What is associated/link speed?

Link speed (also called associated speed or connection speed) is the maximum negotiated speed between your device and the router/access point, based on hardware capabilities and signal quality.

For Wi‑Fi (802.11), real-world throughput is usually 40–60% of the link speed due to interference and network overhead.

How to Check Link Speed on Your Device

1 Windows

Quick Method

(1) Press Windows key + R to open the run box.

(2) Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter key.

(3) Double-click your active connection:

• WLAN for Wi-Fi
• Ethernet for wired

(4) Find Speed in the status window — this is your link speed

Settings Method

(1) Go to Settings > Network & devices > Advanced network settings

(2) Right click your active network adapter

(3) Find link speed — this is your connection speed.

2 Mac OS

(1) Press and hold the Option key

(2) Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right menu bar

(3) Look for Tx rate — this is your Wi-Fi link speed

3 Android

(1) Open Settings > WLAN

(2) Tap the Wi-Fi network you’re currently connected to

(3) Find Connection speed – this is your link speed