Hey guys! Today, we're diving into how to install Speedtest CLI on Proxmox. Whether you're a seasoned Proxmox user or just starting out, knowing your network's performance is crucial. Speedtest CLI is a command-line tool that allows you to measure your internet speed directly from your Proxmox server. It's super handy for troubleshooting network issues, ensuring you're getting the speeds you're paying for, and generally keeping an eye on your connection. So, let's get started!

Why Use Speedtest CLI on Proxmox?

Before we jump into the installation process, let's quickly cover why you might want to use Speedtest CLI on your Proxmox server.

• Accurate Measurements: Running speed tests directly from your server gives you a more accurate representation of your network's performance, without the interference of other devices on your network.
• Automation: You can automate speed tests using cron jobs or other scheduling tools to regularly monitor your network speed and identify any performance issues over time.
• Troubleshooting: If you're experiencing slow network speeds or other connectivity problems, Speedtest CLI can help you pinpoint the source of the issue.
• Resource Monitoring: Keep tabs on your internet connection's health, especially important for servers running critical applications.
• Lightweight: The command-line interface is very lightweight and doesn't consume many resources. This is crucial for a server environment where resource management is key.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

• A Proxmox server up and running.
• SSH access to your Proxmox server.
• Basic knowledge of Linux command-line.
• An active internet connection for your Proxmox server.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Access Your Proxmox Server via SSH

First things first, you need to access your Proxmox server. Open your terminal or SSH client (like PuTTY) and connect to your server using the following command:

ssh user@your_proxmox_ip

Replace user with your username and your_proxmox_ip with the actual IP address of your Proxmox server. Once you're connected, you'll be ready to move on to the next step. Make sure that you have the correct credentials before trying to connect. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free installation process.

Step 2: Update Your Package List

Before installing any new software, it's always a good idea to update your package list. This ensures that you have the latest versions of all the packages and dependencies. Run the following command:

apt update

This command will update the package list from the repositories. Wait for the process to complete before moving on. This step is crucial for avoiding compatibility issues and ensuring that you have the most recent software versions available. Keeping your system updated is a good practice for maintaining security and stability.

Step 3: Install Speedtest CLI

Now, let's install Speedtest CLI. You can download and install it using the following commands:

wget https://install.speedtest.net/app/cli/install.sh
chmod +x install.sh
sudo ./install.sh

Here’s what each command does:

• wget https://install.speedtest.net/app/cli/install.sh: Downloads the Speedtest CLI installation script.
• chmod +x install.sh: Makes the installation script executable.
• sudo ./install.sh: Runs the installation script with administrative privileges.

Follow the prompts during the installation process. The script will download and install Speedtest CLI on your system. This process might take a few minutes, depending on your internet connection speed. Once the installation is complete, you’ll be ready to start using Speedtest CLI.

Step 4: Test Your Internet Speed

With Speedtest CLI installed, you can now test your internet speed. Simply run the following command:

speedtest

This command will initiate a speed test and display the results in your terminal. You'll see your download speed, upload speed, and ping time. These metrics are crucial for understanding your network's performance. Make sure to run the test a few times to get an average reading. This will give you a more accurate representation of your typical internet speed.

Step 5: Understanding the Results

After running the speedtest, you'll see a few key metrics:

• Download Speed: This is the rate at which data is transferred from the internet to your server. Measured in Mbps (megabits per second).
• Upload Speed: This is the rate at which data is transferred from your server to the internet. Also measured in Mbps.
• Ping: This is the latency or delay in the connection. Measured in ms (milliseconds). Lower ping times are better.

Use these results to assess your network's performance. If you're not getting the speeds you expect, you may need to troubleshoot your network configuration or contact your ISP. Understanding these metrics will help you identify potential issues and optimize your network for better performance. Regularly monitoring these values can help you maintain a stable and efficient server environment.

Advanced Usage

Speedtest CLI has several advanced options that you might find useful.

Specify a Server

By default, Speedtest CLI chooses the best server for testing. However, you can specify a server manually using the --server option followed by the server ID.

First, list available servers:

speedtest --list

Then, test against a specific server:

speedtest --server [server ID]

Replace [server ID] with the ID of the server you want to use. Specifying a server can be useful for testing connectivity to specific locations or for comparing results between different servers. This level of control allows for more precise and targeted network testing.

Get Results in JSON Format

If you want to use the speed test results in a script or application, you can get the output in JSON format:

speedtest --accept-gdpr --format json

This will output the results in a structured JSON format, making it easy to parse and use in your scripts. Using JSON format is particularly useful for automation and integration with other tools. The --accept-gdpr flag is necessary to comply with GDPR regulations.

Accepting GDPR Agreement

When using Speedtest CLI, you might need to accept the GDPR agreement to proceed with the test. You can do this by adding the --accept-gdpr flag to your command:

speedtest --accept-gdpr

This ensures that you comply with GDPR regulations while using the tool. Always make sure to include this flag when necessary to avoid any potential issues with data privacy.

Automating Speed Tests

To monitor your network speed regularly, you can automate speed tests using cron jobs. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Open Crontab

Run the following command to open the crontab editor:

crontab -e

This will open the crontab file in a text editor. If it’s your first time using crontab, you may be prompted to choose an editor. Select your preferred editor.

Step 2: Add a Cron Job

Add a line to the crontab file to schedule the speed test. For example, to run the speed test every hour, add the following line:

0 * * * * speedtest --accept-gdpr --format json > /path/to/speedtest_results.json

• 0 * * * *: This specifies the schedule. In this case, it means run the job at minute 0 of every hour.
• speedtest --accept-gdpr --format json: This is the command to run.
• > /path/to/speedtest_results.json: This redirects the output to a file. Replace /path/to/speedtest_results.json with the actual path to the file where you want to save the results.

Step 3: Save and Close

Save the crontab file and close the editor. The cron job will now run automatically according to the schedule you specified.

Automating speed tests allows you to collect data over time and identify any trends or issues with your network performance. Regularly reviewing the results can help you proactively address potential problems.

Troubleshooting

Command Not Found

If you get a “command not found” error when trying to run speedtest, make sure that the Speedtest CLI installation directory is in your system’s PATH. You can add it to your ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc file.

Permission Denied

If you get a “permission denied” error, make sure that the install.sh script is executable. You can make it executable using the chmod +x install.sh command.

Connection Issues

If the speed test fails to connect to the server, check your internet connection and firewall settings. Make sure that your server can access the internet and that there are no firewall rules blocking the connection.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've successfully installed Speedtest CLI on your Proxmox server and learned how to use it to monitor your network speed. By following this guide, you can keep tabs on your internet connection and ensure optimal performance. Whether you're troubleshooting network issues or just want to keep an eye on your speeds, Speedtest CLI is a valuable tool to have in your arsenal. Happy testing!