Overview
From time to time, there may be a requirement to test the speed throughput of Kerio Control in its environment to ensure that the Kerio Control configuration is not limiting the internet connectivity speed.
Download and Upload speeds may vary depending on your ISP plan, but the connection shouldn't be reduced by Kerio Control drastically.
This article provides the guidelines for running effective Speed Tests.
Important: it's expected SpeedTest UI might freeze during the tests.
Prerequisites and guidelines for Running Effective Speed Tests
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During the test, ensure that no other intensive bandwidth utilization application is using Kerio Control. Perfect scenario when nobody else using the firewall.
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Use any of the native apps from Speed Tests. Results from browser or browser plugin results are not accepted. Do NOT use any 3rd-party websites for the tests.
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Ensure that the PC where you are performing the speed test meets the following criteria:
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It is connected via wire (Ethernet cable) to Kerio Control.
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It has adequate resources, especially CPU. Consumption should be low without the speed test. Tests executed in the lab are at least 16 GB RAM and a modern 4-core CPU.
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Disable Debug logs on Kerio Control.
- Repeat the test a couple of times, changing the test server (select a physically nearby server). Ideally, repeat the test at different times of the day as the results can vary based on external factors.
- If you're using Kerio Control box or custom hardware (Software Appliance), ensure the firewall is located in a well-ventilated space. Consider purchasing a laptop cooling stand as a small alternative to eliminate overheating issues.
Information
Elements That Can Affect Kerio Control
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Number of Rules
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Debug logging
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Size of the files being transferred
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Services that are enabled
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Type of Internet Connectivity (Single Link, Failover, Load Balancing)
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Network Interface type
Note: In the case of PPPoE connection, it is recommended to consult with the ISP to find out the correct MTU value and change it in the Kerio Control settings. -
Custom Bandwidth rules and QoS. Make sure the Link Bandwidth values for Download and Upload speeds are set correctly.
Additional Considerations
Kerio Control is not simply a Firewall but a UTM (Unified Threat Management System). Hence it has additional built-in features like Antivirus Engine, IPS System, Web and Content Filters, Anti-Spoofing, etc.
As a lot of inspections are done at each of these layers, usually there would be a drop of 25% to 30% in the internet speeds. So it can be assumed as normal behavior if the internet speeds are reduced by 20% to 30% after passing through Kerio Control.
If the speeds deteriorate beyond 50%, then it is abnormal and needs to be investigated and reported to Engineering after initial troubleshooting by Customer Support.
Important: if you're using NG100(W), NG300(W), or NG500 boxes, consider upgrading to the latest models as they have higher hardware specs.
Related Article
Considering the effect of maximum concurrent users for maximum performance on Kerio Control