Mobile Link Cellular Connectivity Accessory minimum signal strength requirements
Mobile Link Cellular Connectivity Accessories communicate similarly to a personal cell phone or mobile device. A stable cellular signal is crucial for consistent and reliable communication between your generator and Mobile Link.
Environment
This article applies to Mobile Link Cellular Connectivity Accessories: G3 and 4G LTE devices.
What are the minimum signal strength requirements?
- The industry-recommended signal strength for data transfer from your control panel through this device to Mobile Link is less than -100 dBm.
- A signal strength between -90 and -110 is typically sufficient for transmitting generator data.
Typical cellular signal quality range
| Signal | Quality |
| <-90 dBm | Excellent |
| -90 dBm to -100 dBm | Good |
| -100 dBm to -110 dBm | Fair |
| >-110 dBm | Poor |
How can I see my signal strength?
In Mobile Link, the strength percentage is indicated as a percentage (instead of dBm) and is displayed next to the generator details within the app. The lower or closer you are to 0%, the worse the signal is. You will want to be higher or closer to 100% to obtain a good signal. You may still be able to use the device at a lower signal, but it can affect data transmission reliability. Keep in mind you may see delays in data transfer and notifications.
Note: Cellular devices and the aftermarket Wi-Fi/Ethernet device only display signal information within the Mobile Link app. Onboard Wi-Fi devices (installed from factory) display the signal strength on the controller, in addition to the Mobile Link app.
What factors can affect cellular signal strength?
- Distance from Cell Tower: Closer to the tower means a stronger signal; farther away means a weaker signal.
- Terrain: Mountains, trees, and large bodies of water can block or weaken signals, especially in rural areas.
- Weather: Heavy rain and snow can reduce signal quality.
- Interference: Competing signals and heavy signal traffic.
- Pilot Polluting: This is where you have an equal number of towers within range of each other that are turning off and on at the same time
- Lake Effect: Where the radio waves of the cellular signal interact with the water surface which can hinder signal
- Large Trees: Large trees can block the signal in the direction of the tower which can reduce signal. Trees can also absorb signal
Why is my Cellular Connectivity Accessory frequently rebooting?
- When cellular signal strength is inadequate for successful performance, the Mobile Link Cellular Connectivity Accessories are designed to reboot to establish a new connection. Environments with weak signal availability may result in repeated reboot attempts by the device.
- Disconnection can happen even with excellent signal quality. Multiple factors play a role in consistent connection.
For more information on addressing weak signal see, What should I do if I have weak or intermittent cellular signal?
