Development of standards GSM 900, GSM E900, GSM 1800 contributed to the improvement of communication channels, but did not solve the problem of access to the Internet at the level required by modern people.

These standards belonged to the second generation (2G), in which the EDGE and GPRS protocols were used for data transmission, which made it possible to achieve speeds of up to 473.6 Kbps - catastrophically low for a modern user.

To date cellular standards One of the most important requirements is the data transfer speed and signal purity. Obviously, this affects the development of the mobile operator market. So, at one time, 3G networks appeared in Russia, which won the massive attention of users. And now it is for this reason that the number of people who choose 4G is increasing.

Feature of the UMTS standard

The main feature that distinguishes UMTS standard from GSM is that the use of WCDMA, HSPA+, HSDPA protocols allows users to access higher quality mobile Internet. At speeds from 2 to 21 Mbit/sec, you can not only transfer more data, but even make video calls.

UMTS covers more than 120 largest Russian cities. This is the standard in which the currently popular mobile operators(MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Skylink) provide 3G Internet service.

It's no secret that high frequencies are more efficient for data exchange. However, Russia has its own nuances that make it impossible to use, for example, UMTS frequency 2100 MHz in some regions.

The reason is simple: frequency UMTS 2100, which is actively used for 3G Internet, quickly sits down on obstacles. This means that a high-quality signal is hampered not only by distances to base stations, but also increased vegetation. In addition, some regions are practically closed to this frequency due to the operation of air defense systems. Thus, in the South-Western part of the Moscow region there are several military bases, and accordingly, an unspoken taboo has been introduced on the use of this frequency.

In such a situation, for 3G Internet it is used UMTS 900. Waves in this frequency range have higher penetrating power. At the same time, at this frequency the data transfer rate rarely reaches 10 Mbit/sec. However, considering that just a few years ago many cities could not even think about Internet coverage, this is not so bad.

On this moment Huawei E352 and the more stable version E352b, as well as E372, E353, E3131, B970b, B260a, E367, E392, E3276 show excellent results with the popular UMTS900.

LTE: in what ranges will the future standard operate?

The logical development of UMTS was the development in 2008-2010. LTE is a new standard, the purpose of which is to increase signal processing speed and throughput, and in technical terms, to simplify the network architecture and thereby reduce data transfer time. In Russia, the LTE network was officially launched in 2012.

It is LTE technology that determines the development of the new generation of mobile Internet in our country - 4G. This means access to online broadcasts, fast transfer of large files and other advantages of the modern Internet.

At the moment, 4G Internet is supported by the LTE 800, LTE 1800, LTE 2600 standards, using the LTE Cat.4, Cat.5, Cat.6 protocols. This allows, in theory, to obtain data transfer speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s for upload and up to 50 Mbit/s for reception.

High LTE frequencies become an ideal solution for regions where the population density is quite high and where such data transfer speed is very important. These include, for example, large industrial cities. However, if all operators begin to work only in the range LTE 2600– a problem with radio signal coverage will immediately arise.

Now residents of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Novosibirsk, Sochi, Ufa and Samara can take advantage of 4G technology. In Russia, Yota became one of the first operators to develop the fourth generation of mobile standards. Now the following have joined them large operators, like Megafon and MTS.

Development is considered optimal today LTE 1800: This frequency is more economical and allows new companies that offer mobile communication services to enter the market. It is even cheaper to build networks at 800 MHz. Thus, it is possible to predict what exactly LTE 800 And LTE 1800 will be the most popular among operators and, accordingly, with you and me.

The same frequency band is also used by television, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Among the frequency range there are those that were allocated specifically for mobile phones.

Historically, the radio waves used for mobile communications systems in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia differ from each other.

Technology and frequency standards

The first technology standard commercialized in the United States was AMPS in the 800 MHz band. In northern European countries, NMT-450 technology was first introduced, the range of which was 450 MHz.

Along with the growing popularity of mobile phones, manufacturers faced a problem: they could not provide the service to a large number of people. They had to develop existing systems and enter new standard with a different frequency range.

In Japan and some European countries, the TACS standard has appeared with a range of 900 MHz. The GSM standard, which replaced NMT-450 technology, also used the 900 MHz band. As the demand and market for cell phones grew, providers acquired licenses to use the 1800 MHz band.

More low frequencies allow providers to cover larger areas, and higher frequencies make it possible to provide communications to a larger number of customers in a smaller area.

Modern technology standards

The current generation of mobile devices operates mainly using the GSM standard. The UMTS standard is also gaining popularity. In some countries, ELT, 3G, 4G format technologies are used.

Each standard or format uses a frequency range of two frequencies. The low frequency range transmits information from mobile device to the station, and high - from the station to the mobile.

Many GPS phones cover three frequency bands: 900, 1800, 1900 MHz or 850, 1800, 1900 MHz. These are so-called tri-band phones or tri-band devices. With such a phone it is convenient to travel around the world, and it does not require replacement when
moving to another country.

A cell phone with an infrared port appeared in 2001, again under the Nokia brand. The first phone with an mp3 player was the Samsung SPH-M100.

The receiver can be either a built-in or a separate device connected to the computer in the form of a special card inserted into the expansion slot.

The same operating principle is used by many electronic devices– cell phones, wireless networks, garage door openers, remote controls remote control and so on. However, unlike the infrared communication that these devices rely on, RF communication does not require the mouse and receiver to be within an accessible distance of each other. The gadget's transmitter signal easily passes through obstacles in the form of a computer monitor or tabletop.

Wireless Mouse Sync

As with most modern computer mice, wireless models use not a ball, but an optical system, which significantly increases the accuracy of the gadget. In addition, the optical system allows the user to use a wireless mouse on almost all surfaces, which is very important for a device that is not connected to the computer by cable for at least some time.

Another advantage of radio frequency communications is the minimal energy consumption of radio transmitters and receivers, which are also lightweight, inexpensive and can be powered by batteries.

Synchronization of a wireless mouse is necessary for the interaction of its transmitter with the receiver, which must operate on the same channel, which is a combination of identification code and frequency. Synchronization prevents interference caused by other wireless devices and external sources.

Each manufacturer equips its own wireless mouse– some models (more expensive in the overall rating) are sold already synchronized, and some need to be automatically synchronized by pressing certain buttons on the device. The data transmitted by the mouse to the receiver is protected by encryption mechanisms or frequency hopping technology.

Sources:

• how does a mouse work

DownLink - communication channel from the base station to the subscriber
UpLink is a communication channel from the subscriber to the operator’s base station.

Standard 4G/LTE Frequency 2500

This type of communication has been developing relatively recently and mainly in cities.

FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) - DownLink and UpLink operate on different frequency bands.
TDD (Time division duplex) - DownLink and UpLink operate on the same frequency band.

Yota: FDD DownLink 2620-2650 MHz, UpLink 2500-2530 MHz
Megafon: FDD DownLink 2650-2660 MHz, UpLink 2530-2540 MHz
Megafon: TDD 2575-2595 MHz - this frequency band is allocated only in the Moscow region.
MTS: FDD DownLink 2660-2670 MHz, UpLink 2540-2550 MHz
MTS: TDD 2595-2615 MHz - this frequency band is allocated only in the Moscow region.
Beeline: FDD DownLink 2670-2680 MHz, UpLink 2550-2560 MHz
Rostelecom: FDD DownLink 2680-2690 MHz, UpLink 2560-2570 MHz
After Megafon purchased the Yota company, Yota virtually began to operate as Megafon.

Standard 4G/ LTE Frequency 800

The network was launched into commercial operation at the beginning of 2014, mainly outside the city, in rural areas.

UpLink/DownLink (MHz)

Rostelecom: 791-798.5 / 832 - 839.5
MTS: 798.5-806 / 839.5 - 847.5
Megafon: 806-813.5 / 847 - 854.5
Beeline: 813.5 - 821 / 854.5 - 862

Standard 3G/UMTS Frequency 2000

3G/UMTS2000 - the most common standard cellular communications in Europe it is mainly used for data transmission.

UpLink/DownLink (MHz)

Skylink: 1920-1935 / 2110 - 2125 - in the end, most likely, these frequencies will go to Rostelecom. The network is not currently in use.
Megafon: 1935-1950 / 2125 - 2140
MTS: 1950-1965 / 2140 - 2155
Beeline:1965 - 1980 / 2155 - 2170

Standard 2G/DCS Frequency 1800

DCS1800 is the same GSM, only in a different frequency range, mainly used in cities. But, for example, there are regions where the TELE2 operator operates only in the 1800 MHz band.

UpLink 1710-1785 MHz and Downlink 1805-1880 MHz

There is no particular point in showing division by operators, because In each region, frequency distribution is individual.

Standard 2G/DCS Frequency 900

GSM900 is the most common communication standard in Russia today and is considered second generation communication.

There are 124 channels in GSM900 MHz. In all regions of the Russian Federation frequency ranges GSM is distributed between operators individually. And E-GSM exists as an additional frequency range of GSM. It is shifted in frequency from the base one by 10 MHz.

UpLink 890-915 MHz and Downlink 935-960 MHz

UpLink 880-890 MHz and Downlink 925-935 MHz

Standard 3G Frequency 900

Due to the lack of channels on the 2000 frequency, frequencies of 900 MHz were allocated for 3G. Actively used in the region.

Standard CDMA Frequency 450

CDMA450 - in the central part of Russia this standard is used only by the SkyLink operator.

UpLink 453 - 457.5 MHz and DownLink 463 - 467.5 MHz.

Frequency determination using Android applications

I. Introduction

The carrier frequency (or frequency range) of a 3G/4G signal is one of the most important parameters when choosing an antenna. In the end, you may not even know the location of base stations in the surrounding area - simply by twisting the antenna, you can determine this direction based on the signal level. If you don’t know the frequency, you may not be able to catch the signal at all.

Since frequency determination for the 3G, 4G and 4G-Advanced (4G+) standards is different, we will consider methods for determining frequencies separately.

II. Determining the frequency of a 3G signal

As you know, Russia has adopted two frequency ranges for 3G: 2100 MHz and 900 MHz. The frequency of 900 MHz is adopted in those regions where, for military reasons, it is unacceptable to use 2100 MHz. For example, South-East of the Moscow region.

Every smartphone has a hidden program called Netmonitor. For each phone model, this program is activated with its own individual code. For Android smartphones from Samsung, you must enter the code *#0011# in dialing mode. For other Android phones, the codes are: *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#* depending on the version. Most full list"secret" codes to activate this hidden program For different models phones, including iPhones, can be found.

So, in 3G mode I dial the code *#0011# on the dialer of my Samsung and get:

Here RX = 10713 is the channel number by which the carrier frequency is determined.

If the channel value is in the range 2937-3088, then it is 3G/UMTS900.

If the channel value is in the range 10562-10838, then it is 3G/UMTS2100.
RI = -64 dB is the signal level from the cellular operator's base station (RSSI).

Special Android applications for determining the frequency of a 3G signal in Play Market not found.

III. Determining the frequency of a 4G signal

In 4G LTE mode, cellular operators can operate in three bands - 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz. To determine the frequency in this mode, you can also use the built-in Netmonitor of your smartphone. How to do this is described in detail in.

There are only a few applications¹ that are claimed by the developers to determine the frequency, in addition to other functions. However, everything is not so simple. Some applications (G-NetTrack, Net Monitor, etc.) require an operating system of at least Android 7.X. Others (LTE Discovery) require the smartphone to be in Root² mode.

However, there was an application that provides the 4G signal frequency. Meet CellMapper. To use the application you need to register on the website, registration is free.

In order for the program to display the carrier frequency value on the screen, in the settings you need to check the “Calculate” box. GSM frequencies/UMTS/LTE". My smartphone (Samsung GT-i9505, Android 5.01) does not provide frequencies for GSM and UMTS, for LTE standard we get what is shown in the screenshot:

The program provides a lot of information about the connected tower and neighbors, including the signal frequency in the form of Band 7. This is a frequency of 2600 MHz. Other possible frequency ranges can be identified.

I will not describe each tab of the program, there are (on English language) and FAQ, I’ll just note that this application gives the frequency only for standard 4 signalsG. To determine the frequency in the 3G standard, as I said above, no Android applications were found.

IV. The situation with 4G+

V. Conclusion

A few notes at the end of the article.

I wish all antenna selection tasks could be completed on a handheld device such as a smartphone. However, the most reliable and cheapest way to determine the carrier frequency (or frequencies) of an Internet signal remains a computer (laptop) with a modem that has a HiLink interface or an MDMA program.

The rapid development of the 4G+ standard poses difficult challenges for antenna developers. How to combine different frequencies, for example 800+2600 MHz, in one antenna with good gain (about 17-20 dBi)? Moreover, so that there is MIMO. If this problem is not solved, then you will have to come up with complex designs from antennas of different ranges, combine their signals with diplexers, in general, the task is not simple or cheap. Or stay on 4G and be content with speeds, which in theory can be increased significantly.

I look forward to your feedback and comments, your dmitryvv.

1] Only free applications are considered.

2] For those who want to experiment with their smartphone, at the risk of turning it into a brick, I send it here and here (update to Android 7.XX), or to the forum w3bsit3-dns.com

3] It must be said that even the best foreign samples of this class (for example, the Australian company Telstra, costing about $300) do not exceed 8...11 dBi in gain.

Radio frequencies of Russian cellular operators are standardized at the federal level. Most of them are used not only in the Russian Federation, but also in many other countries of the world. In addition, cellular communications work only in the territories of China, Japan, North and South America. Since today every user can purchase a smartphone or mobile phone abroad, the issue of compatibility of the communication modules of these devices with the offers of domestic operators is an urgent issue.

GSM frequencies (2G) in Russia

The most widespread and accessible standard in the world is the GSM standard, which includes frequencies of 850/900/1800/1900 MHz. Standards 900 (GSM) and 1800 (DCS) are common in Russia. The same frequencies are used in Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. In North America the frequencies used are 850/1900. Also in Russia there is CDMA, operating at 450 and 850 MHz, but is gradually becoming a thing of the past.

When choosing a communication device, please note that GSM devices can support:

Only one range. The worst option is if the phone does not support setting the range depending on the country you are in.
Two ranges (Dual Band). Support 900/1800 – ideal for the Russian Federation. On the other hand, the phone will also work in Russia at 850/1900, but no one guarantees the quality of communication and the absence of “dead” zones.
Three Tri Bands. Usually these are options that do not have the frequency 850 (excellent for the Russian Federation) or 900 (suitable for the USA).

UMTS (3G) frequencies in Russia

UMTS (W-CDMA, TD-CDMA, etc.) operates on frequencies 1885-2025 (Uplink) and 2110-2200 (Downlink). One frequency in cellular communications, accordingly, is used to receive signals, the other to send. In Russia, W-CDMA is preferred.

There are add-ons HSUPA, HSPDA HSPA+. The latter are often referred to as 3.5G. It should be noted that in Japan and the USA other bands are used (for example, in the USA 1710-1755 and 2110-2155 MHz). The reason for this is the occupancy of frequencies 1900 by the GSM channel.

It should also be noted that new technologies and add-ons are emerging. For example, a smartphone can operate in 3G in the TD-SCDMA, CDMA2000, FOMA standards. Of these, only the last one uses W-CDMA technology adopted in the Russian Federation, although it is intended for Japan.

Communication parameters change from year to year and it is impossible to describe all options. So we simply specify:

1. Check the standard and frequencies of your smartphone.
2. Check the standard and frequencies of your operator.
3. Correlate the data obtained.

There are standards:

Additions and/or amendments to this material are welcome.

When choosing cellular amplifiers and antennas on your own, one of the first questions that arise is about cellular signal level received in your premises and about the used cellular standard

Modern smartphones based on the most popular OS iOS(iPhone) and Android(Samsung, HTC) - will help you answer them!

1. How to measure GSM signal?

1.1 How to measure GSM signal on iPhone?

*3001#12345#*

Step 2 - numeric value -86 in the upper left corner shows the GSM signal strength in dBm (decibels per milliwatt)

Icon E(EDGE) or G(GPRS) - indicates that your phone is in GSM networks, not on a 3G network

Step 3 - click the GSM Cell Environment menu -> GSM Cell info -> Neighboring Cell -> select channel 0. Write down or take a screenshot of the number next to ARFCN (this is the operating frequency number)

Frequencies from 1 to 124 GSM 900. Choose GSM900 repeaters and GSM900 antennas

Frequencies from 512 to 885- this is the frequency range of the standard GSM 1800. Choose GSM1800 repeaters and GSM1800 antennas

Frequencies from 974 to 1023- this is the frequency range of the standard E-GSM 900. Choose E-GSM900 repeaters and E-GSM900 antennas

*3001#12345#* .

1.2 How to measure GSM signal on Android?

Step 1. We fix the phone in the GSM network- go to the menu "Settings/Wireless Networks/ Mobile networks" and disable 3G support by selecting "Only 2G networks"

*#0011#

If your phone Samsung Galaxy and can’t enter the menu - try these options: option 1 - *#32489# ; option 2 - *#*#7262626#*#* ; option 3 - *#*#4636#*#* .

Step 3. Checking the GSM signal level- numeric value -94 in the RxPwr line shows the GSM signal level in dBm (decibels per milliwatt).

Step 4. Checking the GSM 900 or 1800 band- the GSM standard is indicated in the top line - in this case GSM1800. Opposite parameter T the number of the GSM operating frequency will be indicated - in this case 549 frequency

Frequencies from 1 to 124- this is the frequency range of the standard GSM 900. Choose GSM900 repeaters and GSM900 antennas

Frequencies from 512 to 885- this is the frequency range of the standard GSM 1800. Choose GSM1800 repeaters and GSM1800 antennas

Frequencies from 974 to 1023- this is the frequency range of the standard E-GSM 900. Choose E-GSM900 repeaters and E-GSM900 antennas

2. How to measure 3G signal?

2.1 How to measure 3G signal on iPhone?

Step 1. Revealing the hidden engineering menu iPhone - dial phone number *3001#12345#*

Step 2. Checking the 3G signal level- numeric value -95 in the upper left corner shows the 3G signal strength in dBm (decibels per milliwatt)

3G (UMTS) or H (HSDPA) icon - indicates that your phone is on a 3G network and not on a GSM network

Step 3. - click the UMTS Cell Environment menu -> Neighbor Cells -> UMTS Set -> select channel 0. Write down or take a screenshot of the number next to Downlink Frequency (this is the operating frequency number)

Frequencies from 2937 to 3088- this is the frequency range of the standard 3G-UMTS 900. Choose GSM900 repeaters and GSM900 antennas

Frequencies from 10562 to 10838- this is the frequency range of the standard 3G-UMTS 2100. Choose 3G 2100 repeaters and 3G 2100 antennas

How to disable engineering menu mode on iPhone?

Re-dial the phone number *3001#12345#* .

Next, press your finger on the numbers of the cellular signal level in the upper left corner and switch to the standard display mode of the cellular signal level. Then click Home button and exit the engineering menu.

2.2 How to measure 3G signal on Android?

Step 1. We fix the phone in the 3G network- go to the menu "Settings/Other networks/Mobile networks/Network mode" and enable 3G support by selecting "WCDMA only"

Step 2. Open hidden engineering Android menu- dial the phone number *#0011#

If your phoneSamsung Galaxyand can’t enter the menu - try these options: option 1 - *#32489# ; option 2 - *#*#7262626#*#* ; option 3 - *#*#4636#*#* .

Step 3. Checking the 3G signal level- numeric value -86 The R parameter shows the 3G signal level in dBm (decibels per milliwatt).

Step 4. Checking the 3G band 2100 or 900- opposite the Rx CH parameter the number of the 3G operating frequency will be indicated - in this case 10638 frequency, which indicates that this is a standard 3G-UMTS 2100

Frequencies from 2937 to 3088- this is the frequency range of the standard 3G-UMTS 900. Choose GSM900 repeaters and GSM900 antennas

Frequencies from 10562 to 10838- this is the frequency range of the standard 3G-UMTS 2100. Choose 3G 2100 repeaters and 3G 2100 antennas

How measure 4G LTE signal read our new article!

Did not find an answer to your question?

Write a comment at the end of the article or call us- and you will receive personal, professional, free answer!

Start of research

To begin with, I would like to ask the readers. When was the last time you thought about the quality of communication provided by your smartphone when purchasing a new smartphone? Does this criterion somehow affect the choice of phone or Android version when buying a new gadget? That's right - no. I didn’t look at this either until I came across a very interesting situation, which I’ll tell you about now.

So. We all know that there are a sufficient number of standards for both mobile and local networks. The most common local network standard is IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n and others). On mobile networks - standard GSM-900 or GSM-1800 for Europe and Asia; GSM-850 and GSM-1900 for Africa and America. These standards use an indicator of the received signal strength RSSI (received signal strength indicator). It is measured by the receiver on a logarithmic scale in decibels (dBm). However, most Android smartphones use a different system for measuring the received signal strength - ASU. If you look at the gradation A.S.U. and the usual RSSI, we get the following correspondence:

0-1 ASU corresponds less than -110dBm RSSI, that is, it is even possible to turn off the signal.
2-3 ASU corresponds to the segment -110 to -105 dBm RSSI, that is, very weak signal, so to speak, “on the verge of shutting down.”
4-5 ASU corresponds to the segment -105 to -95 dBm RSSI, that is, a weak signal, so to speak, a “border zone”.
6-7 ASU corresponds to the segment -95 to -85 dBm RSSI, that is, reliable communication on the street and transport.
More than 13 ASU corresponds to normal communication in buildings, that is, less than -75 dBm RSSI.

However, as it turned out, different smartphones determine the signal level in the same room differently. I'll try to prove this now.

Experiment and results

So. Armed with my phone, I walked around the apartment and, using programs (GSM SIgnal Monitoring, Netmonitor, etc., I liked this program: www.kaibits-software.com/product_netwotksignaldonate.htm) measured the signal at different points in the apartment. (Many thanks to the program developers who immediately converted the received signal into the familiar RSSI). I show the results of my measurements in the next picture.

All results of the received data are in dBm. Based on the data received, I tried to make a coverage diagram, indicating the measurement points.

Smartphone participating in the study: Alcatel one touch idol 3, Android version 5.0.

All data obtained are measured in dBm.

Smartphone participating in the study: Nexus 5, version Android 6.0.

The signal level was checked using the same program.

conclusions

In a typical case of mobile signal propagation in a residential area (for example), many factors influence the signal propagation. For example: the earth's surface in the line of sight of the antennas, urban development, moving objects (cars, construction cranes), the height of the receiver ( mobile phone), elevator shafts or distribution of sockets... (How fickle these signals are!)

As a result, looking at the coverage diagram, I realized that yes: both the elevator shafts and the distribution of sockets affected my signals. However, besides this, there are no base stations anywhere, which also negatively affected the signal level.

During this experiment, it was proven that different smartphones with different Android versions perceives the level of the transmitted signal differently under the same conditions. And although the number of experiments carried out with the Nexus 5 was less than with the Idol 3, the result obtained confirms the different level of signal reception.

Auxiliary materials

1. www.kaibits-software.com/product_netwotksignaldonate.htm - Signal Info Pro network, a program with which the signal level was measured
2. Modern technologies wireless communication. I. Shakhnovich
3. Theory of electrical communication. Zyuko A. G.
4. Digital communication. Theoretical basis And practical use. Sklyar B.
5. Radio circuits and signals. Baskakov S. I.

In order to select the optimal direction for a 3G antenna, the standard utility that comes with the modem is often not enough.

> > > REVIEW ARTICLE " INTERNET SIGNAL AMPLIFIERS " < < <

It's more convenient to use special applications to test the signal level.

Here are some of them:

1) My Huawei Terminal
2) HLS (Huawei level signal)
3) Mobile Data Monitoring Application (MDMA)
4) WlanExprt UMTS

Before you start working with any of these programs, you need to close the native program from the 3G modem, if it was running.

Then you need to find out what COM port number our modem received, for this you need: in the START menu, select COMPUTER, right-click, select PROPERTIES:

In the device manager we look at the COM and LPT ports, we need a COM port, remember the port number.

In this case, the port number is 16:

This is where the preparation ends, we begin to find the best direction for the antenna, it is better to turn the antenna 15 degrees, check the signal level and turn further.

And so programs for measuring 3G signal:

1) My Huawei Terminal:

Developer: Alexander S. Shokin

Settings this program does not require, it is launched by an exe file. After starting the program, in the top window you need to indicate the number of the COM port on which the modem is detected.

Click Connect, the program begins to display the network status and signal strength:

1) Signal level: -77dBm (the higher the indicator, the better, for example, -66dBm will be more powerful than -77dBm).

The first is -83: this is the RSCP level of the pilot signal (the first signal that the modem receives when connecting to the base station).

Second -5: this is Ec/Io - the ratio of the signal level to noise (the higher the indicator, the better). This indicator should not be neglected!

In addition to the signal level, in this program we can enter AT commands and set the required modem mode.

Conclusions:

pros this application in ease of installation and use, instant response to changes in antenna position.

Minus: there is no way to view this data in a large window like, for example, MDMA or HLS.

2) HLS (Huawei level signal):

We install the program, launch it, indicate the COM port number, connect the modem.

Designations:

1) Blue bar at the top - signal level in percentage

2)MCC, Mobile Country Code - the code of the country in which the BS is located. For Russia it is 250, Ukraine - 255, Belarus - 257

3)MNC, Mobile Network Code - code cellular network. For example, MTS has a code 01, MegaFon - 02, NSS - 03, SMARTS - 07, Beeline - 99

4) LAC, Local Area Code - local area code. A local zone is a collection of BSs that are served by one BSC - base station controller.

5) Cell ID, CID, CI - “cell identifier”. This is a parameter that is assigned by the operator to each sector of each BS, and serves to identify it.

6) level percentage - level in percentage

8) Save id button - will help you find out the approximate direction to the base station; after clicking, you save the connection data to an ini file.

The Open ID application is installed along with HLS. Using it, you can open a previously saved ini file by clicking the “OPEN ID” button. After that, press the “MAP” button - “Yandex maps” open, where you can find out the approximate location of the base station.

9) Full screen button - can display the signal level in dBm on the entire screen and pronounce the level by voice.

Conclusions:

The disadvantage of this application is that it reacts very slowly to changes in the antenna position; there is no Ec/Io signal-to-noise ratio level like My Huawei Terminal.

Pros: ease of installation and use, ability to view readings in a large window.

3) Mobile Data Monitoring Application (MDMA):

The program does not require installation, but before starting it it is better to do the following: Place the mdma.exe file in the root hard drive, then right-click on it and select: -> send -> desktop (create shortcut).

Next, right-click on the shortcut and select PROPERTIES. In the object field you need to enter the COM port /port: com* instead of an asterisk, the number of the COM port on which the modem is detected, it should turn out like this
C:\mdma.exe /port:COM16

Now you can run the program:

Here you can see the same parameters as in the previous program, plus the signal-to-noise ratio, as in My Huawei Terminal.

By additionally installing the Entropiy plugin (Developer: http://entropiy.ru/3g), we can get the signal level in a large window with the possibility of voice notification.

Conclusion:

The advantages are fast - response to changes in antenna position and high information content.

4) WlanExpert UMTS:

To run this program, you will need to remove the SIM card from the modem. Launch the program and select the COM port:

(Screenshot taken in Moscow)
IN running program we'll see:

PSC - BS code in the presence zone,

RSCP - signal level,

Ec/i0 - signal-to-noise ratio,

Freq MHz - frequency.

Rotate the antenna until you get the most optimal result.

P.S. New in measuring signal strength and determining frequency using Android.

GOOD SIGNAL TO YOU! GOOD LUCK!

Many people are interested in the dependence of signal level on speed. From our work experience it is clear that the speed decreases and stability disappears only at a very low signal level. And at medium and high levels, the speed of Internet access practically does not change and directly depends on the load of the base station. Many companies that install 3G Internet “cheat” their clients out of money by offering to install a powerful antenna almost next to the base station, while promising more high speed and stability. In reality, this is just a scam for money. We are interested in a good reputation and installation integrity. Therefore, we will never offer you to install a powerful antenna when it is not necessary. Let's try to deal with different situations at different distances from the base station and decide what signal level is sufficient.

The signal level can be monitored in MDMA program. Its number is shown in the RSSI column. Also great importance has not only the signal level, but also the noise level. This is also worth paying attention to. Now let's look at the level scale. The worst signal is -113 dB (virtually none) and the best is -51 dB (and higher). Note that the numbers have a minus sign. The closer it is to zero (the lower its value), the better.

The noise level can also be tracked in the same program in the SNR column, the second value after the decimal point. It ranges from 0 (better) to -20 and below (worse). With a value of -5...-3, the noise level is very low, and this has an extremely positive effect on speed and stability. The value -8...-12 is the average level, the speed will be noticeably lower. And below -12...-15 the noise is high, there is a lot of interference, the base station is heavily loaded, breaks are possible, etc.

It is very important to know the number of the base station (cell number) you have joined. One cell may be much less busy than another and vice versa. Accordingly, the speeds will also be different. Very often, a more distant cell turns out to be the best in terms of speed, despite the low signal strength. For example, a 3G modem without an external directional antenna connects to the first available cell, which is the best in signal strength, but not always the best in speed. A directional antenna helps connect the modem to the best cell in terms of speed. It also increases outgoing speed and improves stability.

Let's move on to the values ​​of the signal level and approximate speed (at a low noise level -5...-3):

-113...-110 dB. 0 sticks. The connection is unstable, the connection is constantly disconnected, the speed is around 1 Mbit/sec.

-109...-101 dB. 0 sticks. But the connection is still there and remains confident (with a directional antenna). Speed ​​1...3 Mbit/sec reception, 0.2...0.3 Mbit/sec transmission.

-100...-96 dB. 1 stick. Stable connection. Speed ​​3-5 Mbit/sec reception, 0.3...0.5 Mbit/sec transmission.

-95...-92 dB. 2 sticks. Speed ​​5-10 Mbit/sec reception, 0.7...1 Mbit/sec transmission.

-91...-87 dB. 3 sticks. Speed ​​10-15 Mbit/sec reception, 1-2 Mbit/sec transmission.

-86...-83 dB. 4 sticks. Speed ​​10-20 Mbit/sec reception, 2-3 Mbit/sec transmission.

-82...-50 dB. 5 sticks. Speed ​​10-25 Mbit/sec reception, 3-4 Mbit/sec transmission.

As you can see, with 2 “sticks” and higher, the incoming speed changes slightly. The signal level has a much greater effect on the outgoing speed. All results are approximate and obtained experimentally from real operating conditions. Those. If you manage to get a signal level higher than -95 dB, then you simply won’t notice any significant differences in speed. The speed very much depends on the load of the base station, and for 3G it is around 10 Mbit/sec. All results are given for 3G Internet. For 4G Internet, the signal level significantly affects the speed. And for its stable operation, a signal of -90 dB or higher is needed.

Also note that for some Megafon base stations, for stable 3G operation the signal level must be above -100 dB. There were cases when, when the signal level of Megafon was -102 dB, the outgoing speed was too low - around 0.02 Mbit/sec, and the connection was constantly disconnected. And for MTS, at a level of -107 dB, the incoming speed was 5-6 Mbit/sec, and the outgoing speed was 0.5 Mbit/sec. In practice, a lot depends on the load on the base station, as well as on the quality of the equipment at the base station.

How does distance from the base station affect signal strength? When removed from the base station by 5...10 km and with line of sight it is possible to get 3G Internet directly from a modem without external antenna when the signal level is above -100 dB. However, if there is no line of sight and the distance exceeds 10 km, then directional antennas will help you. If the signal level on your modem is -109 dB, then with a 14 dB directional antenna it will be equal to -109 + 14 = -95 dB, which is already quite enough for stable operation. And even if you live in the middle of nowhere and are 35 km away from the base station, you can still get high-speed Internet! Only in this case will you need a high mast (perhaps even higher than 10 meters) and a 0.9 m dish with an offset feed and honest gain in the region of 21...24 dB. We take on even the most difficult cases! A specialist will select the right set of equipment and antenna for you individually.

For preliminary signal measurement, we have a special quadcopter that allows you to quickly and efficiently measure signal levels without building mast structures and without calling a bucket truck (in difficult conditions). It is possible to rise to a height of up to 100 meters to assess the signal level, as well as to collect information about the terrain, etc. For this, a built-in video camera is used. This allows you to very accurately evaluate all the work on constructing mast structures and selecting a suitable antenna.

A prerequisite for its flight is a wind speed of no more than 2-3 m/s and the absence of rain or snowfall. If these conditions are absent, the signal is measured traditional way with the deployment of a temporary mast. The flight time is about 15 minutes - this time is quite enough to measure the signal and assess the terrain. Also, using a quadcopter allows you to throw a thin rope into hard-to-reach places. For example, on the roof of a house or on a tree. For subsequent pulling of thick rope and securing it for the purpose of performing high-altitude installation work network equipment. This allows you to save a lot on work and speeds it up. Now you can install the Internet in absolutely any wilderness. Please note that using a quadcopter to measure the signal is absolutely free and is already included in the installation price!