Explanation of Wi‑Fi access point throughput

The stated data rate is theoretical and differs from the actual throughput observed. The product description lists a “maximum transmission rate,” for example 1,200 Mbit/s for the WAPCD3 or 1,800 Mbit/s for the WAPAX1800.

A Wi‑Fi access point sends and receives data on multiple bands:

• 2.4 GHz
• 5 GHz
• 6 GHz (Wi‑Fi 6E and 7)

The advertised rate is the sum of the rates across these bands. Since a user connects on only one band at a time, the available throughput for that user is limited to the rate of the band they’re using.

In general:

• 2.4 GHz antennas offer a maximum transmission rate of about 150 Mbit/s.
• 5 GHz antennas offer a maximum transmission rate of about 450 Mbit/s.

Additionally, the available throughput is shared among simultaneous users. The real‑world speed on any device will depend on the number of antennas in use, the frequency band, the number of connected devices, radio conditions (interference, distance, obstacles), and the device’s own capabilities.

This operating principle is not specific to Gigamedia access points; it applies broadly across the market. The “maximum transmission rate” refers to the theoretical sum of the throughputs of all radios/antennas, not the speed a single connected device will achieve.

Example with the WAPCD3 (maximum transmission rate of 1,200 Mbit/s):

This AP has four antennas: two at 2.4 GHz and two at 5 GHz. Using the theoretical maximums per band:

150 × 2 + 450 × 2 = 300 + 900 = 1,200 Mbit/s.