Chapter 13. Coping with varying network conditions

 

This chapter covers

  • How network conditions vary
  • Network connections and what to expect
  • Working with different periods or conditions
  • Providing great experiences with limiting conditions

Users of modern mobile devices expect to access content at any time and in any location. They expect your app to work and don’t want to think about connectivity. Many factors influence the ability to connect to and use a network to access content and services; these factors can make people’s expectations unreasonable. Rather than trying to justify why some things are hard, you’ll create the best experience for the people using your app if you focus on improving the experience for all scenarios.

Throughout this chapter, you’ll learn how to cope with the connectivity variations that your app will encounter, and how to ensure the best experience you can even with a limited connection. You’ll then learn how to balance the quality of the experience with the currently available connection, keeping the people using the app informed and in control, so they remain positive about their experience with your app.

13.1. Not all connections are the same

13.2. Occasionally connected is the norm

13.3. Optimizing for subprime conditions

13.4. Balancing usability and a poor connection

13.5. Keeping the user in control when conditions are poor

Summary