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Globalping is a free, open-source network-measurement platform that runs ping, traceroute, MTR, DNS, and HTTP tests from globally distributed probes. Unlike testing only from your laptop or one cloud region, it can show how a website, API, DNS record, CDN, or route behaves from different countries, ISPs, autonomous systems, cloud regions, and end-user (“eyeball”) networks.
It is excellent for on-demand troubleshooting and automation. It is not automatically a replacement for a managed uptime-monitoring service with guaranteed probe availability, browser journeys, alerting, retention, support, or an SLA.
What problem does Globalping solve?
Internet failures are often regional. A site may load normally for a developer in London but fail for users on an ISP in California. A DNS provider may return different answers in Japan and Germany. An IPv6 route may be broken while IPv4 works, or a CDN may send one region to a healthy edge and another to a failing one.
Testing from your own computer gives you one access network, one resolver, one geographic location, and one set of routes. Testing from a single cloud region gives you a different vantage point, but still does not represent ordinary residential users. Globalping lets you run the same measurement from multiple remote probes and compare the results.
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- VERSATILE CABLE TESTING: Cable tester tests voice (RJ11/12), data (RJ45), and video (coax F-connector) terminated cables, providing clear results for comprehensive testing on unenergized Ethernet cables (not designed to test PoE)
- EXTENDED CABLE LENGTH MEASUREMENT: Measure cable length up to 2000 feet (610 m), allowing for precise cable length determination
- COMPREHENSIVE FAULT DETECTION: Test for Open, Short, Miswire, or Split-Pair faults, ensuring thorough fault detection and identification
- BACKLIT LCD DISPLAY: Backlit LCD screen displays cable length, wiremap, cable ID, and test results, ensuring easy readability in various lighting conditions
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The distinction matters:
- On-demand measurement: useful during an incident, while debugging a deployment, or when comparing regions.
- Continuous monitoring: repeated scheduled checks with alerting and history. Globalping can be used as a component in such a system through its API, but does not by itself provide every feature of a managed monitoring platform.
- Eyeball networks: probes associated with consumer or access ISPs can reveal conditions closer to end users.
- Datacenter networks: cloud and server locations help diagnose infrastructure-to-infrastructure paths but are not equivalent to residential connectivity.
Globalping’s network is primarily supplied by community members, companies, and sponsors, alongside project-operated infrastructure. The official About page reported more than 4,734 probes, 966 cities, 1,389 autonomous systems, and 124 countries on August 18, 2026. Those are live service figures, not permanent specifications, and will change as probes join, leave, or become unavailable.
Visit Globalping or read its official overview.
How the community-supported network works
A typical measurement follows this path:
- You submit a request through the website, CLI, REST API, Slack, or another integration.
- The API interprets the target, test type, and location filters.
- Globalping selects currently available and eligible probes.
- Each selected probe performs the requested operation against the public target.
- The service returns the measurement data together with probe location and network information.
Probe hosts can run the open-source probe software in Docker or Podman on a VPS, dedicated server, home server, Raspberry Pi, or another internet-accessible x86 or ARM device. The probe establishes outbound connections to the API; the documented setup does not require opening inbound ports.
Hosting a probe expands coverage and earns credits. According to the project documentation, probe hosts receive 150 credits per probe per day. GitHub sponsorship also supports the project and can provide additional credits. Sponsors contributing at least $10 per month can request a hardware probe, according to the project’s GitHub documentation.
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What can you test?
| Test | Useful for | It does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| Ping | Basic ICMP reachability and round-trip latency | That a web application is healthy; ICMP may be filtered |
| Traceroute | Visibility into the path toward a target | That every missing hop represents packet loss |
| MTR | Repeated path and packet-loss clues | That loss reported by an intermediate router affects the destination |
| DNS | Comparing resolver answers and regional DNS behavior | That the returned service is reachable or functioning |
| HTTP | Web or API reachability and response behavior | That every application feature or authenticated user flow works |
Use the protocol that matches the question. If users report that a website is unavailable, start with HTTP and DNS. Add ping for latency context, then traceroute or MTR for path clues. Treat any single result as evidence, not a complete diagnosis.
Run a measurement in the web interface
The website is the easiest starting point because it requires no installation and displays selected probes on a map.
- Open globalping.io.
- Select Ping, Traceroute, MTR, DNS, or HTTP.
- Enter a domain, IP address, or URL appropriate to the test.
- Enter one or more locations.
- Choose the number of probes where that option is available.
- Run the measurement and inspect both the map and each individual result.
- Compare locations or rerun with comparable probes when investigating a particular path.
For a regional incident, a useful sequence is HTTP from the affected region and an unaffected region, followed by DNS from both. If the HTTP result differs but DNS does not, investigate routing, CDN policy, WAF behavior, or the application path. If DNS answers differ, inspect the returned addresses and resolver behavior before blaming the web server.
Choose locations intelligently
Globalping’s location syntax accepts natural descriptions and network filters. Examples documented by the project include:
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- Comprehensive Cable Testing: Includes a tester box with a detachable remote unit for in-place testing of Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 7 RJ45 Ethernet and RJ11 telephone cables; ideal for networks up to 300m/1000ft
- Efficient Crimping & Stripping: Features a solid-build crimper with textured handles for secure wire and connector crimping; comes with mini-blades for easy wire snipping and stripping
- Versatile Punch Down Tool: Krone-style punch down tool offers quick and lightweight block termination, perfect for setting up or repairing network connections
- Precision Coax Stripping: Rotary coaxial cable stripper with an interchangeable head for RG59 and RG58 cables; adjustable blades for precise stripping with minimal effort
- Accessories & Carry Case: Includes full-length screwdrivers for panels and covers, and a handy box of spare connectors; all kept tidy and organized, with strong elastic straps, in a professional-looking zipper case of splash-proof Oxford weave cloth
from Germany
from Western Europe
from California
from AS16509
from comcast+california
from aws-eu-west-1
from eyeballYou can combine multiple locations and use --limit to control the number of selected probes. Without a location, selection is effectively worldwide. Probe selection is best effort, so the requested number may not always be available.
Interpret location labels carefully:
- A country, city, or region is not a census of all users there.
- An ASN or ISP result is a vantage point within that network, not a representative sample of every customer.
- A cloud-region tag measures a datacenter path, not necessarily an end-user path.
- A city label reflects inferred or configured probe location and is not street-level geographic precision.
- “Eyeball” and “datacenter” classifications help separate access-network and server-network perspectives, but both remain dependent on the probes currently online.
Use the CLI
The official CLI supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. Installation options include Debian/Ubuntu packages, RPM-based distributions, Homebrew, Chocolatey, WinGet, and manually downloaded binaries. Examples:
# Debian/Ubuntu
curl -s https://packagecloud.io/install/repositories/jsdelivr/globalping/script.deb.sh | sudo bash
apt install globalping
# Fedora/RHEL-compatible systems
curl -s https://packagecloud.io/install/repositories/jsdelivr/globalping/script.rpm.sh | sudo bash
dnf install globalping
# macOS
brew tap jsdelivr/globalping
brew install globalping
# Windows
winget install globalping
# or
choco install globalpingVerify the installation:
globalping --help
globalping versionBasic examples:
globalping ping example.com from Germany --limit 2
globalping traceroute example.com from Western Europe --limit 2
globalping mtr example.com from North America --limit 3
globalping dns example.com from Japan
globalping http https://example.com from AustraliaFor scripts and CI, the important options include:
--from— select a location--limit— select the number of probes--json— return machine-readable JSON--ci— disable real-time terminal updates in CI environments
The CLI also supports authentication, history, limits, sharing, probe installation, and probe reselection. Because command syntax can change, check the current CLI documentation and local help output before embedding commands in a long-lived workflow.
Automate measurements with the REST API
The documented endpoint for creating a measurement is:
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{
"limit": 10,
"locations": [],
"target": "jsdelivr.com",
"type": "ping",
"measurementOptions": {
"packets": 5
}
}The API is useful for CI/CD checks, internal dashboards, ChatOps, CDN and DNS comparisons, and custom diagnostic tools. The normal workflow is to create a measurement, obtain its result, and process the returned data in your application. Use the project’s current API documentation for authentication, polling, response schemas, and limits rather than assuming this short example is a complete client.
Officially listed clients and integrations include TypeScript/JavaScript, Go, Python, Zapier, n8n, MCP, GitHub comments, Slack, and others. Check the integrations page and label community-maintained integrations as unofficial when appropriate.
Limits, tests, and credits
The project’s current GitHub documentation lists these limits:
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- Cable Performance testing up to 10GBASE-T via frequency-based measurements
- Network features including: IPv4 and v6 ping, nearest switch diagnostics (IP address, name, port / VLAN number, and advertised data rates).
- Ethernet Alliance certified PoE Verification – Detects the PoE class (1-8) and power, and performs a load test of available PoE from the connected switch
- Displays cable length, wire map, and distance to open or short
- Manage results and print reports from LinkWare PC
| User type | Tests per hour | Probes per measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Unauthenticated | 250 | 50 |
| Registered free user | 500 | 500 |
It also documents a global per-IP GET limit of 2 requests per second per measurement. A test is one successful measurement run from one probe. A measurement using 10 probes therefore counts as 10 tests, not one.
Credits can be used for testing above the normal hourly allowance, and the project says they do not expire. Probe hosting supplies additional credits, while sponsorship terms provide another way to support the network and increase capacity.
An official sponsorship-credit discrepancy
The official sources currently disagree about the sponsorship conversion: the GitHub project documentation says sponsors receive 2,000 credits per dollar donated, while the Globalping credits page describes a base reward of 4,000 credits per dollar with a cumulative bonus structure. Do not rely on either figure as a settled conversion without checking the live dashboard or current sponsorship terms.
How to interpret results without overclaiming
“The site is up for me, so why does Globalping fail?”
Possible explanations include regional routing, different DNS answers, CDN policy, IPv4/IPv6 differences, origin or WAF blocking, rate limiting, ICMP filtering, a destination blocking a probe’s ASN, poor IP reputation, or a temporary probe problem.
Test the same target with HTTP, DNS, ping, and traceroute where appropriate. Compare several probes in the affected and unaffected regions, then confirm the finding with server-side logs and a second monitoring source.
Traceroute shows stars or missing hops
Routers may suppress, deprioritize, or filter TTL-expired responses. A missing intermediate hop does not necessarily indicate a broken path or loss affecting the final destination. Examine the final-hop result, compare paths from other probes, and use repeated measurements or MTR before drawing conclusions.
DNS answers differ
That may be intentional geographic routing, resolver policy, CDN steering, split-horizon configuration, stale caching, or a problem affecting one resolver path. Compare the returned records and nameservers, then test HTTP against the relevant addresses if your investigation permits it.
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- Anti-Interference Tracing with NCV: Digital decoding ensures noise-free, accurate tracing with Normal, Anti-Interference, and PoE modes; supports live cable tracing up to 600m and includes an NCV pen for non-contact AC detection
- 1-to-1 Continuity and Fault Testing: Pairs with the remote adapter to test RJ45 shielded and unshielded cables for short circuits, open circuits, miswiring, and normal connections; supports 8-pin network and 9-pin shielded cables
- 2.5–200m Length Measurement: Measures each twisted pair of CAT5/CAT6 cables and displays results in meters, feet, or yards; helps locate breaks and verify cable runs within the 2.5–200m range
- POE and Port Flash/Link Testing: Tests DC 5–60V standard and non-standard PoE, identifies IEEE 802.3af/at, and shows power method, voltage, and polarity; also supports 10M/100M/1000M port flash and Link test
- Complete Kit with Rechargeable Transmitter: Includes transmitter, receiver, remote adapter, cable set, tool bag, 9V battery, and Type-C cable; transmitter uses a 3.7V 950mAh rechargeable battery, receiver uses 9V, with LED light
The requested number of probes was not returned
Selection is best effort. There may be too few currently eligible probes, or the filters may be too restrictive. Broaden the region, remove an ISP or cloud constraint, reduce the limit, or test a nearby area.
Can the same test be reproduced later?
The platform supports reselection using a previous measurement ID, but this is best effort. Probes may disappear and measurements may expire, so an old ID should not be treated as a permanent, guaranteed measurement fixture.
Recommended Free Tools
Host your own probe
The project documents Docker deployment for x86 and ARM systems:
docker run -d
--log-driver local
--network host
--restart=always
--name globalping-probe
ghcr.io/jsdelivr/globalping-probeThe documented Docker Hub image is also available:
docker run -d
--log-driver local
--network host
--restart=always
--name globalping-probe
globalping/globalping-probeThe dashboard wizard is recommended when you want to adopt the probe under your account automatically. Manual or automated adoption can use the GP_ADOPTION_TOKEN environment variable. Treat that token as sensitive: anyone who obtains it may be able to register probes under the account.
Use a host with stable internet access and understand the outbound traffic the container will generate. Review container permissions, resource use, network policy, acceptable-use rules, and organizational approval requirements. Do not assume that hosting a probe is risk-free simply because the agent does not accept inbound connections.
Security and abuse controls
Globalping documents several safeguards:
- Probes connect outward to the API and do not open inbound ports.
- Private IP addresses and local-network testing are blocked as targets.
- Malware and abusive domains or IP addresses are blocked at the API level.
- Users are rate-limited.
- VPN, Tor-exit, anonymous-proxy, and otherwise unreliable probe sources may be blocked.
- Only one probe may run per public IPv4 address or IPv6
/64prefix. - Adopted-probe limits apply within the same ASN and city.
These controls reduce abuse risk but do not remove operational or legal responsibility for the host. The project may disconnect probes that cannot be reliably located or that appear to use prohibited intermediary networks.
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Registered users are currently documented as being able to select up to 500 probes in one measurement. High-volume users should split work across measurements, use static location strategies, design a distribution plan, and contact the project about custom limits. Remember that probe count also affects test accounting.
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Globalping is intended for public endpoints. Private IP targets and local-network tests are blocked. For an internal service, use a controlled public test endpoint if appropriate, or choose an internal monitoring system designed to operate inside your network.
Globalping versus alternatives
| Tool | Best fit | How it differs |
|---|---|---|
| RIPE Atlas | Internet-measurement research and distributed probe data | More research- and measurement-infrastructure-oriented; Globalping is generally simpler for interactive developer workflows and ChatOps. |
| Pingdom | Managed uptime checks, alerts, and dashboards | More turnkey and monitoring-oriented; Globalping emphasizes ad hoc diagnostics and community vantage points. |
| Catchpoint | Enterprise Internet-performance monitoring | Broader managed monitoring, reporting, and support for larger organizations. |
| ThousandEyes | Enterprise visibility across users, ISPs, cloud, and SaaS dependencies | Deeper enterprise observability and relationship mapping; usually excessive for occasional testing. |
| Checkly | Scheduled API and browser monitoring | Better for assertions and browser workflows; Globalping is better for raw DNS, routing, reachability, and network comparison. |
Choose Globalping when you need flexible, on-demand measurements from varied networks, an API-first workflow, open-source components, or low-cost global troubleshooting. Choose a commercial platform when you need guaranteed monitoring frequency, standardized managed probes, browser transactions, centralized alerting, long-term retention, compliance controls, role-based administration, contractual support, or an SLA.
A practical incident workflow
When users in one region report slowness or failure, use this sequence:
- HTTP: compare the target from the affected region, an unaffected region, eyeball probes, and datacenter probes.
- DNS: compare answers and response behavior from the same broad locations.
- Ping: use latency and ICMP reachability as context, not as an uptime verdict.
- Traceroute or MTR: look for consistent path differences, while discounting isolated missing intermediate hops.
- Repeat: rerun with comparable locations or use reselection when appropriate. A single community probe is not a trend.
- Corroborate: check application logs, CDN and DNS-provider data, origin metrics, and another monitoring source.
This workflow separates likely DNS, routing, CDN, protocol-filtering, and application failures instead of treating every failed ping as evidence that the website is down.
Verdict
Globalping is a strong choice for developers, SREs, network operators, researchers, open-source maintainers, and companies that need global network diagnostics without first buying an enterprise monitoring contract. Its community-supported probe network provides geographic and network diversity that a local laptop or single cloud region cannot.
Its limitations are equally important: coverage is dynamic, selection is best effort, probes are not identical or necessarily representative, measurements are snapshots, and free usage is subject to limits and credits. Use it as a measurement and troubleshooting network—or as one component of a larger monitoring system—not as an automatic substitute for a managed service with continuous checks, application journeys, support, and contractual guarantees.
Quick Recap
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