# Glossary of Terms ## Overview This glossary defines key terms used throughout Provider Intelligence documentation. For detailed explanations, see the linked articles at the end of each description. *** ## A #### APNIC (Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre) A database of [Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs)](#asn-autonomous-system-number) used by Provider Intelligence to identify commercial internet service providers. One of the [third-party data sources](#third-party-data-sources). See [Data Sources and Coverage](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/data-sources-and-coverage). #### Application A specific software service or business tool (such as Webex, Microsoft 365, or Salesforce) that serves as the target endpoint for provider traffic evaluation. Applications are one of two types of [destination](#destination) used in Provider Intelligence, alongside [cloud regions](#cloud-region). See [Choose Destinations](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/choose-destinations). #### ASN (Autonomous System Number) A unique identifier assigned to a provider (for example, Verizon AS 701). See [Results Overview](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/view-results/results-overview). #### Average The arithmetic mean of all measurements for a [metric](#metric) over your selected [time frame](#time-frame). One of the [summary statistics](#summary-statistics) options. See [Summary Statistics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/view-results/summary-statistics). *** ## C #### Cloud Agent A ThousandEyes virtual machine deployed in a data center that generates synthetic tests. See [Data Sources and Coverage](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/data-sources-and-coverage). #### Cloud Region A specific geographic location where a major cloud provider (such as AWS, Azure, or GCP) operates data centers and hosted services. Cloud regions are one of two types of [destination](#destination) used in Provider Intelligence, alongside [applications](#application). See [Choose Destinations](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/choose-destinations). #### Combined Score See [Performance & Stability Score](#performance-and-stability-score). #### Coverage The extent of available test and [third-party data](#third-party-data-sources) in Provider Intelligence. See [Data Sources and Coverage](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/data-sources-and-coverage). *** ## D #### Destination The target endpoint for provider evaluation, either an [application](#application) (for example, Webex) or a [cloud region](#cloud-region) (for example, AWS US-East-1). See [Choose Destinations](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/choose-destinations). *** ## E #### Evaluation Metrics The [metrics](#metric) that are used to calculate the [overall score](#overall-score) of a provider. They include [latency](#latency-rtt), [loss](#loss), [jitter](#jitter), and, when [applications](#application) are selected, [Time to First Byte](#time-to-first-byte-ttfb). Each metric’s [score](#score) carries a different [weight](#weight) depending on your [priorities](#prioritized-metrics). Evaluation metrics are always visible by default on the results table. See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). *** ## H #### Harmonic Mean A method for combining [performance scores](#performance-score) and [stability scores](#stability-score) that penalizes score imbalance between the two more than a simple [average](#average). See [Performance & Stability Scoring](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/scoring-methodologies/performance-and-stability-scoring). #### HTTP Server Timings A breakdown of the components of an HTTP request/response cycle, beyond [Time to First Byte (TTFB)](#time-to-first-byte-ttfb), including: * **DNS Time**: Domain name resolution. * **Connect Time**: TCP connection establishment. * **SSL Time**: SSL/TLS handshake. * **Send Time**: Request transmission. * **Wait Time**: Server processing time. * **Receive Time**: Response download. * **Redirect Time**: HTTP redirect overhead. * **Total Time**: Complete request/response cycle. These metrics are available only when you have selected an [application](#application) as a [destination](#destination), and must be selected to make them visible in results. See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). *** ## J #### Jitter The variance in round-trip time ([latency](#latency-rtt)) over time, measured in milliseconds. One of the [evaluation metrics](#evaluation-metrics) that is used to calculate the [overall score](#overall-score). Lower is better. See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). *** ## L #### Latency (RTT) Round-trip time — the time for a packet to travel from source to [destination](#destination) and back, measured in milliseconds. One of the [evaluation metrics](#evaluation-metrics) that is used to calculate the [overall score](#overall-score). Lower is better. See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). #### Location The geographic origin (city) where ThousandEyes agents are deployed, serving as a proxy for end-user location. See [Select User Locations](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/select-user-locations). #### Loss The percentage of packets that fail to reach the [destination](#destination). One of the [evaluation metrics](#evaluation-metrics) that is used to calculate the [overall score](#overall-score). Lower is better. See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). *** ## M #### Metric A specific aspect of network or application performance being measured. Provider Intelligence tracks: * [**Evaluation metrics**](#evaluation-metrics): [latency](#latency), [loss](#loss), [jitter](#jitter), [Time to First Byte (TTFB)](#time-to-first-byte-ttfb). * **Other metrics**: [outages](#outages), [Total Unique AS Paths](#total-unique-as-paths), [HTTP server timings](#http-server-timings), [page load metrics](#page-load-metrics). See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). *** ## O #### Outages Provider disruptions detected by Internet Insights, counted over your selected [time frame](#time-frame). Visible in results by default. Fewer is better. See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). #### Overall Score A [weighted average](#weighted-average) of [evaluation metrics](#evaluation-metrics) scores that determines provider comparison results. See [Overall Scoring](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/scoring-methodologies/overall-scoring). *** ## P #### Packet Loss See [Loss](#loss). #### Page Load Metrics Measurements of complete web page loading performance, including: * **Page Load Time**: Time from start to fully rendered page. * **DOM Load Time**: Time until HTML structure is loaded. * **Throughput**: Effective data transfer rate (page size / load time). These metrics are available only when you have selected an [application](#application) as a [destination](#destination), and must be selected to make them visible in results. See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). #### PeeringDB A database of Internet exchange points and peering relationships used to validate provider data. One of the [third-party data sources](#third-party-data-sources). See [Data Sources and Coverage](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/data-sources-and-coverage). #### Percentile A statistical measure indicating the value below which a given percentage of observations fall. For example, “P95 latency = 50 ms” means 95% of [latency](#latency-rtt) measurements were ≤ 50 ms. Each percentile focuses on a different segment of the data distribution, helping you understand performance across different scenarios. Provider Intelligence offers the following percentiles: * **P95 (95th percentile)** - Worst-case performance. * **P75 (75th percentile)** - Between typical and worst. * **P50 (Median)** - Typical performance. * **P25 (25th percentile)** - Better than average. * **P5 (5th percentile)** - Best-case performance. See [Summary Statistics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/view-results/summary-statistics). #### Performance & Stability Mode A [results calculation](#results-calculation) option that blends the individual [performance score](#performance-score) and [stability score](#stability-score), recommended for most production environment decisions where predictable performance matters. See [Specify Results Calculation](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/specify-results-calculation). #### Performance & Stability Score A score that incorporates both performance and stability using a [harmonic mean](#harmonic-mean). See [Performance & Stability (Combined)](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/scoring-methodologies/performance-and-stability-scoring). #### Performance Mode A [results calculation](#results-calculation) option that scores providers based purely on performance scores without considering stability. Emphasizes raw averages over consistency. See [Specify Results Calculation](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/specify-results-calculation). #### Performance Score A normalized score (0–100) quantifying how well a provider performs on average per [metric](#metric) relative to others in the location over your chosen [time frame](#time-frame). See [Performance Scoring](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/scoring-methodologies/performance-scoring). #### Prioritized Metrics Allows you to assign different [weights](#weight) to the [evaluation metrics](#evaluation-metrics) ([latency](#latency-rtt), [loss](#loss), [jitter](#jitter), [Time to First Byte (TTFB)](#time-to-first-byte-ttfb)) in the [query builder](#query-builder), so the [overall score](#overall-score) reflects what matters most to you. See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). #### Provider In Provider Intelligence, a provider refers to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or [Autonomous System](#asn-autonomous-system-number) identified by name and AS Number. Providers are the entities being compared and scored in your analysis. *** ## Q #### Query Builder A tool that allows users to create and customize provider comparisons by specifying parameters ([time frame](#time-frame), [results calculation](#results-calculation) method, [locations](#location), [destinations](#destination), and [evaluation metrics](#evaluation-metrics)) to generate tailored provider performance results. See [Build A Query](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query). *** ## R #### Report A saved snapshot of a provider comparison analysis available from the Provider Intelligence homepage; the report includes selected providers and [locations](#location), query parameters, and [scores](#scores). See [Generate Reports](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/generate-reports). #### Results Calculation The method used to determine whether [overall scoring](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/scoring-methodologies/overall-scoring) uses each metric’s [performance score](#performance-score) alone, or also incorporates [stability scores](#stability-score) (consistency over time) when computing that metric’s contribution to the overall score. You select which method to use within the [query builder](#query-builder). See [Specify Results Calculation](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/specify-results-calculation). *** ## S #### Scores Calculated to normalize provider comparisons. Scores are calculated for metric [performance](#performance-score), metric [stability](#stability-score), metric [performance & stability (combined)](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/scoring-methodologies/performance-and-stability-scoring), and [overall](#overall-score). See [Understanding Scores](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/scoring-methodologies/understanding-scores). #### Single-Destination View A results view showing provider comparison data for one specific [application](#application) or [cloud region](#cloud-region). Single destination views display raw [metric](#metric) values (milliseconds, percentages) rather than [scores](#scores) because the metrics are comparable within a single destination context. See [Destination Views](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/view-results/destination-views). #### Stability Score A measure of how consistent a provider’s metric performs over time, expressed as a score (0 = different measurement across all hours, 100 = same measurement across all hours). See [Stability Scoring](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/scoring-methodologies/stability-scoring). #### Summary Report See [Report](#report). #### Summary Statistics Statistical measures used to represent the distribution of performance data. Options include: * [**ThousandEyes Recommended**](#thousandeyes-recommended): Uses different percentiles per metric based on best practices. * [**Percentiles**](#percentiles)**:** P95, P75, P50, P25, P5. * [**Average**](#average): Arithmetic mean. Your selection affects which aspect of performance is emphasized (best-case, typical, worst-case). See [Summary Statistics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/view-results/summary-statistics). #### Summary View A results view that aggregates performance across only your selected [destinations](#destination) (applications and/or cloud regions) into relative metric scores (0-100). **Summary View** is the default results view for all queries except those where no destination is selected. Results always include at least one of your selected destinations, though not always all, since tests from the user [location](#location) to the specific destinations might not always be available through every provider’s network. Therefore, results might not always provide a perfect match, but instead provide the closest match. It tries to answer the question, “Which provider best meets my specific needs here?” See [Destination Views](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/view-results/destination-views). *** ## T #### Third-Party Data Sources ThousandEyes uses two public third-party data sources to help verify and fill data gaps to remove selection bias and improve data confidence. The sources are [APNIC](#apnic-asia-pacific-network-information-centre) and [PeeringDB](#peeringdb). See [Data Sources and Coverage](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/data-sources-and-coverage). #### ThousandEyes Recommended A [summary statistic](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/view-results/summary-statistics) mode that uses domain expertise to select the most appropriate [percentile](#percentile) per metric. This approach recognizes that the same percentile isn't optimal for all metrics. Recommended default for most use cases. **ThousandEyes Recommended Percentiles by Metric** | Metric | Percentile Used | Reasoning | | ------- | --------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | | Latency | 75th | Balances typical and peak performance | | Loss | 5th | Packet loss should be near-zero | | Jitter | Average | Smooths out momentary spikes | | TTFB | 75th | Balances typical and peak application response | See [Summary Statistics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/view-results/summary-statistics). #### Time Frame The historical period analyzed in your provider comparison query. Options are last 30 days, last 3 months, or last 6 months. Time frames are rolling: "last 3 months" always means the 90 days immediately preceding today, not calendar quarters. See [Set the Time Frame](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/set-the-time-frame). #### Time Series A chronological view of [metric](#metric) values showing hourly performance data over your selected time period. Time series graphs display each provider as a separate line, with time on the x-axis and metric values on the y-axis. Essential for identifying patterns, outages, trends, and anomalies that aggregate statistics might obscure. See [Analyze Time Series](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/analyze-time-series). #### Time to First Byte (TTFB) The time from sending an HTTP request to receiving the first byte of the response, measured in milliseconds. One of the [evaluation metrics](#evaluation-metrics) that is used to calculate the [overall score](#overall-score); only applicable when you select [applications](#application) as [destinations](#destination). Visible in results by default. Lower is better. See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). #### Total Unique AS Paths The number of [Autonomous Systems](#asn-autonomous-system-number) (provider networks) that packets traverse from source to [destination](#destination). Visible by default. See [Prioritize Metrics](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/build-a-query/prioritize-metrics). #### Trend The directionality of raw [metric](#metric) measurements over time, classified as up, down, or flat. Since most metrics perform better at lower values, up means worsening (throughput is the exception where up means improving). Trends are only visible in [single-destination views](#single-destination-view). See [Trend Analysis](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/scoring-methodologies/trend-analysis). *** ## U #### Universal Application Summary A results view that aggregates performance data across all [applications](#application) with test coverage from each provider in your selected [locations](#location). Available when you select one or more applications, or as the only view when you select no [destinations](#destination). * Ensures fair comparison when test coverage varies across providers. * Provides results even when specific application coverage is limited. * Shows each provider's performance across a broader application set than just your selections. * Avoids bias from uneven test coverage. See [Destination Views](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/view-results/destination-views). #### User Location See [Location](#location). *** ## W #### Weighted Average The method used to combine the [scores](#scores) of [evaluation metrics](#evaluation-metrics) into a single [overall score](#overall-score), where different metrics receive different weights based on your specified [priorities](#prioritized-metrics). **4 Metrics, including** [**TTFB**](#ttfb) | Priority Position | Weight | | ----------------- | ------ | | 1st (highest) | 40% | | 2nd | 30% | | 3rd | 20% | | 4th | 10% | **3 Metrics, excluding TTFB** | Priority Position | Weight | | ----------------- | ------ | | 1st (highest) | 50% | | 2nd | 33.3% | | 3rd | 16.7% | See [Overall Scoring](https://docs.thousandeyes.com/product-documentation/internet-insights/provider-intelligence/scoring-methodologies/overall-scoring). --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. 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