What is a 'reasonable' strength wireless signal for mobile broadband in NZ (in dBm)?

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Thelonious

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Master Geek

#80953 6-Apr-2011 15:55

I realise this is slightly "how long is a piece of string" and that there is no "benchmark" in absolute terms for dBm measures but I see that in various places in NZ I can get, via my Telecom Sierra T stick, measures ranging from -65 (about the best it seems) to -95 (towards the bad end).

The point of knowing is that if / when a website strats doing odd things, amongst the possible causes (the site itself, the browser settings etc) one may be signal strength.

All wisdom much appreciated.

Learning by listening

sbiddle

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#456019 6-Apr-2011 16:53

RSSI is a comparatively meaningless figure when trying to measure signal quality with a CDMA based air interface in CDMA and WCDMA networks. RSCP is of far greater interest but you have no way of measuring this on most devices.

You should be able to hold a connection and/or voice call until around -105 dBm to -107 dBm

Thelonious

61 posts

Master Geek

#456140 6-Apr-2011 22:12

Many thanks - the wifi world is a marvel isn't it? The main measure we can gather data for is "meaningless" as you say, while the measure that is not meaningless is too awkward to gather data for !!!!! I guess it provides scope for more R&D.

I do appreciate your reply and it makes good sense to me.