Mobile Signal Strength Guidelines
Great connectivity starts with great signal. This article helps you understand the basics of signal strength in both circuit-switched networks (2G/3G) and LTE networks. In the world of mobile communication, understanding signal strength is crucial for ensuring reliable connectivity. Whether you're troubleshooting connectivity issues or seeking to maximize data speeds, these guidelines serve as a valuable reference.
Table of contents:
Signal Measurement
Factors Influencing SIgnal Values
How do I measure signal strength for 2G (GSM) devices?
How do I measure signal strength for 3G devices?
How do I measure signal strength for 4G(LTE)/5G devices?
Signal Measurement:
The strength of a mobile signal is assessed through several key metrics, including RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ, RSCP, SINR, and EC/IO, each offering unique insights into signal quality. These measurements vary depending on the service mode and provide valuable information for optimizing connectivity.
RSSI: a key metric in telecommunications, measures the power of a received radio signal, denoted by a negative dBm value. It signifies signal strength from the cellular tower to the modem, with higher values indicating better coverage, typically -70 dBm or higher, while closer to 0 dBm denotes stronger signals. However, achieving higher RSSI values may not always guarantee optimal connection quality, as it's influenced by various factors beyond signal strength alone,
RSRP & RSRQ: are vital indicators of signal strength and quality in LTE networks, crucial for seamless cell selection, reselection, and handover procedures. RSRP, just as RSSI, measures the power of LTE Reference Signals, while RSRQ, a C/I type measurement, factors in RSSI and the number of used Resource Blocks, offering enhanced insight into signal quality. These metrics play a pivotal role in ensuring reliable connectivity and efficient network performance.
RSCP: Received Signal Code Power measures the power on a communication channel, aiding in signal strength, handover decisions, power control, and path loss calculation. RSCP, also known as Receiver Side Call Power, is specific to the UMTS cellular communication system , measured only on the downlink by the user equipment (UE) and reported to the Node B.
SINR: a fundamental metric in telecommunication engineering and information theory, provides theoretical upper bounds on channel capacity in wireless communication systems by quantifying the ratio of signal power to interference plus noise. Unlike SNR in wired systems, SINR considers additional factors such as interference and background noise, crucial for assessing wireless connection quality and path loss, offering a comprehensive representation of wireless network performance.
EC/IO or the ratio of the received energy per chip to the interference energy per chip, is a critical metric in assessing the quality of a mobile signal. Typically expressed in decibels (dB), ideal values for EC/IO vary depending on the technology and network standards in use.
For example, in a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network, EC/IO values of -12 dB to -6 dB are considered excellent, indicating strong signal quality with minimal interference. Values between -6 dB to -9 dB are generally acceptable, while values below -9 dB may indicate potential issues with signal quality and performance degradation.
In an LTE (Long-Term Evolution) network, EC/IO values are typically measured as RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) to interference plus noise ratio (RSRQ). For LTE networks, RSRQ values between -3 dB to -9 dB are considered good, while values below -9 dB may indicate poor signal quality and potential performance issues.
Factors Influencing Signal Values:
Various factors influence signal strength and quality. It's essential to consider these factors when interpreting signal measurements to ensure a robust connection.
Tower Load or Congestion - too many users on a particular tower and/or band/frequency thereof
Proximity to the cellular tower--the closer the tower, the stronger the receiving signals
Use of a cellular repeater or booster, which amplifies both signals and interference
Competing signals and interference from other towers and/or equipment
Physical obstructions (mountains, hills, foliage, buildings, other obstacles)
Weather conditions (i.e., rain, snow, fog, wind, etc.)
Inadequate or improperly located or aimed antennas
How do I measure signal strength for 2G (GSM) devices?
RSSI
2G signal strength is primarily evaluated based on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). The following table outlines recommended signal levels for optimal performance:
How do I measure signal strength for 3G devices?
3G signal strength is evaluated based on RSSI, EC/IO, and RSCP. The recommended signal levels are similar to 2G, with additional metrics for signal quality.
How do I measure signal strength for LTE devices?
LTE signal strength is assessed using RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR. These metrics provide insights into signal strength and quality, essential for maximizing data speeds. The recommended signal levels are reflected in the below tables.
RSSI in LTE is derived from a combination of various signal-related metrics, namely wideband power, which comprises noise, serving cell power, and interference power.
RSSI = wideband power = noise + serving cell power + interference power.
The measurement and understanding of mobile signal strength is a crucial aspect of ensuring seamless connectivity in today's digital age. From enhancing user experience to optimizing network infrastructure, accurate signal strength measurements play a pivotal role in shaping our mobile communication landscape. By understanding how to measure mobile signal strength, you can make informed decisions to improve connectivity, troubleshoot issues, and ultimately, unlock the full potential of mobile technology.
