How to check the associated/link speed on a wireless client

What is associated/link speed?

Two end point devices negotiate the maximum link speed between them based on their individual ceiling speed and the link quality. While for 802.11 wireless, the nature of being prone to interferences combined with various overheads means that the actual transmitting speed is normally 40-60 percent of the associated speed.

How to check the associated speed on a wireless client?

Windows: Windows key + “R”->type in ”ncpa.cpl”->right click the “Wi-Fi/Wireless network connection”->Status.

Mac OS: System->Library->CoreServices->Applications->Network Utility.app.

Or hit Command+Space key to bring up Spotlight and search for “Network Utility”. Then click Info tab and select Wi-Fi as network interface.

 Android: Settings->Wi-Fi->tap on the Wi-Fi the client is currently connected.