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Wi-Fi Measurements
The Wi-Fi Speed Check screen contains metrics that can help diagnose problems with Wi-Fi
throughput. The metrics are updated every few seconds. The metrics are as follows:
• Signal – The signal strength of the RG, as measured by the GigaCheck. Low signal strength
in a certain part of the customer’s home might indicated the need for a range extender or a
relocation of the RG.
• Noise – The level of background interference. Consistently elevated noise can negatively affect
Wi-Fi thorughput, but occasional spikes in noise don’t necessarily indicate a problem with the
Wi-Fi environment.
• SNR – The difference between signal and noise. Consistently low SNR can negatively affect
Wi-Fi througput.
• PHY Rate – The current data rate that has been negotiated between the GigaCheck and the
RG. PHY rate reflects theoretical maximum throughput. Due to the half-duplex nature of
wireless, throughput is generally no more than half of the negotiated PHY rate. Additionally, the
customer’s service level will limit speed test throughput. IF a customer has a 100 Mbps/100
Mbps plan, the GigaCheck won’t be able to achieve a download result of more than 100 Mbps,
even if the negotiated PHY rate is much higher. PHY rate changes constantly, and is affect by
several factors:
• Network Conditions: If network conditions aren’t ideal, or signal strength is low, the
RG and the GigaCheck may negotiate a lower PHY rate.
• 802.11 Protocol: An RG that only supports 802.11n (or 802.11g) can’t achieve the
same PHY rates as one that supports 802.11ac.
• Note: 802.11ac is not used on the 2.4 GHz band, so customers can expect
lower speeds if they connect to the RG;s 2.4 GHz network instead of its
5 GHz network.
• Spatial Streams: a 3x3 RG supports higher seeds than a 2x2 or a 1x1 RG.
• Note: Older mobile devices with 1 or 2 spatial streams won’t be able to fully
take advantage of a 3x3 RG.
• Channel Width: an RG operating on an 80 MHz channel will support higher PHY rates
than one operating on a 40 MHz or a 20 MH channel,
• Note: Older mobile devices may not support 80 MHz channel bonding.
• The 4 Wi-Fi metrics above are accompanied by symbols that indicate if the reading indicates a
