Why is AirDrop so slow

airdropdata transferfile-transferwifi

I am trying different solutions to transfer some 1 GB size files between two Macs on my local wireless network (typically between me and a guest, both being physically in the living room). Here are the solutions I have come up with:

  1. Through SSH (scp command): I get a transfer speed between 3 and 4 MB/s.
  2. Through Skype, the rate fluctuates a lot, but can reach up to 2 MB/s.
  3. Through AirDrop, I only get about 150 kB/s!

Obviously, AirDrop on recent computers is easier: it doesn't require the other person to have an SSH port open, or to have a Skype account. But it's so very slow…

Why is AirDrop so slow? Is it a typical transfer rate? Is there something I can do to improve it?

Best Answer

It could be interfering with existing wifi network, you can use the Airport command line tool to disconnect from other networks:

Begin by linking it to a another location:

ln -s \
  /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport \
  /usr/local/bin/airport

Then, disconnect from the current network:

sudo airport -z

You should be running at about 10 Mbps !

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