Modern man actively uses the advantages of mobile communication and the Internet. We used to stay in touch around the clock and hardly get along without a mobile phone at hand. However, until now even in the centre of Moscow are the so-called “blind zone” of the Federal operators. The reasons for their existence varied from the banal mechanical obstacles in the path of the signal in the form of powerful beams and mirrors, to a peak load of base stations.
Amplification of the signal do profile of the organization. The company’s specialists SotSignal whose main profile increased when, gave some tips for self measurement of the cellular signal using the iPhone to further improve the quality of communication.
After a series of simple steps with a smartphone, you can get data on the power signal, which is received from the base station, and to learn what range of frequencies your area uses this operator.
You will need to produce at least 8-10 measurements, as in the first measurement results will slightly change in time and different points in space (this is dynamic value), so you need to make several measurements and calculate an average value. Second, the measured signal only with the operator SIM card which is currently installed in the slot. To assess the situation at MegaFon, Beeline, MTS and Tele2 complex, you will need to consistently install SIM card data operators and repeat the algorithm.
And thirdly, Measurements are required at each frequency range individually, so the settings of your phone before you select range, you will need to set the corresponding parameter of the mobile network:
“Settings” > “Cellular” > “data Settings” > “Voice and data”.
- 2G
- 3G
- LTE
Thus for a complete analysis of the quality of mobile communication should be written in the form of table 12 indications (Beeline, MegaFon, MTS and Tele2 in each of the 3 modes).
How to change
And now go directly to measurement. In order to freeze the need to run service menu of the device and to do a few simple transitions. To start the dialling mode enter the code *3001#12345#* and then “Call”.
This will open the service mode Field Test.
a) To 2G:
In the top left corner the Icon “E” means that the phone is in 2G mode, the number in the corner of the screen is the level of GSM signal.
Consistently go through in the following paragraphs to GSM Cell Environment – > GSM Cell Info > Neighboring Cells
Next You will see a list of working channels in the GSM band.
Press 0 (Active channel)
The number of “- … ” is the level of signal of the Active channel GSM in dB (decibels)
ARFCN — number of the active channel.
b) For 3G:
In the top left corner the Icon “3G” means that the phone is in 3G mode,
The number in the corner of the screen. is the level of 3G signal.
Next, click UMTS Cell Environment > Neighbor Cells (Adjacent channels) > Set UMTS
Next You will see a list of operating channels in the 3G range
Press 0 (Active channel)
Now in the upper right corner number is the level of signal of the Active channel 3G.
Downlink Frequency — the Number of the active channel.
That is, you guessed it, the 3G signal can travel either in the 900-and 2100-th frequency.
C) 4G:
You can verify that the active mode LTE (“4G” over the data connection icon, if this range is generally available on this site)
The phone displays the information:
- Room frequency band (Band)
- The signal level (RSCP)
On the picture the example of recorded testimony: the Number of frequency bands Band 7 and the signal level -78 dB.
- Band 3 (1800 MHz)
- Band 7 (2600 MHz)
- Band 20 (800 MHz)
- Band 38 (2600 MHz)
*The network parameters are dynamic, and may change in time. For precision measurements it is necessary to record some values of the signal 4G LTE
Transcript of measurement
In conclusion, we need a transcript of the results of measuring the cellular signal on your iPhone. Regarding numerical values, it is possible to draw conclusions on narrow-minded level. Good reliable reception without interference and interruptions, is achieved if the results obtained are numerically greater than -80…-85 dB.
That is, for example, “-65 dB” is a very good signal, and “-98 dB” for GSM signal means almost complete absence. At least discomfort when communicating on the phone will already be noticeable.
However, if your iPhone gives out a good signal on 2G, do not rush to make positive conclusions. The fact that modern smartphones that support 3G mode usually support Protocol automatically switching to a higher frequency, in case of detection. This smartphone is not always wise estimated strength of the setting signal. As a result, voice communication can switch to a weak 3G signal even in the course of a conversation on the mobile phone. And here you are again badly hear the interlocutor.
Therefore, it is important to make sure that the 3G signal is completely absent and unattainable in a smartphone, or provided at a good level.
