video and Media Streaming : In an era of video marketing and content consumption, RTT directly influences the quality of video streaming. Lower RTT values mean faster buffer-free streaming, enhancing the viewer's experience and reducing the likelihood of video interruptions.

II. Network Round-Trip Time’s (RTT) Impact on Business Operations

Beyond user experience, RTT has a profound impact on various aspects of business operations:

• Productivity : In a remote or hybrid work environment, where employees rely on cloud-based applications and data access, RTT can significantly impact productivity. Sluggish network performance due to high RTT values can lead to frustration, downtime, and decreased efficiency.
• Data Transfer : Businesses often need to transfer large volumes of data between locations or to the cloud. High RTT can lead to slow data transfer speeds, potentially affecting data backup, disaster recovery, and the ability to access critical information in a timely manner.
• Customer Service : For businesses that provide customer support or run call centers, low RTT is essential for clear and uninterrupted VoIP calls. High RTT can lead to call dropouts, poor call quality, and dissatisfied customers.
• E-commerce : In the world of e-commerce, where every millisecond counts, RTT can impact sales and customer retention. Slow-loading product pages and checkout processes due to high RTT values can result in abandoned shopping carts and lost revenue.

Understanding the significance of RTT in modern networking is not just a technical matter; it's a fundamental aspect of delivering a positive user experience, maintaining productivity, and ensuring the seamless operation of critical business processes. Network administrators and IT professionals must prioritize RTT optimization to meet the demands of today's digital business landscape.

Ready to Optimize Your Network's Round-Trip Time? Try Obkio Today!

Are you eager to take control of your network's performance and reduce Round-Trip Time (RTT) to boost productivity and enhance user experiences? Look no further than Obkio's Network Performance Monitoring tool, the ultimate solution for network administrators and IT professionals.

Why Choose Obkio:

• Real-Time Monitoring : Obkio provides real-time visibility into your network, allowing you to identify latency bottlenecks and pinpoint performance issues as they happen.
• User-Friendly Interface : With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, Obkio makes it easy to monitor your network's RTT and other critical metrics without the need for complex configurations.
• Actionable Insights : Obkio offers actionable insights and recommendations to help you optimize your network's performance, reduce RTT, and ensure seamless business operations.
• Customized Alerts : Set up custom alerts to be notified of performance deviations, ensuring that you can proactively address issues before they impact your users.

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Network with Obkio. Get Started Today!

Don't let network latency hold your business back. Take the first step towards optimizing your network's Round-Trip Time and providing an exceptional user experience. Try Obkio's Network Performance Monitoring tool now and experience the difference.

Measuring and Calculating Network Round-Trip Time: How to Calculate RTT

While understanding the significance of RTT is vital, the ability to quantify and interpret it accurately is equally crucial for network administrators and IT professionals.

In this section, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to measure, calculate, and make sense of RTT metrics effectively. RTT measurement is not merely a technical exercise; it's a strategic endeavour that empowers you to fine-tune your network for peak performance, deliver an exceptional user experience, and ensure the seamless operation of critical business processes.

So, join us as we explore the RTT formula, discover the range of tools at your disposal for RTT measurement, and learn the art of interpreting RTT metrics.

I. Understanding the Network RTT Formula

The RTT formula is a fundamental concept for anyone aiming to measure and manage network latency effectively. It provides a straightforward way to calculate the Round-Trip Time between two endpoints in a network.

The formula for RTT is as follows:

RTT = (t2 - t1) + (t4 - t3)

• t1 : The time at which the sender sends the packet.
• t2 : The time at which the sender receives an acknowledgment (ACK) from the receiver.
• t3 : The time at which the receiver receives the packet.
• t4 : The time at which the receiver sends the ACK back to the sender.

Understanding this formula allows you to measure RTT manually by recording these timestamps. In practice, however, RTT is often measured automatically using specialized tools and software.

I. Tools for Measuring Network RTT

Accurate RTT measurement is crucial for network administrators and IT professionals. Fortunately, a range of tools and methods are available to simplify this process:

• Network Monitoring Software : Comprehensive network monitoring solutions, such as Obkio's Network Performance Monitoring tool , offer real-time RTT measurement and historical data tracking. These tools provide insights into RTT trends, allowing you to identify performance fluctuations and optimize network resources.
• Ping : The ping command is a simple and widely used tool for measuring RTT. It sends ICMP echo requests to a destination and records the time it takes for responses to return. While ping provides basic RTT information, it may not be suitable for more detailed analysis.
• Traceroute : Traceroute is another command-line tool that helps you trace the path a packet takes to reach its destination. It provides information about each hop along the route, including RTT values. Traceroute is useful for diagnosing latency issues and identifying bottlenecks in the network.
• Packet Analyzers : Packet analyzers like Wireshark capture network packets and provide detailed analysis, including RTT calculations. They are invaluable for diagnosing complex network issues but require a deeper understanding of packet-level data.
• Cloud-Based Monitoring Services : Cloud-based services can measure RTT from multiple locations globally, offering a broader perspective on network performance. These services often include user-friendly dashboards and alerting features.

III. Interpreting Network RTT Metrics

Interpreting RTT metrics is essential for making informed decisions about network optimization. Here's how to understand the data:

• Baseline RTT : Establish a baseline RTT for your network under normal operating conditions. This baseline serves as a reference point for identifying deviations and potential issues.
• Variability : Monitor the variability of RTT values over time. Consistently high or fluctuating RTT can indicate network congestion, equipment problems, or other performance bottlenecks.
• Comparing RTT Metrics : Compare RTT metrics between different endpoints, routes, or network segments. This can help pinpoint specific areas of concern and prioritize optimization efforts.
• Thresholds and Alerts : Set RTT thresholds and network monitoring alerts to be notified when latency exceeds acceptable levels. Proactive alerting allows you to address performance issues before they impact users.
• Root Cause Analysis : When RTT metrics indicate performance problems, use additional tools and diagnostics to perform a root cause analysis. Isolate the source and causes of latency and implement corrective measures.

Interpreting RTT metrics effectively empowers network administrators and IT professionals to make data-driven decisions, optimize network performance, and deliver a seamless user experience.

In conclusion, understanding the RTT formula, utilizing measurement tools, and interpreting RTT metrics are essential steps in managing and improving network latency. These skills enable network professionals to diagnose issues, identify opportunities for optimization, and ensure efficient network performance.

IV. How to Calculate RTT in Networking: An Example

Let's walk through a simple example of calculating Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) for a packet of data travelling between two devices.

Suppose you have a sender ( Device A ) and a receiver ( Device B ) connected to the same network. You want to measure the RTT for a packet of data sent from Device A to Device B and back.

Here are the key timestamps you'll need to measure or record:

• t1 : The time at which Device A sends the packet.
• t2 : The time at which Device A receives an acknowledgment (ACK) from Device B.
• t3 : The time at which Device B receives the packet.
• T4 : The time at which Device B sends the ACK back to Device A.

Now, let's assume the following timestamps:

• t1 : 12:00:00.000 (Device A sends the packet)
• t2 : 12:00:00.150 (Device A receives the ACK from Device B)
• t3 : 12:00:00.200 (Device B receives the packet)
• t4 : 12:00:00.350 (Device B sends the ACK back to Device A)

Now, you can use the RTT formula to calculate the Round-Trip Time:

Plug in the values:

RTT = (12:00:00.150 - 12:00:00.000) + (12:00:00.350 - 12:00:00.200)

RTT = 0.150 seconds + 0.150 seconds

RTT = 0.300 seconds

So, in this example, the calculated Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) for the packet travelling between Device A and Device B is 0.300 seconds, or 300 milliseconds (ms).

This RTT value represents the time it took for the data packet to travel from Device A to Device B and back, including the time it spent in transit and the time it took for the acknowledgment to return.

In this article, we explore the importance of testing network latency for businesses and provide tools and techniques for accurately measuring latency.

How to Measure Network Round-Trip Time with NPM Tools

When it comes to measuring and optimizing Network Round-Trip Time (RTT), Network Performance Monitoring (NPM) tools are your go-to.

NPM tools provide real-time visibility into network performance and continuously and comprehensively monitor various aspects of a network, allowing network administrators to track RTT metrics at multiple points in the network infrastructure.

By offering a granular view of RTT, NPM tools help identify performance bottlenecks, allowing for swift diagnosis and targeted optimization. Additionally, NPM tools often include alerting features that notify administrators when RTT exceeds predefined thresholds, enabling proactive problem resolution before end-users experience the impact.

Moreover, NPM tools are equipped with historical data analysis capabilities, allowing network professionals to identify trends and patterns in RTT values. By identifying long-term RTT patterns, administrators can make informed decisions about capacity planning, infrastructure upgrades, or routing optimization to ensure consistent low-latency network performance.

In a world where network responsiveness is crucial for user satisfaction and business productivity, NPM tools are invaluable for network administrators and IT professionals aiming to maintain optimal RTT and deliver a seamless user experience. Let’s learn how to deploy them!

Step 1. Deploy A Network Performance Monitoring Tool with RTT Monitoring Features

High RTT can lead to delays and sluggish network performance - but how can you know the extent of the problem?

The most accurate way to measure RTT and other key network metrics is by using a Synthetic Network Performance Monitoring Software, like Obkio.

Unlike standalone RTT monitoring tools, Obkio provides a holistic approach to network performance analysis, making it the best choice for measuring RTT and network performance as a whole. With Obkio, gain access to real-time monitoring and reporting features that allow them to measure RTT across their entire network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and end-user devices.

This end-to-end network monitoring tool not only identifies RTT issues but also provides valuable insights into latency, packet loss, bandwidth utilization and more.

Obkio continuously measures network metrics like network RTT by:

• Using Network Monitoring Agents in key network locations
• Simulate network traffic with synthetic traffic and synthetic testing
• Sending packets every 500ms to measure the round trip time it takes for data to travel
• Catch RTT and other network issues affecting key applications and services

Step 2. Measure Round-Trip Time in All Network Locations

Persistent and erratic spikes in Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) measurements are indicative of substantial performance challenges within your network, demanding immediate attention. To pinpoint and resolve these irregularities, implementing RTT monitoring is an indispensable step.

Obkio’s Network Monitoring Solution will measure RRT and other network metrics by sending and monitoring data packets through your network every 500ms using Network Monitoring Agents . The Monitoring Agents are deployed at key network locations like head offices, data centers, and clouds and continuously measure the amount of time it takes for data to travel across your network.

This is extremely important when monitoring RTT and addressing spikes to maintain network efficiency and a smooth user experience, especially in scenarios where real-time data exchange, applications, and services are critical.

For example , you can measure network RTT between your head office and the Microsoft Azure cloud, or even between Azure and your data center.

To deploy monitoring in all your network locations, we recommend deploying:

• Local Agents : Installed in the targeted office location experiencing performance issues or latency spikes. There are several Agent types available (all with the same features), and they can be installed on MacOS, Windows, Linux and more.
• Public Monitoring Agent : These are deployed over the Internet and managed by Obkio. They compare performance up to the Internet and quickly identify if the performance issue is global or specific to the destination. For example, measure RTT between your branch office and Google Cloud .

Step 3. Measure Round-Trip Time for Network Devices

Network Device Monitoring is also crucial for accurately measuring and managing Network Round-Trip Time (RTT). Network devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, play a significant role in determining the latency and RTT experienced by data packets as they traverse the network.

Obkio’s Network Device Monitoring feature is a fast and easy solution to get detailed information about the health of your core network devices. Used with the end-to-end Network Performance Monitoring feature, Network Device Monitoring with SNMP Polling helps IT teams quickly and proactively pinpoint issues with devices like firewalls, routers, switches and Wi-Fi access points.

Network devices are key points of control and routing within a network. Monitoring these devices allows you to gain insights into their performance, such as how efficiently they process and forward data packets. Device monitoring helps identify issues like high CPU utilization, memory constraints, or network interface errors, which can all contribute to increased RTT.

Here are the key network devices you should consider monitoring when measuring network round-trip time:

• Routers : Routers are pivotal devices in network traffic management. They determine the path data packets take between networks and subnetworks. Monitoring routers helps identify congestion points, routing issues, and overall device performance.
• Switches : Network switches are responsible for forwarding data packets within a local network (LAN). Monitoring switches helps ensure that LAN traffic is efficiently handled and doesn't introduce unnecessary RTT.
• Firewalls : Firewalls are essential for network security but can also introduce latency. Monitoring firewalls helps verify that they're processing data packets efficiently and not creating undue RTT delays.
• Load Balancers : Load balancers distribute network traffic across multiple servers or resources to ensure load distribution and fault tolerance. Monitoring load balancers helps maintain even traffic distribution and low RTT.
• Gateways : Gateways connect different networks, such as LANs to the internet. Monitoring gateways is essential for ensuring data packets are efficiently routed between internal networks and external destinations.
• WAN Optimization Devices : These devices are commonly used in wide-area networks (WANs) to reduce latency and optimize data transfer. Monitoring WAN optimization devices ensures they're operating as intended to minimize RTT.
• Access Points (APs) : In wireless networks, APs play a critical role in data transmission. Monitoring APs helps maintain consistent wireless network performance, minimizing RTT for mobile or remote users.
• DNS Servers : DNS (Domain Name System) servers translate domain names into IP addresses. Monitoring DNS servers ensures that DNS resolution doesn't introduce delays when clients access network resources.
• Network Endpoints : Monitoring the performance of endpoints (e.g., servers, workstations, and user devices) is vital for understanding how network devices affect RTT from the user's perspective.
• Virtualization and SDN Controllers : In virtualized or software-defined networks, controllers manage network resources and routing. Monitoring these controllers helps ensure efficient data flow and low RTT.

To comprehensively measure and optimize RTT, it's essential to monitor a variety of network devices . The choice of devices to monitor may depend on the specific characteristics of your network and the critical points for your organization.

Step 4. Collect Network Round-Trip Time Measurements

Once you’ve set up your Monitoring Agents for network latency monitoring , they continuously measure metrics like RTT measure and collect data, which you can easily view and analyze on Obkio’s Network Response Time Graph.

Measure RTT throughout your network with updates every minute. This will help you understand and measure good round-trip time measurements for different applications vs. poor latency. If your RTT levels go from good to poor, you can also further drill down to identify exactly why RTT issues are happening, where they’re happening, and how many network locations they’re affecting.

To more accurately measure RTT in your network, and receive alerts when latency measurements are poor, Obkio sends alerts based on historical data and not just static thresholds.

As soon as there’s a deviation in the historical data, and your network is experiencing poor RTT measurements, Obkio sends you an alert.

It’s as simple as that

Step 5. Monitor More Network Metrics Alongside Network Round-Trip Time

Once deployed, Obkio’s Monitoring Agents will begin exchanging synthetic traffic to continuously measure network performance and core network metrics .

When monitoring network performance and assessing the health of your network, it's important to measure a range of network metrics alongside Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the network's behaviour and potential issues. Here are several key network metrics to consider:

• Packet Loss : Packet loss indicates the percentage of data packets that fail to reach their destination. High packet loss can significantly impact the quality of network services and applications.
• Jitter : Jitter is the variation in latency or RTT. Consistent RTT values are desirable, but high jitter can lead to unpredictable network performance, which is problematic for real-time applications like VoIP and video conferencing.
• Bandwidth Utilization : Monitoring bandwidth usage helps you identify periods of congestion and overutilization, which can lead to increased RTT. By monitoring bandwidth, you can proactively manage network capacity.
• Throughput : Throughput measures the rate at which data is transmitted over the network. It's essential for assessing the actual data transfer capacity of your network, especially for large file transfers or media streaming.
• Error Rate : The network error rate indicates the number of data packets with errors or corruption. High error rates can lead to retransmissions, increasing latency and packet loss.
• QoS Metrics : Quality of Service (QoS) metrics include parameters like latency, jitter, and packet loss, specific to certain traffic types. Monitoring QoS compliance is essential for prioritizing critical applications and ensuring they meet performance requirements.
• Device Performance : Monitoring the performance of network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls is crucial. High CPU usage , memory issues, or hardware problems can impact network performance and increase RTT.
• Availability and Uptime : Monitoring network availability and network uptime is essential for identifying periods of network unavailability or downtime, which can impact services and applications.

By measuring these network metrics alongside RTT, you can gain a holistic view of your network's performance, detect issues promptly, and proactively optimize network resources to provide a seamless user experience and support critical business operations.

Understanding Good vs. Bad Network Round-Trip Time Measurements

In the intricate world of networking, the metric known as Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) serves as a crucial barometer of performance. However, RTT is not a one-size-fits-all metric, and its evaluation must be tailored to the specific needs and demands of a network or application.

In this section, we delve into the nuanced realm of RTT measurements, deciphering what constitutes good and bad readings, and how these metrics reverberate through the fabric of network performance.

Good and bad RTT measurements are relative and depend on the specific context and requirements of a network or application. What is considered good or bad RTT can vary based on factors such as the type of network, the application's sensitivity to latency, and the expectations of users. However, here are some general guidelines to consider:

I. Good Network RTT Measurements

• Low and Consistent : Good RTT measurements typically exhibit low and consistent values. Low RTT indicates that data is transmitted quickly, providing a responsive user experience. Consistency ensures that users can rely on predictable network performance.
• Match Application Requirements : Good RTT measurements should meet or exceed the requirements of the applications and services being used. For example, real-time applications like video conferencing or online gaming often require RTT values below 100 milliseconds to provide a seamless experience.
• Minimal Jitter : Good RTT measurements have minimal jitter, meaning that there is little variation in RTT values. Jitter can disrupt real-time applications, so a stable and low-latency network is desired.

II. Bad Network RTT Measurements:

• High and Fluctuating : Bad RTT measurements typically exhibit high values and significant fluctuations. High RTT values can lead to sluggish network performance and application responsiveness, while fluctuations introduce unpredictability.
• Exceed Application Tolerances : For some applications, any RTT values beyond specific thresholds can be considered bad. For example, an online multiplayer game might become unplayable with RTT exceeding 200 milliseconds.
• Frequent Packet Loss : Consistent packet loss and retransmissions can lead to bad RTT measurements. Packet loss is a sign of network congestion or instability, and it can severely impact network performance.
• Long-Term Performance Issues : Consistently bad RTT measurements over an extended period, even if they are not extremely high, may indicate underlying network issues that need to be addressed. It's essential to identify and resolve long-term performance problems to maintain a reliable network.

In summary, good RTT measurements are characterized by low, consistent values that meet the requirements of the network's applications, with minimal jitter. Bad RTT measurements, on the other hand, involve high, fluctuating values, packet loss, and latency that exceeds application tolerances. To assess RTT measurements, it's important to consider the specific network requirements and the impact of latency on user experience in your particular environment.

Identifying, Troubleshooting, and Common Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) Issues

In the world of networking, Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) serves as a vital performance indicator. When RTT issues arise, they can lead to sluggish network responsiveness and user dissatisfaction. This section is your guide to identifying and troubleshooting common RTT problems that can affect network performance.

We'll dive into the practical aspects of recognizing RTT issues, whether through real-time monitoring or user feedback. We'll also explore the common culprits behind elevated RTT, such as congestion and configuration problems.

I. Identifying Network RTT Issues

• Real-time Monitoring : Regularly monitor RTT using network performance monitoring tools, like Obkio NPM . These tools provide real-time data on RTT, enabling you to detect anomalies or spikes that might indicate issues.
• Baseline Measurement : Establish a baseline for expected RTT values in your network. Deviations from this baseline can be an early indicator of RTT problems.
• User Feedback : Listen to user complaints or feedback. Slow application response times or connectivity issues reported by users can be indicative of RTT issues.
• Historical Analysis : Analyze historical RTT data to identify patterns or trends. Consistent RTT issues at specific times or on particular network segments can point to the source of the problem.
• Network Topology Review : Examine your network topology to identify potential bottlenecks or congestion points that may contribute to high RTT.

II. Uncovering The Most Common Network RTT Issues

• Network Congestion : Heavy network traffic can lead to network congestion , queuing delays, and packet loss, resulting in increased RTT. Implement Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize essential traffic and reduce congestion.
• Long Geographic Distance : Data travelling over long distances, especially in wide-area networks (WANs), can experience high propagation delay, contributing to elevated RTT. Consider implementing content delivery networks (CDNs) to reduce the impact of distance.
• Hardware and Configuration Problems : Outdated or misconfigured network devices, such as routers and switches, can lead to performance issues and high RTT. Regularly review and update hardware and configurations to address these problems.
• Packet Loss : Packet loss , where data packets are dropped or need to be retransmitted, can increase RTT. Troubleshoot packet loss issues by identifying and rectifying network faults or congestion points.
• Jitter : Inconsistent RTT values and jitter can affect real-time applications. Jitter is often a result of network congestion or configuration problems, so minimizing these issues helps reduce jitter and improve RTT.

III. Troubleshooting Network RTT Issues:

So what happens when your NPM tool starts alerting you about sudden spikes in round-trip time? Well, it’s time to troubleshoot! First, you need to understand why the network issue is happening, where and when.

• Isolate the Problem : Start by identifying the affected network segment or path with high RTT. Network monitoring tools can help pinpoint the problematic area.
• Traffic Analysis : Analyze the network traffic on the identified segment to determine if congestion or unusual patterns are causing high RTT.
• Device Inspection : Examine the performance of network devices along the path, such as routers and switches. High CPU usage or configuration errors may be contributing to RTT issues.
• Quality of Service (QoS) Adjustment : If network congestion is the root cause, consider implementing or adjusting QoS policies to prioritize critical traffic and reduce congestion.
• Optimization Techniques : Implement optimization techniques such as route optimization, network load balancing , and the use of CDNs to improve network efficiency and reduce RTT.
• Testing and Validation : After making adjustments, conduct tests to validate that RTT has improved. Monitor the network to ensure that RTT remains within acceptable ranges.
• Regular Maintenance : Ongoing network maintenance, including updates, hardware upgrades, and configuration reviews, is essential for preventing future RTT issues.

By systematically identifying, troubleshooting, and addressing RTT issues, network administrators can maintain low-latency networks, ensure a seamless user experience, and minimize the impact of common RTT problems.

Learn how to troubleshoot network issues by identifying where, what, why network problems occur with Network Troubleshooting tools.

Factors Affecting Network Round-Trip Time (RTT)

As we navigate the realm of Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) and its role in network optimization, we encounter an array of influential factors that shape the journey of data from source to destination and back. In this chapter, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of these key factors, each wielding the power to either elevate or hinder network performance.

Understanding the factors affecting RTT is paramount for network administrators and IT professionals, as it equips them with the knowledge needed to fine-tune their networks for maximum efficiency and responsiveness.

1. Network Congestion on RTT in Networking

Network congestion occurs when there is a higher volume of traffic on a network than it can efficiently handle. This congestion can significantly impact RTT:

• Increased Latency : Congestion leads to packet queuing, where data packets must wait in line to be processed by network devices. The increased latency due to this queuing results in higher RTT values, causing delays in data transmission.
• Packet Loss : In congested networks, packets may be dropped to relieve congestion. This packet loss not only contributes to higher RTT as packets are retransmitted but also affects the reliability and performance of network applications.
• Quality of Service (QoS) : Implementing Quality of Service policies can help mitigate congestion by prioritizing certain types of traffic. This can help ensure that critical applications experience lower RTT values even during network congestion.

2. Geographic Distance on RTT in Networking

Geographic distance plays a fundamental role in determining RTT, especially in wide-area networks and global connectivity:

• Propagation Delay : As data travels over long distances, it experiences propagation delay. This delay is the time it takes for signals to traverse the physical medium (e.g., fibre-optic cables or satellite links) between network endpoints. The greater the distance, the higher the propagation delay, contributing to increased RTT.
• WAN vs. LAN : Wide Area Networks ( WANs ) typically involve greater geographic distances than Local Area Networks ( LANs ). WANs often exhibit higher RTT values due to the inherent challenges of data transmission across extensive physical distances.
• Use of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) : CDNs can help mitigate the impact of geographic distance by caching and delivering content from servers closer to end-users. This minimizes the effects of long-distance transmission on RTT.

3. Network Hardware and Configurations on RTT in Networking

The hardware and configuration of network devices and infrastructure can significantly affect RTT:

• Router and Switch Performance : The processing capacity of routers and switches in the network can impact the speed at which packets are forwarded. Outdated or underpowered devices can introduce additional latency and increase RTT.
• Network Path Efficiency : The chosen network paths and routing algorithms also play a role. Inefficient routing can lead to longer paths and, subsequently, higher RTT.
• Configuration Errors : Misconfigurations in network devices, such as incorrect routing tables or Quality of Service settings, can lead to suboptimal performance and increased RTT. Regular network audits and optimization are essential to address configuration issues.

4. Packet Loss and Jitter on RTT in Networking

Packet loss and jitter are network phenomena that can cause variations in RTT:

• Packet Loss : Packet loss occurs when data packets fail to reach their intended destination. Repeated packet loss results in retransmissions, which contribute to increased RTT. Reducing and measuring packet loss through network optimization is essential for minimizing RTT.
• Jitter : Jitter refers to the variation in packet arrival times. Excessive jitter can cause fluctuations in RTT, affecting the predictability of network performance. QoS mechanisms and traffic shaping can help mitigate jitter-related RTT issues.

Understanding these factors and their impact on RTT is crucial for network administrators and IT professionals. By addressing these challenges through proactive network management, optimization, and the use of appropriate technologies, it's possible to achieve lower RTT and maintain efficient and responsive network performance.

Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) vs. Latency: Comparing Network Siblings

In the world of networking and data transmission, terms like "Network Round-Trip Time (RTT)" and "latency" often take center stage, reflecting the critical aspect of speed and responsiveness in today's digital landscape. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent distinct facets of network performance.

In this section, we’ll unravel the differences between Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) and latency. Understanding these concepts is fundamental for network administrators and IT professionals as it enables them to grasp the nuances of network performance and address specific challenges effectively.

I. Defining Latency

Latency is a general term that refers to any delay or lag in data transmission within a network . It encompasses all delays encountered during data communication, including the time it takes for data to travel between two points (which is what RTT specifically measures), as well as other types of delays such as processing delays, queuing delays, and transmission delays.

Latency can be categorized into several types:

• Propagation Delay : The time it takes for a signal or data packet to physically travel over the network medium (e.g., copper cables, fibre-optic cables, or wireless links). It is directly related to the distance between two network points and the speed of the medium.
• Transmission Delay : The time it takes to push the entire data packet into the network medium. It is influenced by the packet's size and the speed of the network link.
• Processing Delay : The time it takes for network devices like routers and switches to process and forward data packets. This can be affected by the performance of these devices and their configurations.
• Queuing Delay : The time data packets spend in queues at various points in the network, waiting for their turn to be processed. High congestion or network traffic can increase queuing delays.
• Jitter : Jitter refers to variations in latency. Inconsistent latency can affect the predictability of network performance, which is particularly critical for real-time applications.

II. Defining Network Round-Trip Time (RTT)

As we've already discussed in this article, RTT is a specific metric used to measure the time it takes for a data packet to travel from its source to its destination and back to the source . It is a subset of latency that focuses on the round-trip journey of a packet. RTT is measured in milliseconds (ms) and is often used to evaluate network responsiveness.

The RTT calculation typically involves the following timestamps:

• The time the sender sends the packet.
• The time the sender receives an acknowledgment (ACK) from the receiver.
• The time the receiver receives the packet.
• The time the receiver sends the ACK back to the sender.

By subtracting the appropriate timestamps, you can calculate the RTT for a specific packet.

In summary, latency is a broader term that encompasses various types of delays in data transmission, including RTT. RTT specifically measures the round-trip time for a packet, which is crucial for understanding the responsiveness of a network, particularly in applications that require timely data exchange, such as video conferencing or online gaming.

We asked a supercomputer “What is latency”, its impact on network performance, and strategies for minimizing it and created this comprehensive guide.

The Quest for Lower Network Round-Trip Time: How to Reduce Network RTT

In the quest for network optimization and superior user experiences, one metric stands as a sentinel of responsiveness - Network Round-Trip Time (RTT). A lower RTT signifies not only the swift transmission of data but also the realization of network efficiency, seamless applications, and satisfied users.

Here, we will explore the art of reducing RTT through a variety of carefully crafted strategies. From optimizing network topology to the art of content caching and compression, from harnessing the power of load balancing to the efficiency of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), we will venture into the multifaceted realm of RTT reduction.

I. Strategies for Reducing Network RTT

Reducing RTT is a fundamental objective in optimizing network performance . So, there are several strategies to help you achieve this:

• Optimizing Network Topology : A well-designed network topology that minimizes the number of network hops and ensures efficient routing can significantly reduce RTT. Strategies like hierarchical network design and route optimization contribute to lower latency.
• Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation : Prioritizing real-time traffic and critical applications through QoS policies can reduce contention for network resources and lower RTT for those essential services.
• Edge Computing : Deploying computing resources closer to end-users or IoT devices at the network edge can reduce RTT by decreasing the physical distance that data needs to travel.
• TCP/IP Optimization : Fine-tuning TCP/IP parameters and employing technologies like TCP window scaling and selective acknowledgments can improve data transfer efficiency and lower RTT.

II. Load Balancing and Redundancy for Reducing Network RTT

Load balancing and redundancy are vital components in RTT reduction:

• Load Balancing : Distributing network traffic across multiple servers or paths ensures that no single server or network link becomes overwhelmed. This strategy not only increases network capacity but also reduces the likelihood of network congestion and high RTT.
• Redundancy : Implementing redundancy through network failover mechanisms or backup links can mitigate the impact of network failures. Redundancy ensures that if one path experiences issues, traffic can be rerouted quickly, minimizing RTT.

III. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) for Reducing Network RTT

CDNs are instrumental in RTT reduction, particularly for web content delivery:

• Caching : CDNs cache content on servers located in geographically distributed edge locations. This means users can access content from a nearby server, reducing the need to retrieve data from the origin server, and consequently lowering RTT.
• Content Prioritization : CDNs allow prioritizing and delivering the most critical content quickly, which is especially beneficial for reducing RTT for web pages, images, and videos.

IV. Caching and Compression for Reducing Network RTT

Caching and compression techniques are powerful tools for minimizing RTT:

• Data Caching : Caching frequently accessed data locally, either at the client side or at intermediate network nodes, allows for quicker retrieval of data, reducing RTT.
• Data Compression : Compressing data before transmission and decompressing it at the receiver's end decreases the amount of data to be transferred, ultimately lowering RTT.

By implementing these strategies and technologies, network administrators and IT professionals can actively work to reduce RTT, enhance network performance, and deliver a more responsive user experience. Each strategy offers a unique approach to address latency and can be adapted to the specific needs and goals of the network environment.

Tools and Technologies for Optimizing Network Round-Trip Time: Network RTT Optimization

In the realm of network performance, the pursuit of lower Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) is both an art and a science. It requires the judicious selection and deployment of tools and technologies that act as enablers, elevating networks to realms of enhanced responsiveness and efficiency.

Here, we uncover the spectrum of tools at your disposal, explore their capabilities, and provide insights into the selection process to ensure you choose the right tools that align with your unique business needs. Earlier in this article, we already talked about measuring RTT and identifying RTT issues with Network Performance Monitoring tools - which are also a key tool for optimizing round-trip time.

With the right tools in your arsenal, you can orchestrate a network that not only understands the melody of RTT but dances to its tune, delivering a harmonious and responsive user experience.

I. Network Monitoring and Analytics Solutions for Optimizing Network RTT

Monitoring and analytics tools are instrumental in the quest for RTT optimization:

• Network Performance Monitoring (NPM) : NPM solutions continuously monitor network performance, providing real-time visibility into RTT metrics. They enable network administrators to detect and diagnose issues promptly, making them a vital tool for maintaining low RTT.
• Packet Capture and Analysis Tools : Packet capture tools allow the in-depth analysis of network traffic. Administrators can use these tools to capture and examine packets, enabling them to identify bottlenecks and other issues contributing to RTT delays.
• Network Traffic Analysis : Advanced network traffic analysis solutions provide insights into application behaviour, network usage , and patterns. These tools help optimize network paths and configurations to lower RTT.

II. SD-WAN and Network Optimization Platforms for Optimizing Network RTT

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and network optimization platforms offer dynamic solutions for RTT optimization:

• SD-WAN : SD-WAN technology leverages multiple network connections and dynamically routes traffic over the most efficient path. It includes features such as traffic prioritization and application-aware routing, which are beneficial for optimizing RTT for critical applications. The same goes for Dual-WAN networks .
• WAN Optimization Controllers : These devices optimize data traffic between WAN endpoints by employing techniques like data deduplication, compression, and caching. WAN optimization reduces the amount of data transferred, reducing RTT.
• Content Delivery Platforms : Content delivery platforms, combined with CDNs, accelerate the delivery of web content by distributing it to edge servers. This minimizes the physical distance data needs to travel, resulting in reduced RTT for web-based services.

III. Choosing the Right Tools for Optimizing RTT in Your Business

Selecting the right tools for RTT optimization requires careful consideration:

• Assessing Business Needs : Start by identifying the specific requirements of your business. Consider factors like the nature of your applications, your network topology, and your performance goals. This assessment guides the choice of tools and technologies.
• Scalability : Ensure that the selected tools and technologies can scale with your business as it grows. Scalable solutions can adapt to increased network demands without compromising RTT.
• Compatibility : The tools and technologies you choose should seamlessly integrate with your existing network infrastructure. Compatibility ensures smooth implementation and operation.
• Budget Considerations : Evaluate the cost of implementation and ongoing maintenance. Balancing your budget with the need for high-performance tools is vital to achieving cost-effective RTT optimization.
• Monitoring and Maintenance : Plan for continuous monitoring and maintenance of the chosen tools and technologies. Regular updates and adjustments are necessary to adapt to evolving network conditions and maintain low RTT.

By exploring the array of tools and technologies available for RTT optimization and making informed choices that align with your specific network requirements, you can ensure that your network operates at its peak performance, delivering low RTT and a seamless user experience.

Harnessing the Power of Round-Trip Time (Network RTT) Optimization for Business Success

In the fast-paced digital landscape, where every millisecond counts, optimizing Network Round-Trip Time (RTT) should be a top priority for network admins. Achieving low and consistent RTT not only enhances the user experience but also impacts business operations in numerous ways.

For businesses, RTT optimization means improved productivity, reduced downtime, and the ability to leverage real-time applications to their full potential. In e-commerce, it can translate to higher sales, as low latency ensures swift page loads and seamless transactions. For video conferencing and collaboration tools, it means clearer communication and increased efficiency. In the realm of online gaming, it can be the difference between a competitive edge and a frustrating experience for gamers.

By harnessing the power of RTT optimization, businesses ensure that their digital offerings meet the high expectations of today's users and remain competitive in an ever-evolving market.

Measuring and Optimizing Network RTT with Obkio’s NPM Tool

To start measuring and optimizing RTT, you need the right tools, and Obkio's Network Performance Monitoring (NPM) tool stands as a valuable ally.

With Obkio, you can measure, monitor, and optimize RTT with precision. Get real-time insights into network performance, offering visibility into RTT metrics at various network points. Obkio equips network admins and IT professionals with the means to detect and resolve RTT issues promptly, ensuring that network operations remain seamless and efficient. With Obkio, you can proactively manage RTT, detect anomalies, and maintain low-latency network performance.

As you harness the power of Obkio's NPM tool, you're well-equipped to elevate your network to new heights of efficiency, ultimately contributing to the success of your business in a digitally connected world!

• 14-day free trial of all premium features
• Deploy in just 10 minutes
• Monitor performance in all key network locations
• Measure real-time network metrics
• Identify and troubleshoot live network problems

You can rest assured that we're not like those pushy Sellsy people - there's no catch here. We firmly believe in the excellence of our product, but if it's not the right fit for you, we understand and want what's best for you.

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What Is Round Trip Time (RTT)?

Want to understand what’s round trip time and why it’s important? You’re on the right page! Read our article and learn everything you need to know about this metric and the CDN role.

Wondering what’s round trip time and what’s its impact on performance? This article will cover everything you need to know about the round trip time (RTT), how it’s calculated, what affects it the most, and how a CDN can help to decrease it. 

What’s Round Trip Time?

Round trip time (RTT) measures the time it takes for the data to leave a starting point (the browser) and return to that very same point in milliseconds. It is a key metric used to measure network latency, page loading times, and the overall quality of a network.

• RTT = The time taken for a small packet of data to travel across the network and return at the same point. 
• Network latency = The communication delays over a network between the server and the user. Read our complete guide about network latency and how to reduce it with a CDN .

How To Calculate Round Trip Time (RTT)

Round trip time is the average server round-trip time plus the average round trip to the final client. 

When a user requests page content on Chrome, a request is sent to the server to load that page. This request/response scheme takes time, and those “lags” are called “propagation delays”. Two propagation delays constitute one round trip time.

When it comes to the actual calculation, there is one simple formula to remember.

How to Fix an RTT Average

If you want to fix an RTT average, you should aim at improving the propagation delay time on both the browser and server sides. 

To calculate the total RTT average, it’s crucial to know your client’s average server RTT and Average Client RTT. 

Let’s break down the process into two simple steps.

Step 1: the calculation needs to be done on the server and client sides: 

• Average Server RTT = (RTTs1 + RTTs2)/2  
• Average Client RTT = (RTTc1 + RTTc2)/2

Step 2: then you have all the data to calculate the average total RTT

Average Total RTT = avRTTs + avRTTc

What’s a Good Round Trip Time?

A good round trip time (RTT) should be below 100 milliseconds for optimal performance. Anything above may affect the connection depending on the application. 

Example of a Round Trip Time at Microsoft 

Microsoft has guidelines and rules to maintain healthy network quality. They published their network Performance requirements from a Skype for Business client to Microsoft network Edge. Here are the performance target requirements for optimal Skype for Business media quality.

How to Check My Round Trip Time – Example

Round trip time can be seen thanks to a “ping” via the terminal command of your computer. Follow the steps below to launch the command line: 

• Open your “Terminal Command” (on Mac) or your “CMD terminal” (on Windows)
• Type “traceroute” and “yourdomain” (it also works with your IP address)
• Press “Enter”

The round-trip times (RTTs) are expressed in ms from the third to the fifth column:

How Does Round Trip Time Work?

Round trip time is based on two main parameters:

• It determines the speed at which a network can operate as well as its global reliability.
• It allows users and operators to identify how long a signal will take to complete data transmission.

What Affects Round Trip Time?

The common factors affecting Round trip time are traffic, physical distance from the user to the servers, the transmission medium, and the overall infrastructure components.

Let’s go over each factor that impacts RTT the most:

• Physical distance – the high distance between the user computer (starting point) and the server (ending point) can be responsible for a high RTT. The data transfer time will take longer if the server is located on the opposite side of the world. 
• Response time of the origin server – measured with the Time to First Byte (TTFB) metric, it’s the amount of time it takes a server to process and respond to a request. If a server is attacked with thousands of simultaneous requests (e.g, during a DDoS attack), its ability to respond efficiently will be compromised, resulting in a high RTT.
• Transmission medium – Connections are made via cables, satellite, wireless or optical fiber. Each way affects the connection speed differently.
• Local area network (LAN) traffic – if a local area is already overloaded, it can impact the connection before it reaches the public internet. 
• Node count and congestion – the connection route may encounter some issues or congestion and may be redirected several times to intermediate nodes. The more nodes are touched, the slower the connection will result in a high RTT.

What’s the Impact of RTT on Performance and How a CDN Can Help

If the RTT is too high, time-outs and performance issues are very likely to occur. The Core Web Vitals of your website will also be impacted, resulting in a poor user experience. 

Let’s take the example of the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), which measures when the page starts loading the largest text block or image rendered on the screen. To ensure that the resource starts downloading as soon as possible, you should reduce the distance from the browser to the server. 

This is exactly the purpose of a CDN: making the content available closer to visitors.

Let’s have a closer look at the four main reasons why a CDN can help reduce the RTT and improve performance:

• CDNs decrease RTT because the users’ requests are handled by a local PoP and not the origin server, reducing the physical distance between a server and a user. CDN pops shorten the distance and improve the availability of assets, leading to an enhanced RTT.

• A CDN reduces data transfer time between the cache servers and the user’s device by using caching to improve page load times. The idea is to get faster page loads for users located far away from the servers. 
• CDN helps to reduce server response time and the TTFB Time to First Byte (TTFB) metric. TTFB is the amount of time it takes for the server to get a response ready and the best way to reduce TTFB is by using a CDN to cache content. Kinsta run a performance audit before and after using a CDN, and they saw two interesting results: a faster loading site and less waiting time (TTFB).

Scenario #1 – Performance results – No CDN 

• Loading time = 1,45 s
• TTFB (wait time) = 136 ms

Scenario #2 – Performance results – With a CDN 

• Loading time = 788 ms
• TTFB (wait time) = 36 ms

• Lastly, CDNs protect your origin server in case of DDoS attacks. If your website targets an attack, a CDN will help to ensure it doesn’t reach the origin server and render your site completely offline. Thanks to the CDN, the traffic will simply be redirected to other PoPs servers, and this will help maintain a good RTT.

Using RocketCDN to Reduce RTT 

RocketCDN is a powerful CDN that uses caching and more than 35 Points of Presence to distribute the data around the globe, ensuring your website a low RTT.  It’s also very simple and easy to use – RocketCDN does all the advanced settings for you. 

Sounds promising? 

Let’s go over the best features of RocketCDN that will help boost your performance and keep your RTT below 100 ms. 

✅  RocketCDN: maintain a low RTT and TTFB but a high uptime 

Present in more than 35 markets and on four continents, RocketCDN is a powerful CDN that helps reduce RTT and TTFB. The CDN ensures fast responsiveness for all international visitors located around the globe. Nobody wants any latency to occur, and a fast website is the key to a great user experience. 

✅ Decrease the server response time with powerful caching

RocketCDN uses caching to make the content available faster for international users via PoPs, resulting in a faster server response time and increased performance. 

✅   Network security and DDoS attacks protection

RocketCDN includes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) traffic and protects your origin server in case of DDoS attacks. If your website is targeted, RocketCDN will ensure that it doesn’t reach the origin server. Visitors won’t experience any downtime. They will simply be redirected to the other edge servers. And most importantly, the RTT will not be impacted!

✅ Straightforward installation and compatibility with any website technology

RocketCDN works with any website technology making it easy to connect to any CMS, including WordPress or Joomla. There is a WordPress plugin that automatically points your assets to RocketCDN.

✅  Unlimited bandwidth and high scalability 

RocketCDN can easily handle many visitors and unexpected traffic peaks with unlimited bandwidth. This is great for reducing the round trip time and avoiding any “hops” in the connection.

✅  A Cache Hit Ratio > 90% 

With a Cache Hit Ratio superior to 90%, it’s safe to say that the data is properly cached and that RocketCDN can process many requests successfully. Like RTT, Cache Hit Ratio is also an important performance metric for a CDN.    

Managing your Round trip time is straightforward with RocketCDN! 

Using RocketCDN allows you to distribute content more efficiently worldwide, save on RTT, TTFB and increase the performance of your website. RocketCDN does all the heavy lifting for you – you don’t need to worry about the technical settings! On top of that, you have up to 48 hours to cancel it if you don’t see any improvements. Try RocketCDN and start reducing your round-trip time today!

Determining TCP Initial Round Trip Time

• TCP Analysis , Wireshark
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I was sitting in the back in Landis TCP Reassembly talk at Sharkfest 2014 (working on my slides for my next talk) when at the end one of the attendees approached me and asked me to explain determining TCP initial RTT to him again. I asked him for a piece of paper and a pen, and coached him through the process. This is what I did.

What is the Round Trip Time?

The round trip time is an important factor when determining application performance if there are many request/reply pairs being sent one after another, because each time the packets have to travel back and forth, adding delay until results are final. This applies mostly to database and remote desktop applications, but not that much for file transfers.

What is Initial RTT, and why bother?

Initial RTT is the round trip time that is determined by looking at the TCP Three Way Handshake. It is good to know the base latency of the connection, and the packets of the handshake are very small. This means that they have a good chance of getting through at maximum speed, because larger packets are often buffered somewhere before being passed on to the next hop. Another point is that the handshake packets are handled by the TCP stack of the operating system, so there is no application interference/delay at all. As  a bonus, each TCP session starts with these packets, so they’re easy to find (if the capture was started early enough to catch it, of course).

Knowing Initial RTT is necessary to calculate the optimum TCP window size of a connection, in case it is performing poorly due to bad window sizes. It is also important to know when analyzing packet loss and out of order packets, because it helps to determine if the sender could even have known about packet loss. Otherwise a packet marked as retransmission could just be an out of order arrival.

Determining Initial RTT

The problem with capture device placement

One of the rules of creating good captures is that you should never capture on the client or the server . But if the capture is taken somewhere between client and server we have a problem: how do we determine Initial RTT? Take a look at the next diagram and the solution should be obvious:

Instead of just looking at SYN to SYN/ACK or SYN/ACK to ACK we always look at all three TCP handshake packets. The capture device only sees that SYN after it has already traveled the distance from the client to the capture spot. Same for the ACK from the server, and the colored lines tells us that by looking at all three packets we have full RTT if we add the timings.

Frequently asked questions

Question: can I also look at Ping packets (ICMP Echo Request/Reply)? Answer: no, unless you captured on the client sending the ping. Take a look at the dual colored graph again – if the capture device is in the middle you’re not going to be able to determine the full RTT from partial request and reply timings.

Discussions — 18 Responses

Good article. I’ll have to point a few friends here for reference.

Just wanted to mention that I’ve seen intermediate devices like load balancers or proxies that immediately respond to the connection request throw people off. Make sure you know what’s in your path and always double/triple check the clients..

Thanks, Ty. I agree, you have to know what’s in the path between client and server. Devices sitting in the middle accepting the client connection and open another connection towards the server will lead to partial results, so you have to be aware of them. Good point. They’re usually simple to spot though – if you have an outgoing connection where you know that the packets are leaving your LAN and you get Initial RTT of less than a millisecond it’s a strong hint for a proxy (or similar device).

I really liked your article. I have one question:

Lets say we have the below deployment:

Client ——> LoadBalancer ——> Proxy ——–> Internet/Server

In case we “terminate” the TCP connection on the Proxy and we establish a new TCP connection from the Proxy to the Server. Should we measure 2 RTTs one for each connection and the aggregation of them is the final RTT ? What should we measure in order to determine the speed in such deployments ?

Regards, Andreas

Proxies can be difficult, because there is often only one connection per client but many outgoing connections to various servers. It usually complicates analysis of performance issues because you have to find and match requests first.

Luckily, for TCP analysis you only need to care about the RTT of each connection, because packet loss and delays are only relevant to those.

Of course, if you’re interested in the total RTT you can can add the 2 partial RTTs to see where the time is spent.

Thanks a lot for your response 🙂

good article

Thanks for mentioning REF, which is great of heltp

so where we need to capture the tcp packet actually to know the RTT? for ex if its like :

server—-newyork—-chicago—-california—–washington—-server and if i need to know the RTT between server in newyork to washington Please let me know

You can capture anywhere between the two servers and read the RTT between them from SYN to ACK. By reading the time between the first and third handshake packet it doesn’t matter where you capture, which is the beauty of it. But keep in mind that the TCP connection needs to be end-to-end, so if anything is proxying the connection you have to capture at least twice, on each side of the proxying device.

How can find packet travelling time from client to server are on different system.

To determine the round trip time you always need packets that are exchanged between the two systems. So if I understand your question correctly and you don’t have access to packets of a communication between the client and the server you can’t determine iRTT.

Can u please tell how to solve these type of problems 2. If originally RTTs = 14 ms and a is set to 0.2, calculate the new RTT s after the following events (times are relative to event 1): 1. Event 1: 00 ms Segment 1 was sent. 2. Event 2: 06 ms Segment 2 was sent. 3. Event 3: 16 ms Segment 1 was timed-out and resent. 4. Event 4: 21 ms Segment 1 was acknowledged. 5. Event 5: 23 ms Segment 2 was acknowledged

I’m sorry, but I’m not exactly sure what this is supposed to be. What is it good for, and what is this a set to 0.2? The only thing that may make sense is measuring the time it took to ACK each segment (1 -> 21ms if measuring the time from the original segment, 5 otherwise, 2 -> 17ms), but I have no idea what to use “a” for 🙂

how to calculate RTT using NS-2(network simulator-2)?

I haven’t played with NS-2 yet, but if you can capture packets it should be the same procedure.

ok..thank you sir

Hi, Subject: iRTT Field Missing in Wireshark Capture

We have two Ethernet boards, one board perfectly accomplishes an FTP file transfer the second does not and it eventually times out early on, mishandling the SYN SYN:ACK phase. We analyzed the two Wireshark captures and noticed that the good capture has the iRTT time stamp field included in the dump while the bad one does not. What is the significance of not seeing that iRTT in the bad capture? Is that indicative to why it fails the xfer?

The iRTT field can only be present if the TCP handshake was complete, meaning you all three packets in the capture (SYN, SYN/ACK, ACK). If one is missing the iRTT can’t be calculated correctly, and the field won’t be present. So if the field is missing it means that the TCP connection wasn’t established, which also means that no data transfer was possible.

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RTT Calculator Online: Find Round Trip Time

The Round Trip Time (RTT) Calculator is an invaluable tool for network administrators and enthusiasts who wish to estimate the time taken for a signal to travel from a source to a destination and back. This measure is critical in data transmission and network management tasks.

Inputs to the RTT Calculator

The RTT Calculator requires three inputs:

• Bandwidth: The bandwidth, usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps), represents the maximum data transfer rate of a network or Internet connection.
• Data Size: The size of the data you wish to transfer, usually measured in megabytes (MB).
• Latency: Latency, measured in milliseconds (ms), is the time it takes for a packet of data to get from the source to the destination.

These variables all have an impact on the round trip time.

The RTT Formula

The calculator computes the Round Trip Time (RTT) using the following formula:

Here’s a breakdown of the formula:

• (Data Size / Bandwidth) * 1000: This portion of the formula calculates the time it takes for the data to be transferred over the network. It’s divided by the bandwidth to get the time in seconds, and then multiplied by 1000 to convert it to milliseconds.
• 2 * Latency: The latency is multiplied by 2 because the data needs to travel to the destination and then back to the source.

Adding these two components gives the round trip time (RTT) in milliseconds.

Let’s take an example to better understand how the calculator works:

Suppose we have a bandwidth of 10 Mbps, we are transferring data of size 5 MB, and the network latency is 100 ms. Plugging these values into our formula, we get:

So, the round trip time for this particular data transmission is 5200 ms or 5.2 seconds.

Wrapping Up

Understanding RTT is crucial as it directly impacts the performance and speed of data transmission over a network. High RTT values can lead to slower data transfers and lag, affecting activities like online gaming or live video streaming.

Using the RTT calculator can help you quickly estimate round trip times, allowing you to better plan and optimize your network for improved data transfer speeds.

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RTT Calculator

Introduction:.

Round Trip Time (RTT) is the time taken by a packet to travel from the source to the destination and back to the source. It is an important metric to determine the quality of a network connection. An RTT calculator is a tool that helps to measure the RTT of a network. 

The formula for calculating RTT is:

RTT = (t2 - t1) + (t4 - t3)

where, t1 = time when the packet leaves the sender t2 = time when the packet arrives at the receiver t3 = time when the packet leaves the receiver t4 = time when the packet arrives back at the sender

Steps for calculating RTT:

Step 1: Start the timer when the sender sends a packet Step 2: Record the time when the packet reaches the receiver Step 3: The receiver sends an acknowledgement to the sender, record the time when the acknowledgement is sent Step 4: The sender receives the acknowledgement, stop the timer and record the time Step 5: Calculate the RTT using the formula mentioned above 

Using RTT calculator:

An RTT makes it easier to calculate RTT by automating the process. Some calculators may require additional inputs such as the packet size and the number of packets to be sent. Here are the steps to use a calculator:

Step 1: Enter the IP address or hostname of the destination

Step 2: Choose the protocol (TCP or UDP) Step

3: Choose the port number (if required)

Step 4: Choose the packet size (if required)

Step 5: Choose the number of packets to be sent (if required) Step 6: Click on the "calculate" button Step 7: The RTT will be displayed on the screen  

Conclusion:

It is a useful tool for network administrators and engineers to measure the quality of a network connection. By knowing the RTT, one can determine the latency and other network characteristics. It is important to understand the formula for calculating RTT and the steps involved in using a calculator. 

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How to Calculate Expected Round Trip Time?

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Round-trip time (RTT) is a critical metric in computer networks that measures the time it takes for a data packet to travel from a source to a destination and back again. It plays a crucial role in various networking protocols and is used to determine network performance, estimate latency, and optimize data transmission. Calculating the expected Round Trip Time can help network administrators and engineers assess network efficiency, diagnose issues, and implement appropriate improvements. In this article, we will explore the concept of RTT and provide a step-by-step guide on how to calculate the expected Round Trip Time effectively.

What is Round-Trip Time?

Round Trip Time (RTT) is the time taken for a signal or packet to travel from a source to a destination and then back to the source. It includes the time taken for propagation, transmission, and processing delays. RTT is measured in milliseconds (ms) and is a crucial factor in determining the latency of a network. It is used in various networking protocols, such as T CP/IP, to adjust transmission rates and manage congestion.

Key Terminology

• Round Trip Time (RTT): It is the time it takes for a signal or packet to travel from a source to a destination and back to the source. RTT includes propagation, transmission, and processing delays and is measured in milliseconds (ms).
• Latency : It refers to the time delay experienced in a network communication, often measured as the RTT.
• Network Performance : Network performance refers to the overall quality, efficiency, and reliability of a computer network.
• Packet Loss : Packet loss occurs when data packets fail to reach their intended destination.
• Congestion : Network congestion refers to a situation where the demand for network resources exceeds the available capacity, leading to degraded performance.
• Smoothing Factor (α) : The smoothing factor, also known as the weight or coefficient, is a constant value used in the formula to calculate the expected RTT.

Steps To Calculate the Expected Round Trip Time

Step 1: Select a Destination. Identify the target device or destination for which you want to calculate the expected RTT. This can be an IP address or a domain name.

Step 2: Choose a Measurement Tool. Select a suitable measurement tool or utility that can help you measure the Round Trip Time accurately. There are several tools available, such as ping, traceroute, or network monitoring software.

Step 3: Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux). To access the ping command, you need to open the command prompt on Windows or the terminal on Mac/Linux. You can do this by searching for “Command Prompt” or “Terminal” in the respective operating system’s search bar.

Step 4: Enter the Ping Command. In the command prompt or terminal, type the following command: ping <target> (replace <target> with the IP address or domain name of your target device).

Step 5: Initiate the Ping Test. Now, Press the Enter key to execute the ping command. The utility will start sending ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) echo request packets to the target device.

Step 6: Observe the Results. As the ping utility sends packets, it records the Round Trip Time for each packet received. The utility will display the results for each packet sent, along with the statistics at the end of the test. Look for the “Average” or “Avg” value in the statistics, as it represents the average Round Trip Time.

Step 7: Calculate the Expected RTT. The average Round Trip Time displayed in the ping statistics is an estimation of the expected RTT.

Step 8: Repeat the Process (Optional)

To obtain a more accurate estimate of the expected RTT, you can repeat the ping test multiple times and calculate the average of all the Round Trip Times obtained.

Formula to calculating the expected Round Trip Time

• Previous RTT: The RTT value from the previous measurement.
• Sample RTT: The RTT value obtained from the latest measurement.
• α (alpha): A constant smoothing factor (typically between 0 and 1) used to balance the influence of previous and current RTT values. It determines how much weight is given to the latest measurement.

Let’s assume we have the following values:

Calculating the expected Round Trip Time is essential for assessing network performance and diagnosing network-related issues. By using tools like the ping command, network administrators and engineers can determine the latency of a network and make informed decisions to optimize data transmission. Remember that the expected RTT can vary depending on the network conditions and the target device’s location. Regularly monitoring the RTT and making adjustments accordingly can help maintain a robust and efficient network infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what statistical distributions can be used to model the distribution of rtt values, and how do you choose the most appropriate one for a given network.

Explain the use of statistical distributions like the normal distribution, log-normal distribution, or others to model RTT. Discuss the factors that influence the choice of distribution in specific network scenarios.

2. How do you handle outliers and anomalies in RTT measurements when calculating the expected RTT, and what impact can they have on the accuracy of the estimate?

Address the challenges posed by outliers or anomalous RTT measurements and how they can skew the expected RTT calculation. Describe robust statistical techniques or filtering methods to mitigate their effects.

3. In the context of network paths with multiple hops and varying RTT values, how do you calculate the expected RTT for the entire path, and what considerations are involved in aggregating RTT values?

Discuss the aggregation of RTT values along a multi-hop network path, including the weighting of individual RTTs and factors such as packet loss, queuing delays, and routing complexity.

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Round Trip Time (RTT) Calculator

Online computer networks calculator helps to calculate round trip time (RTT) of signal length ping time in sender and receiver signals. Whenever a new value for the current RTT is measured, it is averaged into a smoothed RTT depending on the last measured value.

Calculate RTT Ping Time

RTT = (α · Old_RTT) + ((1 − α) · New Round Trip Sample)

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Program to Calculate the Round Trip Time (RTT)

Round-trip time(RTT) in networking, also called the round-trip delay time is a benchmark that measures the amount of time it takes for a data packet to be sent in addition to the amount of time it takes for acceptance of that signal to be received in milliseconds. RTT delay also includes propagation times between two communication endpoints.

What is Round-Trip Time?

RTT can be defined by an end-user with the help of Internet protocol by pinging that address .

What is a Good Round-Trip Time?

Situations can be different for every other application. So it's not possible to predict an exact time.

A fully managed and determined desktop virtualization service such as AWS WorkSpaces allows its users to access the resource and applications they need. It has basically three thresholds for RTT.

• The round-trip time from the client's network to the AWS Region that the WorkSpaces are in should be lower than 100ms .
• If the round-trip time is between 100ms and 200ms , the user can access WorkSpace, but performance is pompous .
• If the round-trip time is between 200ms and 375ms , the performance is cheapened .
• If the round-trip time exceeds 375ms , the WorkSpaces client connection is discarded .

So in general the users should have a round-trip time of 100 milliseconds for normal usage of the application and a maximum of 200 milliseconds before the application starts to degrade.

Implementation in Python

Here's a Python code implementation to calculate the RTT

How to Reduce RTT

There are two ways through which Round-Trip Time can be reduced.

1. Reducing RTT with Amazon CDN Distribution

CDNs or Content Delivery Networks were created to solve to reduce round-trip time . Using CDN as a service it is reasonable to expect a decrease in RTT by up to half or more.

CDN can affect RTT in the following ways:

• Scalability: CDN as a cloud service, provides high scalability and the ability to exercise a vast number of user requests.
• Load Distribution: When the traffic is high, CDNs use backup edge servers with lower congestion for route requests, this speed's up the server's response time and lowers RTT.
• Points of Presence (PoPs): Content Delivery Network also manages a geographical network of dispersed PoPs data centers , each of them containing cached copies of site content data, which are in charge of communicating with site visitors in their region. This helps in reducing the distance a signal has to travel and the number of network stops required to reach a server.
• Web Caching: CDN has the power to cache media, HTML, and dynamic content on a PoP in close proximity to the user. One advantage of this is sometimes the request is fulfilled using a local PoP without traveling to the origin server , which helps in lowering RTT .

2. General Ways to Reduce RTT

• Browser Caching: Modern Browser can cache certain resources of a website locally in the system to reduce RTT .
• Discarding Broken links: Requests which result in 404/410 errors , can be discarded to avoid wasteful reports .
• Bringing content closer to the user: Servers close to the user should be used, this lower's the RTT by several amounts.
• Merging external scripts: If external scripts can be merged into as few files, this helps to lower RTT several times.
• Lessen HTTP/s directs: Minimizing HTTP/s directs from one URL to another lowers RTT and wait time.
• RTT is a crucial tool for determining the strength of the network. It is the time between the request of the data and the display of the data.
• Factors such as Distance, Network Hops, and Traffic levels can bring a massive change to the value of RTT.
• In Satellite transmissions, RTT can be measured using Jacobson/Karels algorithm.
• Calculation of RTT is advantageous because it helps the user and operators how long will it take the signal to complete the transmission .
• RTT also helps in determining the reliability of the network as the speed of a network.

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Linux ping command getting rtt

I am new to Linux and i am trying to ping a server and i wonder How to get or calculate median of Round Trip Time (RTT) n Linux ?

Ping or Packet Internet Groper is a network administration utility used to check the connectivity status between a source and a destination computer/device over an IP network. It also helps you assess the time it takes to send and receive a response from the network.

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3 Answers 3

Round trip time(RTT) is the length of time it takes for a signal to be sent plus the length of time it takes for an acknowledgement of that signal to be received. This time therefore consists of the propagation times between the two point of signal. On the Internet, an end user can determine the RTT to and from an IP( Internet Protocol ) address by pinging that address. The result depends on various factors :-

• I was asking about the median of rtt and not how to get the rtt. However, your answer helped me to better understand rtt and that is why i will accept you answer –  USER Sep 16, 2019 at 11:11
• Thanks for your acceptance will share the answer of this question as soon as possible –  Sunni Kumar Kapil Sep 16, 2019 at 14:16

Here is how you can get median and 95th percentile rtt from regular ping output with datamash :

This sends 5 echo requests to 1.1.1.1, filters output to only contain rtt with sed , then uses datamash to calculate and output median and 95th percentile (although it can do a lot more, see manual ).

If dot . is used as decimal separator in your locale, you can omit LC_ALL=C in command above.

The iputils implementation of ping only summarizes RTT with minimum, average, maximum and moving standard deviation . Not percentile or median, useful as that would be.

Install a network monitoring system to measure TCP and ICMP RTT, and maybe even get more insight into the user response times you actually care about.

Although of the many ping implemenations, it seems mping has a percentile summary option. Maybe others do too.

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• Calculating round trip time

Round Trip Time (RTT) is the measure of how long it takes for a very small packet to travel across the network and for an acknowledgment of that packet to be returned. Consider the typical topology where an Exinda appliance is positioned between the client and the server.

As each packet is intercepted by the Exinda appliance, it is time stamped with a highly accurate nanosecond resolution clock source. Since the Exinda appliance intercepts the packet after the client sends the packet, the start time is not known and so the RTT is determined by summing the round trip time from the appliance to the server and back (Server RTT), and the round trip time from the appliance to the client and back (Client RTT). As more packets are sent from the client through the Exinda appliance make the round trip, the RTT estimate is updated by averaging new information.

The following diagram illustrates how the round trip time is calculated:

This diagram shows how RTT is calculated.

Server RTT:

• RTTs1 = t2 - t1
• RTTs2 = t5 - t4

Client RTT:

• RTTc1 = t3 - t2
• RTTc2 = t7 - t6

Average RTT:

Average Server RTT = (RTTs1 + RTTs2)/2

Average Client RTT = (RTTc1 + RTTc2)/2

Average Total RTT = avRTTs + avRTTc

Related topics

• Network and Server Delay in a Read Transaction
• Network and Server Delay in a Write Transaction
• Delay Normalization
• Packet loss

Related Topics

• Normalizing transaction delay metrics
• Calculating network and server delay in a read transaction
• Calculating network and server delay in a write transaction
• Calculating network efficiency using packet loss and retransmitted data

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