Not all routers or modems will report RSSI,SINR,RSRQ,RSRP or even just "signal", but here's our guide to the expected results:
Signal quality* | |||||
| Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Rare | |
| WiFi N (2.4 Ghz) | <10 Mbps | 10-20 Mbps | 20-40 Mbps | 40-50 Mbps | 55-60 Mbps |
| WiFi AC (5 Ghz) | <15 Mbps | 15-40 Mbps | 40-60 Mbps | 60-110 Mbps | 110+ Mbps |
| RSSI (aka "signal") | < -85 | -85 to -75 | -75 to -65 | -65 to -55 | > -55 |
| SINR (dB) | < 7 | 7 to 10 | 10 to 13 | 13 to 17 | > 17 |
| RSRQ (-19 to -3 dB) | < -11 | -11 to -8 | -10 to -6 | -8 to -4 | > -4 |
| RSRP (-140 to -44 dBm) | < -112 | -112 to -103 | -103 to -85 | -85 to -64 | > -64 |
*Signal quality: all measurements need to be within range, just one poor factor can impact the perceived "speed" (IP throughput) for the user. To carry out a speed test we recommend http://zx3.speedtestcustom.com (If the client device is WiFi, please note that 2.4 Ghz "N" will never perform as well as 5 Ghz "AC". If the user does not have a WiFi "AC" device, test using a direct LAN cable with WiFi turned off)
LTE frequency bands
These are the current UK bands (full Excel spreadsheet attached at end of article)
Desk survey tools
We are happy to undertake a desk survey on any UK address - just raise a ticket and we'll provide as much info as we can. If you would like to use some tools yourself, here's a few things to help you:
- Cell mast map: https://www.cellmapper.net/map?MCC=234&MNC=15
- Our own speed test tool (no adverts): http://zx3.speedtestcustom.com
- Ubiquiti line of sight tool: https://link.ui.com
- Coverage checkers:
Compare with actual GPS coords on Google Maps or Bing Maps - postcodes are not an accurate guide! The coverage checkers below may display "no coverage", but comparing the precise location of the property may reveal it be within a signal area; the opposite is also possible.- EE checker: https://coverage.ee.co.uk/coverage/ee
- Vodafone checker: https://maps.vodafone.co.uk/coveragecheckers/web/default.aspx?configuration=vod
O2 checker: https://www.o2.co.uk/coveragechecker
"3" checker: https://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Network/_Standalone
Definitions
| Acronym | Definition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LAC | Location Area Code | Group of masts in an area. For 3G (UMTS) an RNC (Radio Network Controller) number is used. |
| MCC | Mobile Country Code | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_country_code UK: 234 or 235 are valid codes |
| MNC | Mobile Network Code | https://www.msisdn.net/list-of-mcc-mnc/ UK common: Voda: 15, 7 (Voda Jersey: 3) EE: 30, 32 (Emergency Services), 33, [235]88 H3 ("3"): 20, 51 O2: 10 JT (Jersey): 50 ,3 Manx: 58 |
| Cell ID, CID, CI | Cell Identity |
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