Nowadays, stable and fast Internet has become a necessity for everyone who uses mobile devices. 4G Internet is the backbone of modern communication and many people depend on it for work, entertainment and everyday life. But did you know that there are special indicators that determine the quality of your 4G signal? They may sound complicated, but we'll explain them in simple terms so you can understand how to improve your internet.
What are SINR, RSRP, RSRQ and RSSI?
When you use 4G Internet, your router or phone receives a signal from a mobile tower. This signal has a certain strength and quality that determines how fast and stable your connection will be. Here are the main indicators that help evaluate this signal:
SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio): This is the ratio between the useful signal and the noise or interference that interferes with its operation. Imagine that you are talking to a friend in a noisy cafe. If the noise around you is very loud, it will be difficult for you to hear each other. A high SINR means that there is little "noise" in the signal and you get a clear signal. The higher this value, the better.
RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power): This is a measure of how strong the signal you are receiving from the tower. Imagine trying to hear a friend's voice speaking across a great distance. The closer you are to it, the better you hear it. A high RSRP means you are "closer" to the tower and the signal is stronger.
RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality): This measure evaluates how clean the signal is. Imagine that your friend is not only far away, but also surrounded by many other people who are talking at the same time. If the signal quality is bad, it's as if all those people are blocking your ability to hear your friend. A high RSRQ means that the signal is clean and free of interference.
RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator): This is an overall indicator of the signal strength you are receiving. It's like the overall volume of your friend's voice: even if they're far away, you can hear them thanks to this indicator. However, RSSI can include not only the useful signal, but also noise, so it does not always accurately show the quality of the connection.
How to interpret these indicators?
These metrics help you understand why your internet is sometimes slow or unstable. Here's how to interpret each of them:
SINR:
20 dB and above: Excellent signal quality. Your internet should work very fast and stable.
13-20 dB: Very good signal quality. The Internet will work well, with minimal interference.
0–13 dB: Satisfactory signal quality. Internet may be a bit slower or intermittent, but generally works.
Less than 0 dB: Poor signal quality. Internet may be slow or not working at all.
RSRP:
-80 dBm and above: Excellent signal. Your internet will be stable and fast.
-90 dBm to -80 dBm: Very good signal. Internet will work fine.
-100 dBm to -90 dBm: Satisfactory signal. Internet can work, but with reduced speed.
Less than -100 dBm: Poor signal. Internet may be slow or unstable.
RSRQ:
-9 dB and above: Excellent signal quality. Your internet will be fast and stable.
-12 dB to -9 dB: Good signal quality. Internet will work fine.
-15 dB to -12 dB: Satisfactory signal quality. Internet may work with reduced speed.
Less than -15 dB: Poor signal quality. Internet may be unstable or slow.
RSSI:
-65 dBm and above: Excellent signal level. Your internet must work very well.
-75 dBm to -65 dBm: Very good signal level. The Internet will be stable.
-85 dBm to -75 dBm: Satisfactory signal level. Internet can work, but with reduced speed.
Less than -85 dBm: Weak signal. Internet may be slow or intermittent.
How to improve 4G signal quality?
If you notice that the Internet is slow or intermittent, you can try a few simple steps:
Change the location of the router or phone. Move the device closer to a window or other location with less obstructions.
Use an external antenna. Some routers allow you to connect an external antenna, which can significantly improve signal quality.
Check for software updates. Make sure your device is running the latest software version, which may include network enhancements.
Remove sources of interference. If there are many electronic devices or metal objects near the router or phone, they may cause interference.
Conclusion
Understanding SINR, RSRP, RSRQ and RSSI will help you make your internet connection more stable and faster. This is especially important for those who work or spend a lot of time at home, where reliable Internet is an important part of life. If you want to improve your 4G internet, pay attention to these indicators and apply the tips that will help you achieve the best results.
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