macOS Monterey and iOS/iPadOS 15 include a new tool for measuring the performance of its Internet connection, whether wired or Wi-Fi. Dedicated network interaction testing can be started mainly for developers by typing the command networkQuality In Terminal on Mac (or man networkQuality to request information). Or by downloading a profile to install on your iOS device (the user guide is available on this support sheet).
In addition to downloading and uploading results, the Apple Network Test shows a measure of response time in revolutions per minute (RPM), which is the number of transactions your network can process in one minute, under normal operating conditions. The test ranks network RPM performance in three ways: low, medium, and high.
- Low: For example, if a device on the same network is downloading a movie or backing up its photos to iCloud, the connection in some apps or services may not be reliable, for example when you make video calls using FaceTime or a “game” electronic.
- Medium: When multiple devices or apps are using the network at the same time, pauses may occur, for example during audio or video calls using FaceTime.
- High: No matter how many devices and applications are using the network at the same time, applications and services should have a good connection.
In other words, Apple’s response test is used to evaluate the behavior of a network when it is used by several devices or several services simultaneously. We will want to avoid as much as possible having poor interaction, which means that users of the same network will experience slowness.
On the contrary, high interactivity will make it possible to benefit from good performance in simultaneous use. Too bad Apple has abandoned the niche of Wi-Fi hotspots, because there is a real need for a simple and effective product to improve network access at home (and not just among developers).
