Measuring Mobile Signal Strength: Techniques and Tools

Understanding mobile signal strength is essential for staying connected in today’s world. Whether you’re troubleshooting a poor connection or looking to boost your signal, knowing how to measure mobile signal strength is the first step. In this guide, we’ll explore the techniques and tools you can use for measuring mobile signal strength, and why it’s important to know what your signal strength means.

What is Mobile Signal Strength?

Mobile signal strength is a measure of how well your phone is connected to a cell tower. It affects the quality of your calls, messages, and mobile internet. Signal strength is measured in decibels (dBm), and the closer the value is to zero, the stronger the signal. For instance, a signal strength of -50 dBm is excellent, while a signal of -110 dBm is weak.

Why Measure Mobile Signal Strength?

Measuring mobile signal strength helps you diagnose network issues, especially if you are experiencing dropped calls, slow data speeds, or poor voice quality. By understanding your signal strength, you can decide if you need to switch locations, change network providers, or invest in a mobile signal booster.

Techniques for Measuring Mobile Signal Strength

Several techniques allow you to measure mobile signal strength. These methods provide more accurate data than simply looking at the signal bars on your phone. Let’s go over a few of the most common methods.

1. Using Field Test Mode on Your Phone

Most smartphones come with a hidden Field Test Mode that allows users to see detailed information about their mobile signal strength. This is one of the easiest ways to get an accurate signal reading.

• For iPhones: Open the Phone app and dial 3001#12345#, then press call. This will open the field test mode, where you can view your signal strength in dBm.
• For Android phones: Go to Settings, then About Phone, and select Status or Network. The signal strength will be displayed in dBm.

Field test mode gives you real-time, accurate signal measurements that are much more reliable than just checking the bars on your phone.

2. Mobile Apps

There are several apps available that can help you measure and monitor your mobile signal strength. These apps are easy to use and provide detailed data on your connection quality.

• OpenSignal: This popular app not only shows your signal strength in dBm but also displays the nearest cell towers. You can use it to map out weak and strong signal areas around you.
• Network Cell Info Lite: Another excellent app for Android users, it provides real-time monitoring of your signal strength, including data about LTE and 4G bands.
• RootMetrics Coverage Map: This app gives users the ability to check network performance across various providers and offers detailed signal reports.

Using mobile apps can help you find the best spots for signal strength in your home or workplace.

3. Signal Meters

If you’re looking for professional-level accuracy, signal meters are specialized tools used to measure mobile signal strength. These are typically used by technicians, but they’re also available for consumers who want precise measurements.

Signal meters measure the strength of signals from different networks, displaying results in real-time. While more expensive than using an app or your phone’s field test mode, they provide the most accurate data possible.

Understanding Signal Strength Ranges

When measuring mobile signal strength, it’s important to understand what the signal strength values actually mean. These values are expressed in decibels-milliwatts (dBm), and the closer they are to zero, the stronger the signal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the common signal ranges:

• -50 dBm to -70 dBm: Excellent to good signal strength. Your phone will work smoothly, with fast data speeds and clear calls.
• -71 dBm to -90 dBm: Fair to poor signal strength. You might experience slower internet speeds and occasional dropped calls.
• -91 dBm to -110 dBm: Very poor signal. Your connection might be weak, with slow data speeds, dropped calls, and poor voice quality.
• Below -110 dBm: No usable signal. You’ll struggle to stay connected.

Knowing these ranges helps you better interpret your signal strength readings and take the necessary steps to improve your connection.

Frequency Bands and Their Impact on Signal Strength

In addition to measuring signal strength in dBm, it’s important to consider the frequency band your phone is using. Different frequency bands have varying capabilities when it comes to range and penetration through buildings.

• Lower frequency bands (e.g., 800 MHz): These bands provide better coverage over longer distances and penetrate buildings more effectively. This makes them better for rural areas or indoor use.
• Higher frequency bands (e.g., 1800 MHz, 2600 MHz): These bands support faster data speeds but have shorter range and weaker building penetration. They are commonly used in urban areas where towers are closer together.

When measuring your signal strength, check which frequency band your phone is connected to. If you’re indoors or far from a cell tower, you may want to ensure you’re connected to a lower frequency band for better signal strength.

Impact of External Factors on Signal Strength

Several external factors can also influence your signal strength, and it’s important to keep them in mind when measuring your signal:

• Weather: Rain, snow, and even thick clouds can absorb and weaken mobile signals. This is especially true for higher-frequency bands.
• Building Materials: Walls, metal roofs, and other materials can block or reflect mobile signals, making indoor connections weaker.
• Distance from the Nearest Cell Tower: The further you are from a cell tower, the weaker your signal becomes. In remote areas, measuring signal strength is even more critical because of the distance factor.

Being aware of these factors helps you better understand why your signal may fluctuate, especially if you’re measuring signal strength in different environments.

Signal Strength vs. Signal Quality

While signal strength (measured in dBm) is important, signal quality is equally crucial. Even if you have a strong signal, poor signal quality can lead to dropped calls and slow data. Signal quality is often measured using Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ).

• SNR: Measures the difference between the signal level and background noise. Higher SNR means better signal quality.
• RSRQ: Measures the quality of the signal being received, with values ranging from -3 dB (excellent) to -19.5 dB (poor).

When measuring your signal strength, consider both the strength and quality to get a complete picture of your mobile connection.

Why Signal Bars are Not Reliable

Many people rely on the signal bars displayed on their phones to gauge mobile signal strength, but these bars can be misleading. Different phone models and operating systems have different methods for calculating and displaying signal strength. Two phones in the same location may show different numbers of signal bars even if they have the same actual signal strength in dBm.

That’s why using Field Test Mode or signal measurement apps is more reliable, as they provide more detailed and consistent data than the signal bars alone.

Measuring Signal Strength in Different Locations

Signal strength can vary greatly depending on your location within a building or outdoors. When measuring signal strength, try doing so in several locations to get an accurate reading of your overall connection. Here’s how:

• Indoors: Check signal strength near windows, in higher floors, and away from walls. Signals are typically stronger near windows and weaker in basements or enclosed spaces.
• Outdoors: Move to an open area or higher ground for better reception. Obstructions like hills, trees, and tall buildings can block signals.

By measuring in different spots, you can identify the areas with the best signal, which is useful when deciding where to place a mobile signal booster.

Tools for Measuring Mobile Signal Strength

Here are some of the most reliable tools for measuring mobile signal strength, ranging from simple apps to professional devices:

1. Field Test Mode on Smartphones

• Provides accurate real-time data.
• No additional apps or tools required.
• Ideal for everyday users.

2. Signal Measurement Apps

• OpenSignal, Network Cell Info Lite, and RootMetrics offer detailed information.
• Free and easy to use.
• Help map out signal strength in your area.

3. Mobile Signal Boosters

If you find that your mobile signal strength is weak, you may consider installing a mobile signal booster. These devices help amplify weak signals, providing stronger and more reliable connections indoors. Before purchasing one, measuring your current signal strength can help you choose the right booster for your needs.

What to Do if Your Signal is Weak

If you discover that your signal strength is low, there are several ways to improve it:

• Move to a higher location: Signals tend to be stronger in open areas or higher floors of buildings.
• Use Wi-Fi calling: If your mobile signal is weak but you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, use Wi-Fi calling to maintain clear communication.
• Install a signal booster: A mobile signal booster can enhance weak signals, especially in large homes or buildings.
• Switch networks: If your network consistently provides poor signal strength, consider switching to another provider with better coverage in your area.

Conclusion

Measuring your mobile signal strength is important for maintaining reliable communication. By using techniques like field test mode, mobile apps, and signal meters, you can easily determine the strength of your connection. If your signal is weak, consider moving to a better location, using Wi-Fi calling, or installing a signal booster. With the right tools and techniques, you can ensure strong and reliable mobile signal strength, wherever you are.