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 the Connectivity Cellular Accessory and 4G/LTE device. See: Mobile Link Wi-Fi, Cellular, and LTE device compatibility guide

Discontinued Notice: The 4G/LTE aftermarket accessory has been discontinued. Upgrading to the Connectivity Cellular Accessory is recommended for users who wish to add connectivity to their generator or users experiencing ongoing connectivity issues. It is compatible with more generators and uses multiple carrier networks to offer greater coverage. Basic (free) and Premium cellular plans are available for users of this device. See here to upgrade: Connectivity Cellular Accessory

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?