Ookla is getting into hardware with the Speedtest Pulse for network diagnostics

Ookla, the company best known for its online connection testing service, is moving beyond browser tabs and mobile apps, entering the dedicated hardware segment. The newly announced Speedtest Pulse is a portable network diagnostic device designed specifically for ISPs and enterprise IT departments that need to validate connections on-site.

The Speedtest Pulse is designed to address the common support headache where the root cause of a “slow internet” complaint could be anything from the ISP entry point to poor local Wi-Fi coverage or just an aging client device. Speedtest Pulse is intended to provide a standardised, smartphone-based validation tool for technicians in the field to isolate these issues.

At launch, the hardware focuses on its Active Pulse mode. This allows technicians to run immediate, guided tests during new installations or trouble calls. The system can determine whether the issue resides in the ISP, the local Wi-Fi environment, or a client device. It can then generate a performance report that serves as a baseline for that particular installation, which can be referenced later if problems arise.

Perhaps more interesting for long-term troubleshooting is the planned Continuous Pulse feature, though this is not scheduled to arrive until 2026. This future update will enable the Speedtest Pulse to function as a “leave-behind” probe, monitoring connection performance over time to detect intermittent faults that often disappear the moment a technician arrives on site.

The hardware leverages Ookla's existing global network of over 15,000 testing servers to ensure the results match what users see on their own devices. All data collected by the Pulse integrates directly with the company's Speedtest Insights platform for centralised analysis by support teams.

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KitGuru says: For mainstream users, the Speedtest Pulse is overkill. However, for professionals who manage large IT parks or frequently work with networks, it should make their job much easier.

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