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How to check the signal strength of your mobile phone

what do RSRP, RSSI, and SINR mean?

Frequently, individuals are confronted with circumstances in which the strength of mobile phone signals is diminished. How to check the signal strength of your mobile phone

In a general sense, the assessment of the prevailing signal strength is typically conducted by seeing the signal icon located in the top right corner of a mobile phone.

However, it might be argued that this style of judgment is overly simplistic. The level of precision is not only low but also lacks reliability.

How to check the signal strength of your mobile phone

In the realm of communications, Xiao Zaojun, an experienced specialist, will provide a set of advanced techniques for evaluating mobile phone signals. Simultaneously, I will also provide you with fundamental information regarding mobile phone signals.

 

Initially, it is necessary to elucidate several signal-checking methods that are inherent to mobile phones. It is possible to assess the signal strength without relying on an external application.

How to view on Apple phone

 

To access the signal-related data of an iPhone, one can navigate to the dialing interface and input the code *3001#12345#*. Upon pressing the dialing button, the user will be able to view the desired information.

Attention! The menu content may vary across different versions of mobile phones. Furthermore, there will be a delay as the system processes the data query. Subsequently, further menus will become visible.

To access the measurement of 5G signal strength (cell_rsrp), please click on [NR Rach Attempt] located under the category [5G]. The corresponding value of the signal strength can be observed in the image below, which is recorded as -98.

Xiaozaojun will provide a concise explanation of some significant parameters.

 

The acronym PLMN stands for Public Land Mobile Network Code, which refers to the code used by operators to identify their mobile networks. Each carrier exhibits unique characteristics and attributes. The Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) is comprised of two components: the Mobile Country Code (MCC), which is a three-digit code, and the Mobile Network Code (MNC), which is a two to three-digit code. China Telecom’s 4G/5G network is denoted by the code 46011.

The frequency bandwidth of the picture is 20MHz.

 

CellID refers to the numerical identifier assigned to a certain cell.

 

Radio access refers to a form of wireless access that enables communication between devices and a network. The abbreviation NR refers to the fifth generation of wireless technology, commonly known as 5G, while LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution, which represents the fourth generation of wireless technology, commonly referred to as 4G.

 

The NRARFCN refers to the New Radio Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number, which is a numerical value used to represent the frequency of the 5G network. A comprehensive count reveals that there are precisely 3,279,165 distinct grids that have been demarcated inside the frequency spectrum spanning from 0 to 100 gigahertz. The rasters are sequentially numbered, commencing from 0 and ascending to 3,279,165. Each numerical value corresponds to a certain place in the absolute frequency domain, and these values are referred to as NR-ARFCN. The frequency number possesses its own computational formula, which may be verified through web resources.

 

The Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) refers to a unique identifier used in cellular networks to distinguish individual physical cells. The PCI serves as a means of differentiating between cells within a network, allowing for efficient management and allocation of resources. Wireless signals are employed for the purpose of differentiating between cells.

 

The acronym TAC stands for Tracking Area Code, which refers to a code used for tracking purposes within a cellular network. The allocation of the identification is performed by the operator and primarily functions as a distinct marker for determining the location of mobile users.

How to view on Android phone

Various brands of Android smartphones employ distinct methods for assessing signal strength.

For illustrative purposes, let us consider Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 as a case study. Access the device’s [Settings] menu. The device in question is referred to as “[My Device].” The user’s text lacks clarity and specificity. It would be more academic to provide a specific topic or context for the parameters and information being referred to. The user’s text does not require any rewriting as it is already in an academic format. The present status of the SIM card in SIM Card Slot 1. In Slot 2, users have the ability to observe the signal strength in real time. As demonstrated in the following illustration:

The measured signal strength is -93 decibels milliwatt (dBm). ASU, or Arbitrary Strength measure, is a subjective strength measure that represents the relative worth of signal strength.

The acquisition of ASU can be derived from dBm, with the calculation formula as follows:

 

Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G are two prominent wireless communication technologies that have revolutionised the telecommunications industry. The equation ASU = dBm + 140 is used to convert a signal’s power

 

The formula for calculating the average signal strength in WCDMA and GSM networks is given by asu = (dBm + 113) / 2.

 

The network type being referred to is 5G_SA, which denotes the utilisation of 5G independent networking, often known as Standalone. This article provides an explanation of the acronyms NSA and SA in the context of 5G technology.

The aforementioned is the mobile phone’s built-in viewing technique. The presented material exhibits a reasonably straightforward nature.

 

What steps should be taken in order to get more comprehensive and intricate details? Subsequently, the utilization of third-party application software becomes necessary.

 

There exist numerous software applications, among which Cellular-Z is the one that I frequently utilize. The application can be obtained via the pre-installed app store on your mobile device. It is advised against accessing the internet for the purpose of obtaining the installation package, as there is a high risk of encountering malicious content.

The device exhibits comprehensive functionality, encompassing the ability to monitor the signal status of both card slots, access Wi-Fi and GNSS (global navigation satellite system) services, and provide comprehensive information regarding the phone’s specifications.

Xiao Zaojun has recently provided an explanation of the diverse characteristics associated with the card slot information. Therefore, it is unnecessary for me to reiterate them in this context. One notable frequency utilised by mobile phones in the context of 5G technology is NR-FREQ.

The signal strength is indicated by numerical values and is visually represented through dynamic graphs. As previously stated, a signal with a lower absolute value is considered to be of higher quality.

The signal possesses multiple parameters, which will be discussed individually. (For the sake of maintaining a professional tone, feel free to skip this section if you choose.)

RSRP, also known as Reference Signal Receiving Power, refers to the power level at which a reference signal is received. This metric is used to evaluate the strength of the reference signal being received.

The primary focus of our analysis is directed towards this specific parameter. The quantity in question pertains to the mean value of the power of the signal that is received across all resource elements (REs) that carry the reference signal inside a certain symbol. The range spans from -44 to -140, with higher values indicating superior performance.

RSRQ, which stands for Reference Signal Receiving Quality, refers to the quality of receiving the reference signal.

The metric under consideration is the ratio between Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), which falls within the range of -3 to -19.5. A higher value indicates a more favorable outcome. The primary function of this system is to categorize various LTE candidate cells according to their signal quality. This metric serves as an input for making handover and cell reselection decisions.

RSSI, which stands for Received Signal Strength Indication, refers to the measurement of the strength of a received signal.

The phenomenon under consideration diminishes in intensity as the distance increases, typically exhibiting a negative numerical value. As the numerical value approaches zero, the magnitude of the signal strength increases. If the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is consistently low, it indicates that the uplink signal received by the base station is insufficiently strong, potentially leading to demodulation failure. If the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) remains excessively high, it indicates that the uplink signal being received is excessively strong, resulting in significant interference and therefore impacting signal demodulation.

The SINR, also known as the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio, refers to the ratio between the signal power and the combined interference and noise power.

The metric denotes the proportion between the magnitude of the intended signal received and the magnitude of the interfering signal (comprising noise and interference) received.

About complaints

In the event of frequent occurrences of substandard network signal quality, it is advisable to contact the customer service hotline of the respective network operator to register a complaint. In the event that the operator remains unable of resolving the issue, individuals may consider contacting the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (12321) to file a formal complaint.

Cellular signal disruptions frequently manifest in close proximity to enigmatic installations or the research and development facilities of prominent equipment manufacturers like ZTE and Huawei, maybe attributable to interference phenomena. One may also express dissatisfaction on this matter.

It is important to reiterate that in instances of poor base station signal quality, individuals, properties, or companies are limited in their ability to address the issue and must rely on the operator to resolve it. With the exception of authorised operators, no individual or entity is permitted to construct their own public network communication base stations.

In the event of a weak base station signal, one may opt to establish a Wi-Fi connection via cables in order to fulfil their Internet requirements. However, it is important to note that Wi-Fi connectivity does not provide voice calls or text messaging, with the exception of Internet-based telephony services like WeChat video calls. Hence, there will always arise instances wherein an individual initiates a call, only to encounter the notice “The number you dialled cannot be connected.”

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Adeel Amir

Adeel is an Entrepreneur, SEO and SMM Specialist and an Affiliate Marketer. He also loves to blog about gadgets, technology, smartphones etc.

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