Wi-Fi

network.wifiHands-on · automaticHigh confidence

How it tests

A hands-on test of its own, whatever the Network screen did. The tester picks a network from a scan and types its password (a network already joined is used as it is). Over the Mac's own card alone (a socket bound to it) it runs the boot.watch test: an echo, 64 KB and 256 KB down and 64 KB up, every byte checked, then a 1 MB speed part cut at 2 s. The card's byte counters must grow by at least what moved. The quick pass only reports the card and its scan, never a pass.

How it decides

Supported: at least 256 KB down and 64 KB up verified over the Mac's own card, counters agreeing. Partial: joined but the data won't flow while boot.watch answers; the card is the only link and nothing worked over it; or “It won't join”. Failed: no interface, a scan failing twice, or none heard where the tester says networks are in range. Not tested (uncertain): a USB dongle, left the network, a sign-in page, counters short. Not tested (other): boot.watch answered over no connection, was busy, or the clock is off. BCM4331/BCM4360: not tested (live limit).

How sure it is

Data verified both ways over the card proves it joins and carries traffic.

On a real Mac

On a MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012): BCM43224 on brcmsmac, 1.3 MB down verified at 7.0 MB/s, 64 KB up, counters +1512 KB.

What could mislead it

Could pass when it shouldn'tThe connection drops after a few seconds of traffic, after the test ends (b43, brcmsmac).
Could fail when it shouldn'tOn the only link, with boot.watch and the site both unreachable (a network with no way out), nothing worked over the card: partial.
Could end without a verdictboot.watch down while the site's catalog refresh worked over the card: not tested (other).