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Checking the wireless connection speed of your computer

The wireless connection speed of your computer is different from the Internet speed from your service provider.  The former is the communication speed between your device's wireless adapter and your router.  A good wireless router is important to get the desired speed you want on your network.  However, there are many factors that can affect the wireless network connection speed between your router and computers.  To know more about this, click here.

To determine your computer's wireless connection speed, select your computer’s operating system below for specific instructions:

NOTE:  The wireless signal bars do not necessarily indicate your Internet connection speed.  The signal bars represent the signal strength that your wireless computer is receiving from your Linksys wireless router.  If you are using a Linksys Wi-Fi Router, you can also test the Internet connection speed using Linksys Connect.  For instructions, click here.  If you have a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router, click here.
Step 1:
Press the Windows  key  + D on your keyboard to show the Desktop.

Step 2:
Right-click the wireless adapter  icon located at the bottom-right of the Desktop screen, then click Open Network and Sharing Center.
 
NOTE:  If you are using a Windows 10 computer, the wireless adapter icon will look like this: Wireless connection icon.

Right-click the wireless connection icon and click Open Network and Sharing Center

Step 3:
Click the Wi-Fi connection.
 
Click the Wi-Fi connection
 
The Wi-Fi Status window will appear showing your computer’s wireless connection details.  The Speed section indicates the connection speed between the wireless adapter and the router.
 
Wi-Fi status, including speed
 
Step 1:
Click on the Wireless Wireless connection icon icon on the bottom-right of your Desktop screen and select Open Network and Sharing Center.
 
Click Open Network and Sharing Center

Step 2:
On the Network and Sharing Center window, click Wireless Network Connection.

Click Wireless Network Connection

The Wireless Network Connection Status window will appear showing your computer’s wireless connection details.  The Speed section indicates the connection speed between the wireless adapter and the router.
 
Wi-Fi status, including speed
 
Right-click on the Wireless XP Wireless icon icon at the bottom-right of your screen and select Status.
 
The Wireless Network Connection Status window will appear showing your computer’s wireless connection details.  The Speed section indicates the connection speed between the wireless adapter and the router.
 
Wi-Fi status, including speed
 
 
You can view the Wi-Fi connection speed in three (3) ways:
Step 1:
Click on Spotlight then enter “network utility”.

 Network Utility Spotlight search

Step 2:
Select Info and choose Wi-Fi (en1) from the drop-down options.
 
Network Utility, select Info and choosing the Wi-Fi interface 
 
NOTE:  The wireless connection speed will be displayed as the Link Speed.
 
Wi-Fi speed in MAC
 
Hold down the Option key and click AirPort.  Your current connection information will be displayed.
 
Showing network information in AirPort
 
Step 1:
Click on Spotlight then enter “system information”.
 
System Information Spotlight search
 
Step 2:
Select Network and choose Wi-Fi.  Your current connection information will be displayed on the right.
 
Wi-Fi information in System Information
 
QUICK TIP:  To improve the wireless connection speed between your router and computer, move the computer closer to the router or remove any physical obstructions and interferences between your wireless router and computer.  This will help improve the signal your computer is getting from the router.  For instructions, click here.
 
Expanding your network
 
You can also extend the range of your network, especially in situations that require you to do so.  By simply connecting additional devices, you can now extend your wireless signal to accommodate the hard-to-reach areas at home and even to connect more devices (both wired and wireless) for gaming or entertainment.  Click on the links below to know more about these products:
 

 

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