When you are working with cellular wireless modems, it is important to understand the signal strength quality. On smartphones, there is a signal quality indicator (the number of bars). If the signal quality is low (one or two bars), it may impact voice call quality and network speed. The same holds true for cellular modems in IOT solutions; data throughput will be impacted by poor signal conditions.

A signal strength reading from a cellular modem can help with the questions below:

Is the cellular modem connected to a wireless network?

A signal strength reading can indicate whether a cellular modem device has a network connection at all. Without a network connection, none of the modem services, such as data call, voice call, or SMS, are possible.



How good is the signal condition?

A signal strength reading can indicate signal quality. User experience features such as voice call quality and data throughput depend on signal quality.



How does device antenna affect signal condition?

Many cellular modem solutions have an external antenna, which is intended to improving signal quality. The orientation of the external antenna can sometimes affect signal quality.



How does location affect signal condition?