Hybrid Access as a Service (HAaaS) provider Cloudbrink has developed a new tool that can measure the impact of packet loss, revealing the deep-rooted causes of network and application performance issues impacting the hybrid workforce.
From Cloudbrink research reveals that just 0.0047% packet loss combined with 30ms latency can cause a dramatic speed drop, reducing effective throughput by up to 95%. This highlights how any increase in latency from VPN or ZTNA services can lead to a huge performance degradation.
Cloudbrink points out that packet loss typically occurs in the “last mile” – the user’s distance from the broadband network or nearest cell tower – or between the user’s device and the Wi-Fi router.
Mimics home network conditions
With the free Packet Loss Tool, aimed at optimizing remote workforces, IT departments can see how using VPN or ZTNA solutions impacts their critical business applications and the overall user experience.
Prakash Mana, CEO of Cloudbrink: “The shift to hybrid working models brings new hurdles. Remote users often experience connection delays and inconsistencies (latency and jitter) that disrupt their workflow and cause frustration with the technology. This new tool enables IT teams to identify these bottlenecks and implement solutions that optimize application performance and reduce end-user frustration.”
Cloudbrink’s tool mimics the network conditions that remote workers and people on the go will encounter on typical broadband connections, or over mobile networks and public Wi-Fi access points. It also tests the impact of varying network conditions on private and SaaS applications.
Steve Broadhead, director of Broadband Testing, said: “Seeing is believing. This tool provides a great way to enable the CTO to witness firsthand the effects of network degradation and how it can impact application performance.”
Packet Loss Tool is available for free download at Cloudbrink website. You’ll need to complete a short survey before you can access it.