Tech Share 01: How to Check Mobile Signal Strength

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In daily life, people often rely on the signal bars on their phone to judge signal strength. However, this is not an accurate indicator. The real determinants of mobile internet speed and call quality are signal strength and quality metrics.

✅ 1. Key Signal Metrics

  1. RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)

    • Range: -30 dBm (excellent) to -110 dBm (very weak)

    • -50 dBm: Very strong signal

    • -90 dBm: Weak, may drop calls or lose data

  2. RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality)

    • Measures signal quality and stability, affects call clarity

    • Range: -3 dB (excellent) to -19.5 dB (poor)

  3. SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio)

    • SINR > 20: Good connection

    • SINR < 0: Heavy interference, poor experience


✅ 2. How to Check Real Signal on Your Phone

  1. For Android users:

    • Dial *#*#4636#*#*

    • Go to "Phone Information" → Scroll to see RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ, SINR

  2. For iPhone users:

    • Dial *3001#12345#*

    • Enter Field Test Mode

    • Navigate to LTE → Serving Cell Meas → RSRP, RSRQ


✅ 3. Signal vs. Internet Speed

  • Full signal bars ≠ high speed; congestion and interference play major roles

  • Actual speed = Band × Bandwidth × Network load

  • Higher frequencies (e.g., 5G n78) deliver faster speed but weaker wall penetration


✅ 4. How to Improve Mobile Signal

  1. Move near a window to reduce wall interference

  2. Use signal repeaters (check with your operator)

  3. Change network mode (e.g., switch from 5G Preferred to 4G Only)

  4. Try another SIM to test if the issue is network-specific


? Tips:

  • In the Philippines, PLDT, Globe, and DITO have varying coverage; real-world testing matters

  • Use apps like Speedtest or Network Cell Info Lite for advanced diagnosis


? Tech Share 02: What to Do When Your Wi-Fi Is Slow

Slow Wi-Fi is a common issue in homes or offices, especially when many devices connect or neighboring signals cause interference. Here's how to diagnose and fix it effectively:


✅ 1. Understand Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz vs 5GHz

  1. 2.4GHz Band

    • Pros: Better wall penetration, wider coverage

    • Cons: Congested, slower speed

  2. 5GHz Band

    • Pros: Higher speed, less interference

    • Cons: Weaker penetration, shorter range

✅ Tip: If your device supports dual-band, switch to 5GHz when in the same room


✅ 2. Change Channels to Avoid Interference

  • Routers often use auto-channel which overlaps with neighbors

  • Go to router settings and manually set channels (1/6/11 for 2.4GHz)

  • Use WiFi Analyzer (Android) to check which channels are less crowded


✅ 3. Optimize Router Placement

  • Place router in a central, elevated position

  • Keep away from appliances like microwaves and refrigerators

  • Avoid corners or inside closed cabinets


✅ 4. Manage Device Load

  • Too many connected devices will slow down Wi-Fi

  • Restart router periodically to clear memory

  • Check router admin panel to monitor connected devices and block unknown ones


✅ 5. Upgrade Your Router

  • Old routers may not support high-speed broadband or modern Wi-Fi standards

  • Look for routers supporting MU-MIMO, Beamforming, or Mesh networking for better performance


? Tips:

  • Use fast.com or speedtest.net to measure speed accurately (one device at a time)

  • If rooms like bedrooms have weak signals, consider adding Wi-Fi extenders or upgrading to a Mesh router system

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