Signal strength is expressed as a negative number, closer to zero means a better signal, Thus, -60 dB is a stronger signal than -70dB. Your phone may show as a positive number, in such cases, convert it to negative. For example, 70 dB is actually -70 dB.The higher the number, the stronger the signal is.
There are three methods to measure signal strength and locate outdoor antenna direction pointed to the cellular towers.
One way is to use the LCD display on HiBoost amplifiers that can show the downlink(DL) output power of each band, another way is to use a mobile phone or mobile phone app to test signal strength, and the third way is to use a commercial signal strength meter.
LCD Display Method
Connect the outdoor antenna to the booster’s outdoor port. Fix the outdoor antenna on the roof of the building where need to improve mobile signal and try to point it to the nearest cell tower to locate the strong signal direction. Continually check the gain and output power value displayed on the amplifier’s LCD.
It means the outdoor antenna receives the strongest signal and antenna direction is best once the booster’s downlink output power show the highest value in each band. If the LCD shows maximum gain and power, and there are not yet any alarms (no ISO,ALC, OFF flashing and no quick flashing green or red in LEDs).
Note: These showed values may vary dynamically at times between 1-3 dB which is normal due to outdoor signal conditions.
In some circumstance that the requested carrier’s signal is much weaker than other local signals, LCD Display Method is not recommended. Because the LCD only show the strongest carrier’s signal. Under this condition, pls try other ways, such as by mobile phone, app or signal level meter that can be more accurate to test signal strength.
Mobile Phone Method
You can use any mobile telephone to test signal strength. The number of bars on the network indicator will define approximate strength of the received signal.
Instead of checking your mobile phone bars to define the signal quality, pls try to check your mobile phone's actual signal strength reading. Because there is not an uniform international standards that the bars represent which signal level. Different cell phone manufacturers may define different signal strength indications.That means one phone's 3 bars may well represent a stronger signal than another phone's 4 bars or even 5 bars.
For example:
A cell phone indication:
Signal strength ≥-85, level is SIGNAL_STRENGTH_GREAT, define 4 bars
Signal strength ≥-95, level is SIGNAL_STRENGTH_GOOD, define 3 bars
Signal strength ≥-105, level is SIGNAL_STRENGTH_MODERATE, define 2 bars
Signal strength ≥-115, level is SIGNAL_STRENGTH_POOR, define 1 bar
Signal strength ≥-140, level is SIGNAL_STRENGTH_NONE_OR_UNKNOWN define 0 bar
B cell phone indication:
Signal strength ≥-97, level is SIGNAL_STRENGTH_GREAT, define 4 bars
Signal strength ≥-105, level is SIGNAL_STRENGTH_GOOD, define 3 bars
Signal strength ≥-110, level is SIGNAL_STRENGTH_MODERATE, define 2 bars
Signal strength ≥-120, level is SIGNAL_STRENGTH_POOR, define 1 bar
Signal strength ≥-140, level is SIGNAL_STRENGTH_NONE_OR_UNKNOWN define 0 bar
So the best way to check the signal strength dBm reading is by your phone ”Field Test Mode”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apple iPhone "Field Test Mode"
Dial *3001#12345#* and press the Call. This will launch the Field Test Mode.
Hold down the power button until the "Slide to Power Off" appears, then release the power button. then hold the Home button until Field Test quits.
This moment, you'll see your numerical signal strength on the top line of your phone, also you can touch the signal numbers to switch to signal bars, and vice versa. The negative number is the decibel signal strength reading and should be based on the carrier name and the network type.
To exit this permanent field-test mode, reboot the phone or go back to Field Test and exit it via the Home button.
Huawei "Field Test Mode"
Press MENU,choose “Settings”,→choose “About Phone”→choose “Status”→Check"Signal Strength"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
if necessary, pls contact your phone manufacturer's customer support group for further help.
Alternatively, there are mobile apps you can download, such as SignalCheck Lite,Network Cell Info, which may allow you to read your signal strength as well.