Accurately assessing client throughput and connectivity across varying distances and signal conditions

In Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 networks, users expect seamless connectivity not only near the AP but also at extended ranges. Enterprises, homes, and IoT deployments require consistent client performance across real-world coverage areas. Rate vs Range (RvR) testing ensures devices deliver reliable throughput and connectivity from strong to weak signal conditions.

The Challenge

• • Client throughput and stability vary significantly with distance and attenuation.
  • Poor RF or driver optimization leads to early disconnection, poor rate adaptation, or performance collapse.
  • Without controlled RvR validation, OEMs and operators risk fielding devices that fail in edge-of-coverage scenarios.

Why RvR Testing is Critical Now

• • End-users expect coverage everywhere – dropped sessions or degraded speeds hurt experience.
  • For IoT and enterprise clients, weak-link performance can cause service disruptions.
  • Service providers and OEMs face increased support costs, complaints, and reputational damage if devices fail at range.

Wi-Fi Client Device RvR Testing with WiCheck

WiCheck brings precise, repeatable RvR testing into the lab, enabling controlled attenuation sweeps and throughput measurements across 2.4/5/6 GHz bands. OEMs and operators can benchmark devices under identical conditions and identify optimization needs early.

RvR Stats Insights

DL: Heavy reliance on a single MCS (MCS 6) with late fallback, leading to abrupt performance collapse.

UL: Gradual fallback across multiple MCS levels, but inconsistent modulation stability under mid-to-high attenuation.

• • Stable near-AP performance: The DUT maintains strong DL (~45–48 Mbps) and UL (~50 Mbps) throughput under low attenuation, showing reliable performance in close-range scenarios.
    
  • Edge-of-range weakness: Throughput drops sharply beyond 24 dB attenuation, with both DL and UL collapsing near 30 dB, limiting usable coverage range.
  • Client device OEM implications
    • Highlights the need for optimized rate adaptation algorithms and RF/antenna design improvements to smoothen degradation.
    • Extending usable range will improve end-user experience, reduce support issues, and strengthen competitive positioning.

Real-World Testing Scenarios

• • Enterprise: Validating laptop and VoIP device stability at meeting room and corridor edges.
  • Residential: Ensuring smart TVs, phones, and IoT devices maintain usable performance from living room to backyard.
  • Public Wi-Fi: Testing client stability in stadiums, transport hubs, and campus networks.

Key WiCheck Capabilities

• • Programmable RF attenuation to simulate near-to-far distance.
  • Multi-band support: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 4/5/6/6E/7).
  • Automated throughput measurement (TCP/UDP with iperf3).
  • Association and disconnection tracking under varying RSSI.
  • Provide REST API & CI/CD integration support for regression testing.

Why this Use Case Matters

• • Better Device Reliability across coverage areas.
    
  • Lower Operational Risk from weak-link failures.
    
  • Faster Optimization Cycles with repeatable, automated RvR tests.
    
  • Competitive Differentiation by demonstrating superior coverage performance.

Validate your Wi-Fi clients with WiCheck RvR Testing. Contact us for a demo and see how controlled lab testing ensures field-ready performance.