Test your Wifi coverage & Internet Quality around your store & shop.
We recommened doing two types of test: Wi-fi coverage test, and a full Internet connection test including packet loss. You should try doing these from multiple devices around your shop. Your tablet might work great at the front counter, but does it still work well in bay #3?
If you are seeing issues when you do the tests below it's a good indicator that you have some weak spots, network interference in your shop or possible old/faulty equipement and cables. If so, we recommend looking at a mesh network or small business type network with multiple access points. Adding an outdoor access point to cover your parking lot is a great idea too.
You can get advice on what type of systems and components to purchase from distributors that also sell custom home products like Dow Electronics (USA) or Staub Electronics Ltd. (Canada).
Wi-Fi Coverage Test
Wifi can be a funny thing. It's a good idea to test your stores wifi coverage and the strength in different areas. A great tool for this is Wi-Fi Sweet Spots. You can get it free for iOS and Android. Once installed turn on the test and walk around your shop. If you seeing speeds drop or bounce around, then you might need to look at upgrading your wifi network with more AccessPoints or a mesh network.
Apple iOS:
https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/wi-fi-sweetspots/id855457383
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.assia.sweetspots&hl=en_CA
Packet Lost Test
We also recommend running a Packet Loss Test. You may be buying a fast internet connection, have strong wifi, but your router or ISP may be dropping a lot of packets which will affect things like downloads, saving screens and uploading pictures.
You should also do this from multiple devices - ie desktop, ipad, iphone, and from multiple places around your shop when using wifi.
To do a Packet Loss Test:
Visit https://packetlosstest.com
Under settings - set Duration to max (180 seconds)
- set Delay to Max (1000ms)
Start the test and let it run (it will take 3 minutes).
Review the results. (example below) Ideally we want to see:
- Packet loss of less that 5%, 2% or lower is good. 1% is what is needed for good VOIP calls for example.
- Low "Late Packets" - Too many Late Packets affect speed. Shoot for less than 1-2% here.
- Latency - below 100ms is great.
- Jitter - ideally below 30ms
If you like - take a screen shot of your results and email them to tony@12v.biz - please include your device type, internet connection type for the device.
If you have any questions about how to use it please let me know.
If you are seeing issues when you do the tests below it's a good indicator that you have some weak spots, network interference in your shop or possible old/faulty equipement and cables. If so, we recommend looking at a mesh network or small business type network with multiple access points. Adding an outdoor access point to cover your parking lot is a great idea too.
You can get advice on what type of systems and components to purchase from distributors that also sell custom home products like Dow Electronics (USA) or Staub Electronics Ltd. (Canada).
Wi-Fi Coverage Test
Wifi can be a funny thing. It's a good idea to test your stores wifi coverage and the strength in different areas. A great tool for this is Wi-Fi Sweet Spots. You can get it free for iOS and Android. Once installed turn on the test and walk around your shop. If you seeing speeds drop or bounce around, then you might need to look at upgrading your wifi network with more AccessPoints or a mesh network.
Apple iOS:
https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/wi-fi-sweetspots/id855457383
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.assia.sweetspots&hl=en_CA
Packet Lost Test
We also recommend running a Packet Loss Test. You may be buying a fast internet connection, have strong wifi, but your router or ISP may be dropping a lot of packets which will affect things like downloads, saving screens and uploading pictures.
You should also do this from multiple devices - ie desktop, ipad, iphone, and from multiple places around your shop when using wifi.
To do a Packet Loss Test:
Visit https://packetlosstest.com
Under settings - set Duration to max (180 seconds)
- set Delay to Max (1000ms)
Start the test and let it run (it will take 3 minutes).
Review the results. (example below) Ideally we want to see:
- Packet loss of less that 5%, 2% or lower is good. 1% is what is needed for good VOIP calls for example.
- Low "Late Packets" - Too many Late Packets affect speed. Shoot for less than 1-2% here.
- Latency - below 100ms is great.
- Jitter - ideally below 30ms
If you like - take a screen shot of your results and email them to tony@12v.biz - please include your device type, internet connection type for the device.
If you have any questions about how to use it please let me know.
Updated on: 01/16/2020
Thank you!