Signal Strength
Noun
Signal strength is a performance metric measured in decibel-milliwatts (dBm) that indicates how strong a wireless signal is. It's expressed in negative values, where values closer to zero indicate a strong signal, and lower values, a weak signal.
Below is a table showing some decibel-milliwatt signal strength values and their ratings:
| Signal Strength | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| -30 dBm | Amazing | This is the max achievable signal quality. This is only possible when the client is next to the AP. |
| -67 dBm | Very good | Minimum acceptable quality for reliable and timely delivery of packets. |
| -70 dBm | Okay | Minimum signal quality for consistent packet delivery. |
| -80 dBm | Poor | Minimum signal quality for basic connectivity. Unreliable packet delivery. |
| -90 dBm | Unusable | Little usability, if any. |
Signal strength at a given location and time can also be measured and expressed through Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). This shows you if your received signal is strong enough to support a stable connection.
If you’re experiencing low signal strength, there are steps you could take to improve your signal, such as moving your router or access point higher up or before any obstacles, perhaps by mounting it on the wall, or placing your devices and access points to have a clear line of sight between them.
However, investing in a cell phone signal booster is often the best way to improve signal strength and availability beyond obstacles and across your entire home or office.
Example of Signal Strength in a sentence
"The recommended signal strength to support mobile devices and medium to high throughput applications is -65 dBm."
Synonyms: signal power
Related Terms for Signal Strength