Install Speedtest CLI With HTTPS: A Quick Guide

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into how to install and use the Speedtest CLI (Command Line Interface) with HTTPS. This is super useful for those who want to automate speed tests or run them on servers without a GUI. We will walk through each step simply and understandably. Let's get started!

Understanding Speedtest CLI

Before we jump into the installation, let's understand what Speedtest CLI is and why you might want to use it. The Speedtest CLI is a command-line tool provided by Ookla, the company behind Speedtest.net. It allows you to perform internet speed tests directly from your terminal. This is incredibly handy for network diagnostics, server monitoring, and automating speed tests in scripts. Think of it as having the power of Speedtest.net right at your fingertips, without needing to open a browser. This is particularly useful in environments where a graphical interface is not available or practical.

The beauty of the Speedtest CLI lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Instead of manually navigating to the Speedtest.net website, clicking through various options, and waiting for the results, you can get the same information with a single command. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency in your speed tests. For those managing servers or networks, this tool can be a lifesaver for quickly assessing network performance and identifying potential issues. Moreover, the CLI tool can be integrated into scripts and automated tasks, allowing for continuous monitoring of network speeds. You can set up scripts to run speed tests at regular intervals and log the results, providing valuable data for performance analysis over time.

Furthermore, the Speedtest CLI is lightweight and easy to install, making it accessible to a wide range of users, regardless of their technical expertise. The command-line interface is straightforward and intuitive, with options to customize the test according to your specific needs. For instance, you can specify a particular server to test against, which can be useful if you want to evaluate the performance of a specific connection or diagnose issues with a particular network segment. Additionally, the Speedtest CLI supports various output formats, including text, CSV, and JSON, making it easy to parse the results and integrate them into other tools or systems. Whether you are a network administrator, a system engineer, or simply a tech-savvy individual, the Speedtest CLI is an indispensable tool for measuring and monitoring your internet speed.

Prerequisites

Before we start, make sure you have a few things ready:

  • A Terminal: You'll need access to a terminal or command prompt. This could be Terminal on macOS, Command Prompt or PowerShell on Windows, or any terminal emulator on Linux.
  • Basic Command-Line Knowledge: Don't worry, you don't need to be a guru. Just knowing how to enter basic commands will do.
  • Internet Connection: Obviously, you'll need an active internet connection to perform the speed tests.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of installing the Speedtest CLI. Follow these steps, and you'll be up and running in no time.

Step 1: Downloading the Speedtest CLI

The first step is to download the Speedtest CLI from the official Ookla website. Ookla provides pre-built binaries for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes the installation process straightforward and platform-independent. To ensure you're getting the latest version, always download directly from the official source. This reduces the risk of downloading compromised or outdated software.

To download the Speedtest CLI, head over to the official Speedtest CLI download page. Once there, you'll find different versions for different operating systems. Choose the one that matches your OS and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). For example, if you're on a 64-bit Windows system, you'll want to download the 64-bit Windows version. If you are using macOS, download the macOS version.

Once you've located the correct version, click on the download link. The file will typically be a ZIP archive. Save the ZIP file to a convenient location on your computer, such as your Downloads folder. After the download is complete, proceed to the next step, which involves extracting the contents of the ZIP file. Extracting the files will reveal the executable file, which you'll need to place in a directory that's included in your system's PATH environment variable. This allows you to run the speedtest command from any terminal window without having to specify the full path to the executable. Remember to always verify the integrity of the downloaded file by comparing its checksum with the one provided on the official website.

Step 2: Extracting the Downloaded File

Once you've downloaded the ZIP file, the next step is to extract its contents. This involves using a file extraction tool to unpack the files contained within the ZIP archive. On most operating systems, you can simply double-click the ZIP file to open it with the built-in extraction tool. Alternatively, you can use a dedicated file compression utility like 7-Zip or WinRAR.

After opening the ZIP file, you'll see a list of the files and folders it contains. Typically, the Speedtest CLI ZIP archive will include the executable file (e.g., speedtest.exe on Windows, speedtest on macOS and Linux) and possibly a README file with instructions and licensing information. To extract the files, select all the items in the ZIP archive and click the "Extract" or "Unzip" button. You'll be prompted to choose a destination folder for the extracted files. Select a location that's easy to remember and access, such as a new folder on your desktop or in your Documents directory.

After you've specified the destination folder, the extraction process will begin. Depending on the size of the ZIP archive and the speed of your computer, this may take a few seconds to a few minutes. Once the extraction is complete, navigate to the destination folder you selected. You should now see the Speedtest CLI executable file along with any other files that were included in the ZIP archive. With the files extracted, you're ready to move on to the next step, which involves making the Speedtest CLI accessible from your terminal by adding it to your system's PATH environment variable.

Step 3: Adding Speedtest CLI to Your PATH (Important!)

This is a crucial step. Adding the Speedtest CLI to your PATH allows you to run the speedtest command from any terminal window, regardless of your current directory. Without this, you'd have to navigate to the directory where you extracted the Speedtest CLI every time you want to use it, which is a pain. The PATH environment variable is a list of directories that your operating system searches when you enter a command. By adding the Speedtest CLI directory to the PATH, you're telling your OS to look in that directory whenever you run the speedtest command.

On Windows:

  1. Search for "environment variables" in the Start Menu and select "Edit the system environment variables."
  2. Click on "Environment Variables…"
  3. Under "System variables," find the "Path" variable, select it, and click "Edit…"
  4. Click "New" and add the full path to the directory where you extracted the Speedtest CLI (e.g., C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads\speedtest)
  5. Click "OK" on all windows to save the changes.

On macOS and Linux:

  1. Open your terminal.

  2. Edit your shell configuration file (e.g., .bashrc, .zshrc). You can use a text editor like nano or vim.

  3. Add the following line to the end of the file, replacing /path/to/speedtest with the actual path to the directory where you extracted the Speedtest CLI:

    export PATH="$PATH:/path/to/speedtest"

  4. Save the file and close the text editor.

  5. Run the following command to apply the changes to your current terminal session:

    source ~/.bashrc  # or source ~/.zshrc, depending on your shell

After completing these steps, the Speedtest CLI should be accessible from any terminal window. To verify that it's working correctly, open a new terminal window and run the speedtest command. If everything is set up correctly, you should see the Speedtest CLI output, including your download speed, upload speed, and ping time. If you encounter any issues, double-check that you've added the correct path to the PATH environment variable and that you've applied the changes to your current terminal session.

Step 4: Running Your First Speed Test

Now that you've installed the Speedtest CLI and added it to your PATH, it's time to run your first speed test. This is where the magic happens, as you get to see your internet speed results directly from your terminal. Running a speed test with the Speedtest CLI is incredibly simple. Just open your terminal or command prompt and enter the speedtest command. The Speedtest CLI will automatically detect the nearest Speedtest server and begin the test.

To run a basic speed test, simply type speedtest and press Enter. The Speedtest CLI will then perform a series of tests, including measuring your download speed, upload speed, and ping time. As the test progresses, you'll see real-time updates in your terminal window, showing the current speed and progress. Once the test is complete, the Speedtest CLI will display the final results, including your download speed, upload speed, ping time, and the server that was used for the test. The results are typically displayed in a human-readable format, making it easy to understand your internet speed performance.

In addition to the basic speed test, the Speedtest CLI also supports various options and flags that allow you to customize the test according to your specific needs. For example, you can specify a particular server to test against using the --server flag, which can be useful if you want to evaluate the performance of a specific connection or diagnose issues with a particular network segment. You can also use the --accept-license flag to bypass the license agreement prompt, which is useful when automating speed tests in scripts. Additionally, the Speedtest CLI supports various output formats, including text, CSV, and JSON, making it easy to parse the results and integrate them into other tools or systems. To see a full list of available options and flags, simply type speedtest --help in your terminal window.

Using HTTPS with Speedtest CLI

By default, Speedtest CLI uses HTTP. If you want to ensure a more secure connection, you can use HTTPS. Here’s how:

Step 1: Check Your Speedtest CLI Version

Make sure you have a recent version of Speedtest CLI that supports HTTPS. Older versions might not have this feature, so updating is crucial. To check your version, run speedtest --version in your terminal. If you're running an older version, consider downloading the latest version from the official website.

Step 2: Enable HTTPS

To enable HTTPS, you typically don't need to do anything extra. The Speedtest CLI usually defaults to using HTTPS if it's available. However, if you want to ensure it's using HTTPS, you can try specifying the server manually. Find a server that supports HTTPS (this info isn't always readily available) and use the --server flag. While there isn't a direct --https flag, ensuring you're using a server that supports HTTPS will effectively use a secure connection.

Step 3: Verify the Connection

Unfortunately, Speedtest CLI doesn't explicitly state whether it's using HTTPS. However, by using a recent version and specifying a server (if possible), you can be reasonably sure it's using HTTPS.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

  • "Command not found": This usually means the Speedtest CLI is not in your PATH. Double-check Step 3 above.
  • Connection Errors: Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try running the test again.
  • Slow Speeds: This could be due to various factors, including your internet plan, network congestion, or issues with your ISP.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've successfully installed and used the Speedtest CLI with HTTPS. This is a powerful tool for monitoring your network performance and ensuring you're getting the speeds you're paying for. Keep experimenting with different options and flags to get the most out of it. Happy testing, and see you next time!