Signal Strength to Speed Relation

[Phil031]

Hi there

I'm curious. What is the relationship between signal strength (number of bars) to the connection speed?

My understanding is that the signal strength relates to stability of connection, so indirectly affects speed i.e re-sending lost packets etc. Whereas connection speed is dependent on number of concurrent users and network traffic.

Is this accurate?

Phil

 

[vodacom3g]

Hi there

I'm curious. What is the relationship between signal strength (number of bars) to the connection speed?

My understanding is that the signal strength relates to stability of connection, so indirectly affects speed i.e re-sending lost packets etc. Whereas connection speed is dependent on number of concurrent users and network traffic.

Is this accurate?

Phil

Throughput is proportional to signal strenght, as the system will use less effective coding and modulation schemes to compensate for lower signal quality.

 

[Napalm]

Low signal levels will lead to connection timeouts or disconnection.. and yes.. If the signal is weak u might get 1kb or 2kb a sec, vs if u got full speed maybe a 3-6kb per second (Maybe up to 16kb per sec on Edge)

 

[Phil031]

Signal strength

Would 3 bars of signal strength on a 3G connection be stable enough?

 

[grubsner]

This is from my experience...

Two bars is good enough for 3G speeds, HSDPA speed starts to suffer at 2 bars and the speeds is reduced to around a maximum of 700 kpbs approx.

My signal strength drifts between two and one bar signal. When the signal strength is around 1 bar I have to use the external antenna. Although there is no signal strength increase the connection is more stable and good speeds can be obtained (500 - 700 kpbs)

3 bars should be sufficient for good HSDPA speeds. Use the external antenna where possible.

External interference could also cause instabilities with 3G/HSDPA signal. Bluetooth and WiFi could have an impact on the speeds and performance because the frequencies are very close together. I try not to use the WiFi/Bluetooth adapter on my Laptop when connected to 3G.

My 2c worth...

 

[MrG]

This is from my experience...

Two bars is good enough for 3G speeds, HSDPA speed starts to suffer at 2 bars and the speeds is reduced to around a maximum of 700 kpbs approx.

My signal strength drifts between two and one bar signal. When the signal strength is around 1 bar I have to use the external antenna. Although there is no signal strength increase the connection is more stable and good speeds can be obtained (500 - 700 kpbs)

3 bars should be sufficient for good HSDPA speeds. Use the external antenna where possible.

External interference could also cause instabilities with 3G/HSDPA signal. Bluetooth and WiFi could have an impact on the speeds and performance because the frequencies are very close together. I try not to use the WiFi/Bluetooth adapter on my Laptop when connected to 3G.

My 2c worth...

The above text is equal to 4kb - @ R2 per MB it would be your R0.0078c worth

 

[grubsner]

Thanks for clearing that up G!

Should we call it Chinese Maths then?

 

[MrG]

lol