MTU Throughput Calculator
Optimize data transfer for Bluetooth Low Energy by understanding MTU limitations and calculating throughput across different platforms.
Platform Limits
MTU constraints for each platform
Packet Fragmentation
Visual timeline of data packets
Throughput Analysis
Real-world transfer speeds
Key Features
Platform-Specific Limits
See MTU constraints for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and embedded systems
Visual Fragmentation
Understand how your data will be split into packets with interactive visualization
Throughput Calculation
Get both theoretical and practical transfer speeds with efficiency metrics
Smart Recommendations
Receive optimization suggestions based on your specific configuration
Connection Presets
Quick settings for gaming, audio streaming, sensor data, and more use cases
Advanced Settings
Fine-tune PHY rates, operation types, and packets per interval
How to Use
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1
Select Your Platform
Choose your target platform to see its MTU limitations and negotiation support
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2
Enter Data Size
Specify the amount of data you need to transfer in bytes, KB, or MB
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3
Set MTU Size
Adjust the MTU size manually or click "Recommend" for an optimal value
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4
Choose Connection Type
Select a preset for your use case or customize advanced settings
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5
Review Results
Analyze the fragmentation timeline, throughput metrics, and optimization recommendations
Plus Membership Required
The MTU & Throughput Calculator is a Plus tool. Upgrade your membership to access this and other advanced BLE development tools.
Technical Background
In Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) defines the maximum size of an ATT (Attribute Protocol) packet. Understanding and optimizing MTU is crucial for efficient data transfer.
Default MTU Values
The BLE specification defines a default MTU of 23 bytes, but many platforms support MTU negotiation for larger values:
- Android: Supports up to 517 bytes (since Android 5.0)
- iOS: Typically uses 185 bytes for notifications
- Windows: Supports up to 247 bytes (Windows 10+)
- Linux: Supports up to 517 bytes (BlueZ 5.44+)
Impact on Throughput
Larger MTUs reduce fragmentation and protocol overhead, significantly improving throughput. This calculator accounts for:
- L2CAP header overhead (4 bytes)
- ATT header overhead (3 bytes)
- Platform-specific limitations
- Connection interval and PHY rate effects
Optimization Strategies
The calculator provides recommendations based on your specific use case, helping you balance between:
- Maximum throughput for bulk transfers
- Low latency for real-time applications
- Power efficiency for battery-operated devices
- Compatibility across different platforms
Note: This calculator provides theoretical estimates based on BLE specifications. Actual performance may vary based on device implementation, radio conditions, and other factors.