Our data packets for SNAP are really small. Most 4G & 5G plans should be sufficient.
What Upload Speed Do I Need to Run SNAP off a Mobile Hotspot?
The files generated by SNAP are small, typically just a few megabytes (MB). This means most mobile hotspots or cell phone plans with 4G or 5G connectivity are sufficient for uploading files seamlessly. As long as the upload process isn’t interrupted, your scans should work without issue.
While upload speeds might affect the time it takes to complete a scan upload, the difference is usually just a matter of seconds. Below is some helpful information to better plan your experience, whether you’re using a mobile hotspot for day-to-day operations or an outdoor event activation.
Understanding Upload Speeds and Times
Estimated Upload Times at Different Speeds:
| Upload Speed (Mbps) | Time to Upload 5 MB (40 Mb) |
|---|---|
| 1 Mbps | 40 seconds |
| 2 Mbps | 20 seconds |
| 5 Mbps | 8 seconds |
| 10 Mbps | 4 seconds |
| 20 Mbps | 2 seconds |
Recommended Upload Speed:
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At least 2 Mbps: For a reasonable experience.
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5-10 Mbps: For quicker uploads.
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20 Mbps+: For near-instant uploads.
Most 4G networks provide upload speeds of 5-20 Mbps, which is more than enough for SNAP. If you’re using a 5G connection, upload speeds can exceed 100 Mbps, making file transfers almost instantaneous. For Wi-Fi connections, typical upload speeds range from 5 Mbps (basic broadband) to over 100 Mbps (fiber/Wi-Fi 6 networks).
Pro Tips for Seamless Uploads
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Check your signal strength: Ensure you’re in an area with strong 4G/5G coverage to prevent interruptions.
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Test your speed: Use tools like Speedtest.net to verify your mobile hotspot’s upload speed before starting.
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Plan for events: If you’re running SNAP at an outdoor activation, confirm that your hotspot’s network provider offers sufficient coverage and bandwidth in the area.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth experience running SNAP with a mobile hotspot.
Fit3D Test
- We did an internal test of the system outdoors in the suburbs away from any wifi sources, and we had a full scan end to end in 7 minutes.
