How To: Getting And Understanding Advanced Wifi Information On macOS

Issue/Question

Accessing and understanding detailed Wi-Fi connection information on my Mac?

Environment

  • macOS (any version with the standard Wi-Fi menu bar icon)

Resolution Steps

Accessing Advanced Wi-Fi Information on macOS

  1. Hold down the Option key (also labeled Alt) on your Mac keyboard.

  2. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the macOS menu bar (top right corner).

  3. A drop-down menu will appear with additional connection details.

Note: This feature works best when already connected to a wireless network.

Key Fields Explained

Below is a breakdown of the fields you’ll see and what they mean:

  • BSSID: The MAC address of the access point you're connected to.

  • RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator): Measures the signal strength. Closer to 0 is better; values like -40 dBm are strong, while -80 dBm is weak.

  • Noise: Indicates signal interference. Lower values (closer to -100 dBm) are better.

  • Tx Rate (Transmit Rate): Current data rate from your device to the router. Higher is better.

  • PHY Mode: The Wi-Fi standard being used (e.g., 802.11n = Wi-Fi 4). Indicates frequency and potential max speed.

  • MCS Index: Reflects data transmission efficiency. A value of 4 or higher is preferred for stable performance.

  • NSS (Number of Spatial Streams): Shows how many data streams are in use. Higher numbers indicate better performance.

Understanding Wi-Fi Interference

Wi-Fi signals are affected by several types of interference:

  • Co-Channel Interference: Caused when multiple networks use the same channel.

  • Adjacent Channel Interference: Occurs when nearby channels overlap, especially in the 2.4GHz band.

  • Non-Wi-Fi Interference: From devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices.

Other contributing factors include:

  • Physical obstructions (walls, floors)

  • Network congestion

  • Electromagnetic interference

  • Environmental variables (humidity, large metal objects)

2.4GHz vs. 5GHz Bands

Feature 2.4GHz 5GHz
Range Better (longer range, better through walls) Shorter range, less wall penetration
Speed Slower speeds Faster speeds (ideal for streaming/gaming)
Congestion More congested Less crowded, more channels
Compatibility Supported by older devices Newer devices preferred

Coming Soon: 6GHz
Offers a cleaner spectrum with WPA3 security by default. Requires new infrastructure (PoE+, modern access points).

Additional Resources

 

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