Network Connection Information

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Network Connection Information is a macOS menu bar utility providing real-time network diagnostics and connection monitoring. It falls under the technical category of network analysis tools and system utilities.
2. Core Value Proposition: It exists to deliver instant, at-a-glance visibility into critical network connection status, IP address details, Wi-Fi signal strength, link speed, and Wi-Fi standard (e.g., Wi-Fi 6/802.11ax) directly from the macOS menu bar. Its primary value is enabling rapid network troubleshooting, performance optimization, and technical insight without disrupting workflow.

Main Features

1. Menu Bar Diagnostics:

   • How it works: The utility runs natively in the background, continuously polling macOS network APIs (like CoreWLAN and SystemConfiguration) to retrieve real-time data. It displays user-selected metrics (e.g., connection status, public IP address, link speed, RSSI signal strength) directly within the compact menu bar icon or text. No separate window needs opening.
   • Technologies: Utilizes macOS frameworks for low-level network interface access and status reporting. Supports dynamic icon changes indicating Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet connection type visually.

2. Comprehensive Wi-Fi & Ethernet Analysis:

   • How it works: Upon user interaction (clicking the menu bar item), it presents a detailed dropdown view. This aggregates data from macOS network stacks, displaying:
     • SSID (Network Name)
     • Wi-Fi Standard (e.g., 802.11ac, 802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6, 802.11be/Wi-Fi 7)
     • Frequency Band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz)
     • Transmit Rate (Actual negotiated PHY rate)
     • Negotiated Link Speed (For both Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet, e.g., 1000BASE-T)
     • IP Addresses (Both IPv4 and IPv6)
     • MAC Address (Hardware address)
     • Network Authentication Method (e.g., WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise/Personal)
   • Technologies: Leverages macOS airport command-line utility data and system network configuration databases for granular detail.

3. Extensive Customization & Widgets:

   • How it works: Users configure precisely which metrics appear in the menu bar display (e.g., show IP only, signal only, or a combination) via the app's preferences. They can also toggle the visibility of any data point within the dropdown details view. Additionally, macOS Desktop Widgets (small, medium, large) provide persistent on-desktop monitoring of key stats like IP or signal strength. The app supports auto-launch at login.
   • Technologies: Implements macOS preferences system (UserDefaults) for settings storage and utilizes the WidgetKit framework for desktop widgets (macOS 14 Sonoma+).

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Difficulty quickly diagnosing slow network performance or intermittent connectivity drops without opening system utilities or terminal commands. Lack of immediate visibility into actual Wi-Fi standard in use or negotiated link speed.
2. Target Audience:
   • IT Professionals & Network Administrators: Require rapid diagnostics for enterprise or remote support.
   • Software Developers & DevOps Engineers: Need to verify network conditions during development, testing, or deployment.
   • Tech-Savvy Home Users: Optimizing home network setup (router placement, band selection) or troubleshooting ISP issues.
   • Accessibility Users: Offers VoiceOver support and High Contrast Mode for visually impaired users.
3. Use Cases:
   • Troubleshooting Slow Speeds: Instantly check if connected to expected Wi-Fi band (5GHz vs congested 2.4GHz) or verify Ethernet link speed (100Mbit vs 1Gbit).
   • Network Verification: Confirm active connection type (Wi-Fi/Ethernet), assigned IP addresses (IPv4/IPv6), or MAC address for network registration/security.
   • Optimization: Identify weak Wi-Fi signal strength (RSSI) to reposition router or device; confirm connection to latest Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 access point.
   • Accessibility: Providing network status information audibly via VoiceOver.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation:
   • vs. Built-in macOS Tools: Offers far more detail (Wi-Fi standard, band, transmit rate, authentication) and persistent menu bar access than Apple's native Wi-Fi menu or Network Preferences.
   • vs. Competitor Utilities: Focuses purely on essential, accurate connection diagnostics without bloat. Superior menu bar integration (dynamic icons, high customizability) and native macOS Desktop Widgets. Emphasizes privacy (no data collection).
   • vs. Terminal Commands: Provides a persistent, visual, and user-friendly interface for data otherwise requiring repetitive command-line input (ifconfig, networksetup, airport -I).
2. Key Innovation:
   • Dynamic Menu Bar Icon: Visually indicates connection type (Wi-Fi waves vs. Ethernet plug) without user interaction, a feature directly added based on user feedback.
   • Contextual Detail Density: Presents a high volume of critical technical data (SSID, Standard, Band, Rate, IPs, MAC) in a single, compact, and customizable dropdown view.
   • Strict Privacy Focus: While requiring Location Services (a macOS mandate for accessing detailed Wi-Fi info like SSID), it explicitly collects zero user data – no telemetry, no storage, no transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Network Connection Information collect my data or location?
   No. The app requires macOS Location Services permission solely because Apple mandates it for accessing detailed Wi-Fi network information (like SSID). The developer, Daniel Gauthier, explicitly states the app collects zero data – no location, network details, or usage information is stored, analyzed, or transmitted. Your privacy is maintained.
2. What macOS versions are supported by this network utility?
   Network Connection Information requires macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later. It leverages modern macOS frameworks and APIs introduced in recent versions, including WidgetKit for desktop widgets.
3. How accurate is the Wi-Fi standard (e.g., Wi-Fi 6) detection?
   The app reports the negotiated Wi-Fi standard (e.g., 802.11ax for Wi-Fi 6) directly from macOS's underlying network stack (CoreWLAN framework). This reflects the actual protocol your Mac is currently using to communicate with the wireless access point, providing highly accurate real-time information.
4. Can I use this app to monitor both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections simultaneously?
   Yes. Network Connection Information automatically detects and displays details for all active network interfaces (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.). The menu bar icon dynamically changes to indicate the primary active connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and the dropdown list shows details for all active interfaces.
5. Why does the menu bar show a different speed than my internet plan?
   The Link Speed or Transmit Rate displayed refers to the local negotiated speed between your Mac and your router (Wi-Fi access point or Ethernet switch). This is the maximum potential speed for data transfer within your local network. Your actual internet speed (to the wider web) is limited by your ISP plan and is typically much lower. The app helps diagnose if local network issues (e.g., poor Wi-Fi signal forcing a lower PHY rate) are a bottleneck.