Forum Discussion
ktmrfs
Sep 11, 2020Explorer II
MrWizard wrote:
It should be noted
-80 db is a stronger signal than -100 db
Seems weird until you understand that Zero would mean optimum max signal saturation
And the measurement is how weak/far away
The signal is from optimum
-60 db is practically setting on the cell tower
exactly. Another note, in order to maximize the data capacity and number of users, usually the cell tower and phone will adjust power levels and/or channel so that the best signal level you get will be around -80db. Many times I've seen a channel or tower with a -60db signal level but it's never been the one the phone connects to, it's one in the -80db or so.
Kinda like a room full of people. If one person is shouting with a bullhorn, you can't hear anyone else, let alone carry on a conversation. If everyone is talking in a normal voice many many conversations can go on.
So to maximize channel capacity they adjust power levels for a desireable S/N ratio and error rate and do error correction in the phone or cell tower.
And again, those "bars" on the phone are NOT a reliable indicator of signal quality or signal level.
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