How Kencang Works

Transparency is core to our mission. This page explains exactly how Kencang measures your internet speed, the technology we use, and how we ensure accurate results.

The NDT7 Protocol

Kencang uses NDT7 (Network Diagnostic Tool version 7), an open-source internet performance measurement protocol developed by Measurement Lab (M-Lab).

M-Lab is a consortium including Google, Princeton University, and other research institutions. Their mission is to provide the most accurate, transparent internet measurement data available.

Why NDT7?

  • WebSocket-based - Works in any modern browser without plugins
  • TCP-based - Measures real application-layer throughput
  • Open source - Fully auditable methodology
  • Research grade - Used by internet researchers worldwide
  • No server tricks - Results are not artificially inflated

Test Process

When you click "Start Speed Test," here is what happens:

  1. 1. Server Selection

    Our system uses geolocation to select the nearest M-Lab server. Using a nearby server reduces the impact of geographic distance on your results, giving you a measurement that reflects your ISP connection rather than internet backbone latency.

  2. 2. Download Speed Test

    A WebSocket connection is established to the M-Lab server. The server sends data to your device as fast as your connection allows. We measure the data received over time to calculate your download throughput in Megabits per second (Mbps).

    The download test runs for approximately 10 seconds to ensure stable measurements.

  3. 3. Upload Speed Test

    Your device sends data to the server as fast as possible. We measure the data transmitted over time to calculate your upload throughput. The upload test also runs for approximately 10 seconds.

  4. 4. Latency Measurement

    During the test, we measure the round-trip time (RTT) of packets between your device and the server. This is your ping or latency, measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower values mean faster response times.

Server Infrastructure

Kencang leverages the M-Lab server network:

  • 100+ locations worldwide - Servers on every continent
  • High-capacity connections - Servers can handle gigabit+ speeds
  • Neutral hosting - Servers are not hosted by ISPs, preventing bias
  • Automatic selection - Your test uses the optimal server for accuracy

Factors Affecting Results

Your speed test results can be affected by several factors:

Your Control

  • WiFi vs. wired connection (wired is more accurate)
  • Other devices using your network
  • Background applications using bandwidth
  • Distance from your router
  • Router and modem quality

Outside Your Control

  • ISP network congestion
  • Time of day (peak hours)
  • ISP throttling policies
  • Internet backbone conditions
  • Weather (for satellite/wireless)

Best Practices for Accurate Testing

  1. Use a wired connection - Connect directly to your router with an ethernet cable
  2. Close other applications - Streaming, downloads, and cloud sync affect results
  3. Disconnect other devices - Or pause their network activity
  4. Test multiple times - Run 3-5 tests and average the results
  5. Test at different times - Compare peak and off-peak hours
  6. Update your browser - Older browsers may limit performance

Data and Privacy

Kencang collects anonymized test data to:

  • Calculate average speeds by region and ISP
  • Identify network performance trends
  • Improve our testing service

We do not collect personally identifiable information. Your IP address is used only for geolocation and is not stored with test results. See our Privacy Policy for complete details.

Open Source

The NDT7 protocol and M-Lab infrastructure are open source:

Methodology FAQ

Why does Kencang use NDT7 instead of other protocols?

NDT7 is an open-source, research-grade protocol designed for accuracy and transparency. It uses WebSocket for modern, efficient measurements and is developed by Measurement Lab, a consortium of research institutions.

How many servers does Kencang use?

Kencang uses the M-Lab server network, which includes hundreds of servers in over 100 locations worldwide. This ensures accurate measurements regardless of your location.

Why might my results vary between tests?

Internet speed fluctuates due to network congestion, server load, WiFi interference, and other connected devices. Testing multiple times gives a better picture of your typical performance.

Is Kencang measurement methodology published?

Yes. We use the open-source NDT7 protocol. The methodology is publicly documented by M-Lab at measurementlab.net and the code is available on GitHub.