How Many dBm is a Good Signal?
Today, we are going to explore the concept of dBm and how it relates to the strength of a signal, especially in terms of mobile network performance. You’ve probably heard of terms like “good signal strength” or “weak signal,” but understanding what those terms mean in terms of dBm will give you a clearer picture of network performance. As we discussed previously, signal strength is crucial for achieving good call quality, faster internet speeds, and a more reliable connection. So, let’s dive into it!
What is dBm?
First, let’s quickly understand what dBm stands for. dBm (decibels milliwatts) is a unit used to measure signal strength. It expresses the power level of a signal relative to 1 milliwatt. In the context of wireless communication, such as LTE or Wi-Fi, dBm values help determine how strong or weak the signal is at a specific point.
Good Signal Range
Now, let’s talk about what a good signal is in terms of dBm. In general, the closer the dBm value is to 0, the stronger the signal. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect:
| Signal Strength (dBm) | Signal Quality |
|---|---|
| -50 to -60 dBm | Excellent Signal Strength |
| -61 to -75 dBm | Good Signal Strength |
| -76 to -85 dBm | Fair Signal Strength |
| -86 to -95 dBm | Poor Signal Strength |
| -96 dBm and below | Very Poor or No Signal |
Understanding the Ranges
As you can see in the table, a good signal strength typically falls between -50 dBm and -75 dBm. If you’re in this range, you should experience stable connections with good internet speeds and reliable calls. A signal strength of -50 to -60 dBm is excellent and would provide the best user experience.
If your signal is between -76 dBm and -85 dBm, you might notice some drop in speed or occasional connection issues, but overall, it should still work fine for most applications like browsing or streaming. Anything below that, such as -86 dBm and lower, indicates a weak signal, which will cause poor network performance. You may experience dropped calls, slow internet, or inability to connect to the network at all.
Factors Affecting dBm Values
Several factors can impact the dBm value, including:
- Distance from the Tower: The further you are from the LTE base station (eNodeB), the weaker your signal becomes.
- Obstacles: Buildings, walls, and other physical barriers can obstruct the signal and reduce its strength.
- Interference: Other electronic devices and wireless networks operating on similar frequencies can cause interference and weaken the signal.
- Network Congestion: When too many users are connected to the same cell tower, the available bandwidth decreases, resulting in weaker signals.
How to Improve Your Signal
If you find that your signal is weak, there are several steps you can take to improve it:
- Move Closer to a Window: Signals tend to be weaker indoors, so getting closer to a window or an open area can improve your reception.
- Use Wi-Fi Calling: If you have access to Wi-Fi, enable Wi-Fi calling on your device. This allows you to make calls over the internet rather than relying solely on cellular signal.
- Check for Network Issues: Sometimes, the issue may be with the network itself. You can contact your network provider to check for outages or maintenance in your area.
- Use a Signal Booster: If you’re in an area with persistently low signal, a signal booster can help amplify the existing signal and improve your connection.