Factors affecting signal strength
Skip contentSubject: Factors affecting signal strength
From: Peter S
Date: March 10, 2005
To: info@mobile-phone-directory.org
I am going to buy a new mobile phone and I live in a ground floor flat.
I had a Nokia 8310 (Orange), but the signal strength was rubbish. Now I have a Motorola V525 (Vodafone) and the signal strength is very good.
Before I waste a vast amount of cash, which is the most important factor of signal strength: Network, phone, external aerial, or none of the above?
Reply:
Hi Peter,
I am afraid there is no simple answer to your question, as all the factors you mention may be important, and it would not be practical to try to identify which of them was more important than another.
The signal strength is affected by many factors, such as how far you are from the transmitter, the power of the transmissions, buildings and materials near you that can cause obstruction or reflection of the signals, and even the weather may play a part. So, I think it would be unfair to say it all comes down to the network, or the phone.
As with any radio link (e.g. radio and TV broadcasts), you know that your reception is affected by the quality and sensitivity of the receiver, the power of the transmitter, how far away you are from the transmitter, if you are in a valley or on a hill, how good an aerial you have, etc, and it would be wrong to think that making improvements in only one factor will produce the best results. It would be wise to improve all the factors you can if you are to ensure the best reception.
Also, bear in mind that mobile phones operate on a cellular concept, so the signal strength will vary depending on where you are within each cell, and at the boundary regions there could be a worse signal as your phone connection is changed from one cell to another.
I appreciate what you say about the signal strength in your flat, but I expect you will want good quality communication when you are outside as well? There may be issues with one network having better reception in one area or another, but that is something you will have to assess in your own location. However, in common with other products, if you want to have a phone that will make the most of the available signal, then it makes sense to buy the best phone you can afford, and adding an external aerial will always help when the signal level drops.
I am sorry I cannot be more definite than that, but there is no magic answer here.
Regards,
Mike S
Technical Consultant
