Daniel Antunes
·Engineering Leader for Express

How to test your network connection (and understand the results)

Running into audio issues, call drops, or delays in Talkdesk Express? Your network connection might be the cause. The good news? you can check it yourself in under 5 minutes.

We’ve made it simple with the Talkdesk Network Test Tool. No tech degree required. Here’s how to use it and what the results mean.

What is the Talkdesk network test tool?

It’s a free, browser-based tool that helps you assess the quality and stability of your internet connection, specifically for cloud-based voice apps like Talkdesk Express.

It checks key things like:

  • Latency (aka delay)

  • Packet loss (aka dropped voice data)

  • Jitter (aka call quality variation)

  • Bandwidth (how much data can flow at once)

These are all critical for a smooth voice experience.

How to run the test

  1. Visit the tool: https://networktest.talkdesk.com/

  2. Click “Start Test”: It takes 2 to 3 minutes to complete. Don’t close your browser or switch tabs during the test.

  3. Wait for results: Once done, you’ll see a summary of your network performance, including a star rating and a breakdown of key metrics.

How to read the results (without a networking degree)

MOS score (Mean Opinion Score)

  • Ranges from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)

  • What to aim for: 4.3 or higher

  • Why it matters: It’s a high-level score of voice quality based on all other metrics

Round Trip Time (latency)

  • Measures the delay between sending and receiving data

  • What to aim for: Less than 100 ms

  • Why it matters: High latency makes conversations feel laggy

Packet Loss

  • Measures the % of voice data that gets lost

  • What to aim for: 0% (but up to 1% is acceptable)

  • Why it matters: Lost packets = choppy or missing audio

Jitter

  • Measures how much latency changes over time

  • What to aim for: Under 10 ms

  • Why it matters: Inconsistent latency = robotic or distorted audio

Upload & Download bandwidth

  • Shows how much data your network can handle

  • What to aim for: At least 100 kbps upload & download per voice call

  • Why it matters: Low bandwidth = poor audio + dropped calls

For a more detailed guidance on how to interpret the network quality test resulta, read THIS.

Tips if the results aren’t great

If your network test shows poor performance, try these steps:

  • Switch to a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi

  • Avoid video calls or streaming while using Talkdesk Express

  • Restart your router or check with your IT provider

  • If on a VPN, try disconnecting and retesting

  • Run the test again at a different time of day (peak hours can affect quality)

For a more detailed guidance on how to configure your network, please read the following articles:

Why this matters

A stable, high-quality connection ensures you can deliver the best experience to your customers, without dropped calls or awkward silences.

Running this test regularly helps spot issues early and gives you real data to share with IT support if needed.

Run the Talkdesk Network Test Tool now: https://networktest.talkdesk.com/

Still having issues?

If you’ve run the Talkdesk Network Test, followed the recommended actions, and are still experiencing call quality issues, don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Here’s what to do next:

  1. Gather the relevant information:

    • A screenshot or copy of your Network Test results

    • A short description of the issue (e.g. choppy audio, delays, dropped calls)

    • The approximate date/time the issue occurred

    • Your browser and network setup (Wi-Fi vs Ethernet, VPN, etc.)

  2. Email our community team at [email protected]

  3. We’ll escalate on your behalf. A Community Manager will review your case and, if needed, open a support ticket directly with Talkdesk Support on your behalf.

Pro tip: Including the network test results up front helps us get to a faster resolution, with less back-and-forth.