There are many factors that affect a wireless signal’s performance. We can generally sort these factors into the following categories:
- Strength- The power of a wireless signal in the area
- Quality- The condition of a signal
Signal strength and quality are metrics used in determining the RSSI/RSRP/RSRQ of a network.
RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) measures the total power of all received signals. It can be helpful to gauge the presence of a signal, but it is less helpful in showing the quality.
RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) is a measurement of the received strength of an LTE (4G) signal.
RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) is a measurement of the received condition of an LTE (4G) signal.
Some factors that affect the strength and quality of a wireless signal are:
- Proximity to the signal
- The physical condition of an aerial
- Weather
- Physical obstructions around a transmitting or receiving device
- The coverage of a network provider
Some possible solutions to improve signal strength and quality:
- Moving to a location with better coverage
- Positioning an antenna in an elevated location or outdoors
- Using a signal booster
- Keeping devices away from metal which may unintentionally reflect signals
- Keeping devices away from enclosed spaces or thick walls
Signal Strength Reference Table:
| Quality | RSSI (dBm) | RSRP (dBm) | RSRQ (dB) |
| Excellent | ≥ -50 | ≥ -80 | ≥ -10 |
| Very Good | -50 to -60 | -80 to -90 | -10 to -12 |
| Good | -60 to -70 | -90 to -100 | -12 to -15 |
| Fair | -70 to -80 | -100 to -110 | -15 to -20 |
| Poor | -80 to -90 | -110 to -120 | -20 to -25 |
| Very Poor | ≤ -90 | ≤ -120 | ≤ -25 |
Boosting Signal in Areas with Poor Coverage
If a device is unfortunate enough to be housed in a location that has a poor signal, there are methods we can use to boost the signal on the device for better connectivity.
- Aerials
- Employing aerials in your setup can greatly boost signal strength when positioned for optimal signal capture
- Using the correct type of aerial is essential for boosting signal strength
- Signal Boosters
- Signal boosters amplify weak signals and broadcast them in a localised area such an office or home
- Device placement
- Always try to place devices near windows and avoid enclosed spaces where mast signals cannot penetrate. Avoid metallic enclosures as they are prone to reflect or absorb radio waves
Choosing an Aerial to Boost a Signal
There are a few choices to consider when deciding to use an aerial:
- Compatibility
- Aerials must be compatible with the existing equipment housing the SIM
- Aerials must be compatible with the frequency needed to be captured (4G/5G)
- Placement
- Placement is crucial. Outdoor antennas must be placed in a high location or if indoors, by a window
- If the aerial is a directional aerial pointing at the closest mast, there must be nothing blocking the space between the mast and the aerial
- Amplifiers
- If the signal is weak in an area, the use of amplifiers can be considered
Types of aerials:
Depending on its use, choosing the right type of aerial can further enhance the signal.
- Directional. This type of aerial is used to point toward a specific location
- Omnidirectional. This type of aerial provides 360-degree coverage
- Bidirectional. Used to send and receive signals in two directions