What is a Good Signal Strength dBm

-70 dBm is a decent signal strength for modest, low-throughput operations like sending emails or browsing the web. -67 dBm is better for higher-throughput applications such as voice-over IP, and some experts advocate -65 dBm.

What is the maximum signal strength for a particular application? What signal strength should I aim for in my wireless and cellular deployment? These often asked questions highlight the perplexing nature of signal strength. When deploying, maintaining, or diagnosing problems in a conventional Wi-Fi and cellular setting, we must first grasp the units of measurement and what those metrics indicate. As a result, this article aims to examine what is a good signal strength dBm.

The stability of your Wi-Fi and cellular network connection is measured by signal strength. For many online activities, a strong Wi-Fi connection is required. Whether you’re using a phone, tablet, or laptop, you’ll need a solid signal to browse the web, make calls, check emails, stream videos, etc.

 While we’ve grown to believe that the more bars illuminated on our phones, the better, the truth is that the number of bars may not be the best predictor of signal strength, signal measurement in dBm is more accurate. We’ll go over the concept and arithmetic behind dB and dBm, how they apply to mobile phone signals, how to accurately assess signal strength with your phone’s settings or a simple app, and how this pertains to how to improve mobile signal strength at home or office.

What are dB and dBm as units for signal strength?

The decibel, or dB, is a unit of measurement for comparing the intensity of sound or the power level of an electrical signal to a specific level on a scale. It’s also used to show whether the signal strength increases or decreases. The decibel scale drives up in powers of ten; a 10-fold increase in intensity corresponds to a 10-dB increase on the scale.

Decibels per milliwatt is abbreviated as dBm. While dB is a dimensionless statement of gain, dBm is a physical measurement of the power level. It defines signal strength in wire and cables at radio and audio frequencies. Very tiny levels of dBm are measured. The dBm measurement is calculated using the 10 x log formula (signal strength per milliwatt). Signal intensity is measured in decibels (dBm), the most precise measurement available.

To summarize, we use dB when expressing a ratio between two numbers, and when estimating the precise power, we use dBm. We may utilize both in calculations like this: if your signal is -90dBm outdoors and your amplifier system is rated at 70 dB, your signal will be radiated at -20dBm, or adequate strength for around 3000 square feet.

What is a good signal strength dBm?

what is a good signal strength dbm

The cell phone tower sends out a signal. The signal diminishes or weakens as it moves away from the tower. Any obstructions in the route, like as buildings or trees, impact the signal. The signal is quite strong when you are close to the tower. It has a lower dBm when it gets to your house.

A signal greater than -70 dBm is excellent on all networks, measured in dBm. In 3G networks, a bad signal is -100 dBm or worse, and in 4G networks, it is -110 dBm or worse. -30 dBm is an excellent signal. You probably don’t have a flawless signal, but that’s fine. Most online tasks can be performed with a signal between -67 and -30 dBm. Here’s how the scale looks and what each measurement of signal strength means:

  • -30 dBm: This is the signal’s maximum strength. You’re probably standing directly near the access point if you have this measurement.
  • -50 dBm: This signal strength is rated excellent.
  • -60 dBm: This is really good signal strength.
  • -67 dBm: This indicates a reliable signal. This is the simple minimum for any online services requiring a stable connection and strong Wi-Fi signal.
  • -70 dBm: This is not a very strong signal. You can check your email.
  • -80 dBm: This signal strength is unreliable. You can connect to your network, but most online activities will be unavailable.
  • -90 dBm: This is insufficient signal strength. At this point, you are unlikely to connect to the internet.

Ideally, you want to stay between -60 and -50 decibels (since -30 dBm is unlikely). For a while, a signal strength of -67 dBm will suffice; however, this is the least signal strength you’ll need before your connection begins to suffer. To discover where you have the most robust signal strength, take measurements in multiple locations.  

Test the signal strength first when putting a Wi-Fi router or modem in a specific location. It would help if you also thought about where the strongest signal is when making calls. You’ll have discovered a solution to boost cell signals at home for free.

What is the relationship between signal strength and bars on my phone?

Here’s where trusting the cell phone bars becomes a little more complicated. The relative intensity of the available signal is shown by the cell phone or signal bars, which are subjective. The number of bars lighted depends on the type of cell phone you have and the manufacturer.

You and another person can sit in the same room; you have three bars, and they have four. You both have the same cell phone service, but one has an iPhone, and another has an Android. It may be the same if you look at the dBm. Apple, in particular, is known for “inflating” the value of the bars on their phones, which is why understanding dBm is critical.

Another illustration: Let’s pretend your phone has 5 3G or 1X service bars. That suggests your signal strength is around -70 dBm, which is excellent. At 4G/LTE, you now have 5 bars. Isn’t that much better? Certainly not. -90 dBm is an excellent signal strength for 4G. In this instance, the 3G may provide a more robust signal! Check your dBm to find how strong you are.

How to check and measure your signal strength?

The signal strength may be accessed in the Settings menu on Android phones. Select Status from the About Phone menu (or SIM Card Status). The signal strength is indicated in dBm and ASU. The ASU (Arbitrary Strength Unit) is a value proportionate to the received signal strength measured by the mobile phone. It may be converted to decibels (dBm), although the calculations alter depending on whether you’re utilizing 2G, 3G, or 4G networks. The iPhone includes a Field Test Application that provides the same information described above.

With an app on your phone, you may quickly receive a signal strength measurement. This app will provide you with a wealth of data. You’ll notice that the signal strength fluctuates a lot. So, in an office building, you might notice that you have 4G/LTE service with 3-4 bars. The app displays -94 dBm for the serving cell tower and -102 dBm for the next strongest signal.

There are a few techniques to verify and assess the strength of your Wi-Fi connection. A Wi-Fi signal strength meter will come in handy (sometimes called a scanner or analyzer). There are free and simple ways to assess your signal strength and more advanced, fee-based methods. You won’t obtain the same level of data as you would with a paid tool because it’s free.

How are cell phone signal boosters related to dBm?

Cell phone signal boosters work by amplifying the signal that reaches your device or residence up to 32 times. Even if the signal is faint, you must begin with some signal entering your home. If you measure the signal and it is -95 dBm, you have a very faint signal. Factors of 3 and 10 determine dBm.

For every 3 dBm, the signal strength doubles. A -30 dBm signal, for example, is twice as strong as a -33 dBm signal, while a -84 dBm signal is four times stronger than a -90 dBm signal. Returning to the -95 dBm signal, you started with. You’ve just doubled the power of your signal by boosting it to -92 dBm. You’ve just increased your signal strength by four if you get to -89 dBm. It only takes a slight boost to notice a significant difference in signal strength.

Cell phone signal boosters are designed to cover a specific area. A -20 dBm booster can cover approximately 3000 square feet of your home. Signal Boosters claims to boost signal strength by up to 32 times. This transforms a bad signal into a great one.

To enhance your Wi-Fi range, internet boosters reduce dead zones in your house or office. Before linking an internet booster to dBm, it is critical to understand how does an internet booster work.

Bottom line

Now that you know how to assess signal strength, you have the knowledge to look into ways to improve it if it isn’t strong enough for your needs. You know how to scout your house for the optimum spot to put your router or signal booster to maximize the available cell phone signal. Finally, dBm, which stands for decibels per milliwatt, is the simplest and most consistent way to express signal intensity.

Paula Beaton

Paula Beaton