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Tips for Optimal Signal Strength

Ensuring a strong and stable signal for your Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) antennas, Mi-Fi routers, and phones can significantly improve your online experience. Here are some tips to help you align your equipment and maximize signal strength.

Find the Nearest Base Station

• Use the provided Google Maps link to locate the nearest antenna sector
• Buy a SIM card from one of the closest service providers -- this ensures the best signal strength & quality
• Align your location with the azimuth of the nearest base station's antenna sector

Note on Environmental Factors

• In densely populated areas, be aware of potential signal reflections from buildings that can either enhance or weaken signal quality
• The number of background users, especially during busy hours, can severely impact your user experience (achievable throughput), which in dense areas might require switching to a different operator

Avoiding Interference

• Mind the distance from power lines to reduce Block Error Rate (BLER)
• Be aware of physical obstructions that might block or reflect the signal

Optimize Equipment Placement

• To maximize signal reflections, ensure your equipment is correctly positioned to take advantage of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) setups
• Perform multiple speed tests to find the best location for your equipment

Device Modes

NSA (Non-Standalone) -- current scenario -- devices must first authenticate to the 4G network in order to attach a 5G frequency carrier.

SA (Standalone) -- planned deployment -- devices can access the 5G network directly without a 4G anchor.

Carrier Aggregation & Throughput

To achieve the best throughput, it is recommended to test various component carriers and carrier aggregation configurations.

Downlink (Base Station to User Equipment):

• Most devices support up to 4 carrier components in CA (Carrier Aggregation) in LTE mode
• In 5G NSA mode, devices typically support 1 LTE carrier + 2 NR carriers

Uplink (User Equipment to Base Station):

• Most devices support 1 or 2 carriers in uplink

Frequencies and Bandwidths in Poland

Each operator's network configuration consists of similar component carriers:

Achievable throughput examples:

• With 10 MHz bandwidth and 256QAM modulation: ~100-150 Mbps in optimal conditions
• LTE-only (4CA: LTE800 + LTE1800 + LTE2100 + LTE2600 = 60 MHz): DL ~500-600 Mbps, UL ~80 Mbps
• 5G NSA (LTE2600 + NR3600 = 120 MHz): DL ~1000-1200 Mbps (peak 1500-1600 Mbps), UL ~150 Mbps

Most user equipment will aggregate as many carriers as possible for the best experience.

Obtaining Cell Information from Your Device

By using the following codes, you can access the hidden diagnostic menu on your device:

• iOS: *3001#12345#*
• Android: *#*#4636#*#*

iOS Field Test Mode

When you dial *3001#12345#* on an iOS device, it enters Field Test Mode. This hidden feature offers a deeper look into cellular connectivity. Key information available:

• PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) -- identifies the mobile network (MCC + MNC). For example, 26006 = Poland, operator 06
• Band Information -- the specific frequency band your device is using
• Bandwidth -- width of the frequency band (MHz); wider bandwidth allows higher throughput
• Cell ID -- unique identifier for the cell tower; can be used to extract cell ID and base station ID
• Radio Access -- network technology in use (5G, LTE, etc.)
• PCI (Physical Cell ID) -- identifies a physical cell, crucial for handover and physical layer signaling
• TAC (Tracking Area Code) -- used for device tracking and paging procedures
• EARFCN DL -- specifies the downlink frequency channel number in LTE

Key Signal Metrics

• RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) -- primary indicator of signal strength
• RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) -- assesses signal quality considering interference and noise
• SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio) -- compares signal to background noise; higher is better
• ConnectionStats -- data rates, latency, packet loss, and other connection quality metrics
• RACH Attempt -- monitors device attempts to initiate a connection with the network via Random Access Channel
• Serving Cell Info -- details about the currently connected cell tower including all metrics above