What is my connection?

Some browsers expose a Network Information Application Programming Interface with an estimated connection type, round-trip time, and downlink. This is a hint from your browser, not a lab-grade speed test.

Connection type

Reading navigator.connection…

FAQ

Some browsers report an estimated connection type (for example 4G or Wi‑Fi-like “effectiveType”) plus hints like downlink and round-trip time via the Network Information Application Programming Interface. It is a browser estimate, not a full speed test.

Safari and Firefox often omit navigator.connection. Chrome-family browsers are more likely to report effectiveType, downlink, and rtt.

  • There is usually no user toggle for navigator.connection.
  • Chromium:appears when the Network Information Application Programming Interface is available.
  • Firefox / Safari:typically shows “not reported.”
  • Extensions or enterprise policies can block the Application Programming Interface.
  • Data-saver / Lite mode can change the reported type.

Downlink is an estimated bandwidth hint in megabits per second. round-trip time is an estimated latency in milliseconds. Both are browser hints, not lab measurements.

Use a Chromium-based browser if you want this Application Programming Interface. Close bandwidth-limited modes, and test on the network you care about (Wi‑Fi vs cellular). Reload the page after switching networks.

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