MTR Test for Troubleshooting Speed and Connection Issues
Sometimes, speed issues occur due to latency or a poor hop on the route to the server you are connecting to or the site you are trying to visit. The best way to identify this is by running an MTR test.
An MTR test is a broad-spectrum diagnostic tool that identifies where connections fail and may help determine the cause of connection issues. MTR tests run on Windows, macOS, or Linux. However, because the test evaluates your network, the device used does not affect the results. Ensure you run the test on the ISP network where the issue occurs.
Windows
Step 1: Download MTR Software
You can download the MTR software from here:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/winmtr/
(General Disclaimer: Use of this application, or any applications made by 3rd party developers, is at your own discretion and liability.)
Step 2: Hostname
Once the MTR software is installed, open it and, under "Hostname," enter the server or site you want to test (for example, us-east.privateinternetaccess.com, www.google.com, etc.).
Step 3: Run MTR Tests
Run each MTR test for 100 cycles (stop when the count reaches 100+ in the Sent column). Run the following tests:
- WITHOUT the VPN active, to www.google.com
- WITHOUT the VPN active, connect to the VPN server you are using. You can find the hostname in the OpenVPN configuration files by opening them as a text document and locating the line that starts with remote (for example: us-east.privateinternetaccess.com).
- WITH the VPN active, visit www.google.com
Step 4: Send Test Results
Save each test as a separate text file. Label each file clearly (for example, To Google, VPN OFF, etc.) and attach them to your support ticket.
macOS
Step 1: Disconnect
Ensure you disconnect from the VPN by right-clicking the application icon or selecting the power button in the application menu.
Step 2: Terminal
Open Terminal by going to your Applications folder and selecting the Utilities folder.
Step 3: First Command
In the Terminal window, enter:
sudo /usr/local/sbin/mtr www.google.com
Step 4: Run MTR Test
Run the MTR test for 100 cycles (press "P" to pause when the count reaches 100+ in the Snt column).
Step 5: Screen Shot
Press Command + Shift + 4, then release all keys. The screenshot saves to your desktop.
Step 6: Second Command
Enter:
‘sudo /usr/local/sbin/mtr us-east.privateinternetaccess.com’
Replace us-east.privateinternetaccess.com with the server you want to test. You can find the hostname in the OpenVPN configuration files by locating the line that starts with remote.
Step 7: Screen Shot
Take a screenshot of the second test result.
Step 8: Connect
Right-click the application or select the power button in the application and connect the VPN.
Step 9: Third Command
Enter:
sudo /usr/local/sbin/mtr www.google.com
Step 10: Screen Shot
Take a screenshot of this test result.
Step 11: Send Test
Label each screenshot clearly (for example, To Google VPN OFF, etc.) and attach them to your support ticket.
Linux
If you use Linux, the MTR utility is built into many distributions and is accessible through Terminal.
Step 1: Terminal
Open Terminal.
Step 2: Command
Enter:
mtr <thenameoftheserveryouneedtotest>
(for example: mtr us-east.privateinternetaccess.com)
If MTR is not available, you can use:
pathping -n google.ca
pathping -n us-east.privateinternetaccess.com
Step 3: Run MTR Test
When the test starts, press P to pause the test and copy the results. Press the spacebar to restart if needed.
If you experience issues or have questions, contact support for assistance.