Speed Under Control: Yandex Revamps Internetometer
Russian users have been introduced to an updated tool for measuring internet connection speed. It does more than show numbers—it explains them in plain, user-friendly language.
Security First
Russia continues to advance its import substitution of digital solutions. Just days ago, Yandex rolled out a major update to its Internetometer service, which measures data transfer speeds. Now, it not only matches but in some respects surpasses the popular Western counterpart, Speedtest, which was recently blocked by Roskomnadzor. Officials warned that the foreign service could be used by hackers to collect user data and stage cyberattacks.
Yandex engineers thoroughly redesigned the Internetometer. It now relies on a new measurement system that significantly improves accuracy. The user interface also underwent major changes, making it more intuitive and accessible.
The updated service operates on Yandex’s CDN network, distributed across the country and integrated into providers’ infrastructure. These servers cache large volumes of data, boosting the speed and efficiency of Yandex’s tools.
How It Works
The Internetometer constantly communicates with CDN servers to run tests. This approach ensures the highest accuracy in measuring internet speed at the 'last mile'—with a specific provider or mobile operator in a given region. Instead of interacting with a single server, the service connects to several nearby CDN nodes, delivering more precise and objective results.
The test takes less than a minute. Users receive not only download and upload speeds but also latency results. Latency is especially critical for online gamers. The service also rates connection quality on a five-point scale and translates results into everyday terms, such as 'you can stream video in 1080p.'
Future Developments
Currently, the Internetometer is available at ya.ru/internet, working on both desktops and mobile devices. Yandex has already announced upcoming updates, including a standalone app that will track measurement statistics. Providers and mobile operators will also gain access to a dedicated dashboard to view test results within their coverage zones.
The push for Russia’s own digital services accelerated sharply after the start of the special military operation. With sanctions tightening, the state prioritized building technological sovereignty. This applied fully to internet speed measurement as well. Alongside Internetometer, users now have access to several other tools with similar functionality.
Not Just Internetometer
Last fall, the 'Proset' app was launched. It not only measures internet speed and ping but also shows whether a resource is accessible and whether it is on the blocklist.
Another popular tool is QMS, developed by Rostelecom specialists. It operates in two modes: a simple one, providing quick checks of speed, ping, and jitter; and an advanced one, enabling bandwidth measurements under different conditions and running series of customized tests.
It is clear that Internetometer is primarily intended for domestic use. Its export potential is limited due to its tight integration with Yandex’s infrastructure. However, the underlying model could interest other countries seeking to reduce reliance on major Western tech giants.
There is no doubt Internetometer has become another step toward technological independence for Russia’s internet segment. It is not just a replica of a foreign tool—it already offers original features that will expand over time. This will enhance not only the quality of Russian services but also user security.
