HW075: Speedtest Certified

This episode of Heavy Wireless dives deep into UCLA's Speedtest Certified program, a new initiative designed to objectively verify Wi-Fi performance across venues like hotels, stadiums, and offices. Host Keith Parsons interviews Alan Blake from UCLA, who explains that Speedtest Certified goes beyond simple speed tests by measuring real-world user experience through end-to-end connectivity assessments. The program uses enterprise-grade tools like Ekahau's Sidekick 2 and AI-powered analytics to collect RF data, throughput, latency, and application-specific quality of experience (QoE) metrics under load. Assessments are conducted by certified professionals (OSCARs) who survey at least 70% of a venue’s net square footage, with results scored across three weighted categories: core performance, configuration optimization, and readiness/resilience. The certification is valid for 12 months, with a new 'Pulse' device enabling continuous monitoring between assessments. The business model involves partners paying UCLA for certification rights and passing costs to clients, creating a scalable service for network owners and professionals. Key takeaways include the importance of validating Wi-Fi quality beyond marketing claims, the value of standardized, repeatable testing across different verticals, and the growing role of AI and continuous monitoring in network assurance. The program aims to bring transparency and trust to Wi-Fi performance, much like a Michelin star for dining, by offering verifiable proof of connectivity quality. For network professionals, it opens new revenue opportunities through certification and remediation services. The episode underscores a shift from reactive troubleshooting to proactive, data-driven network validation.