Signal Explorer - A Portable test instrument for 4G signal quality

A single tool to manage 3G, 4G, CatM1 and NB-IoT. The included 4.5Ah Battery makes it possible to leave on site overnight with continuous uploads to cloud.

Mobile, PC, iPad via Wi-Fi to browser to view menu system and readings.

Local data and debug stored in the file system and optional cloud application. High flexibility to add features upon customer feedback and use cases.

Programmable test button that sends email or SMS for user that may not be that experienced, turn it on and send report back to base.

Custom fields to add notes such as antenna type, location, site name etc into data base.Optional GPS that adds location data to all readings.

Internal storage to store notes and CatM1 NBIoT readings outside 4G coverage.

All in a small carry case to make it portable and keep everything connected including charging circuit and SLA battery.

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How does cellular testing work?

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Cellular signal testing involves assessing the strength and quality of signals in a particular area. The process typically includes the following steps:

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1. Signal Strength Measurement:

   • A dedicated signal testing equipment, measures the strength of the cellular signal. This is often represented in decibels (dBm).

2. Signal Quality and Interference Analysis:

   • Apart from signal strength, the quality of the signal is assessed. This includes factors like signal-to-noise ratio and interference levels.

   • Interference can come from various sources, including other electronic devices, physical obstacles, or neighboring cell towers operating on the same frequency.

3. Frequency and Band Assessment:

   • Cellular networks operate on different frequencies and bands. The testing process involves checking which frequency bands are available and identifying the one with the best signal quality.

4. Data Transfer Speeds:

   • Testing may also involve assessing data transfer speeds (upload and download) to determine the efficiency of data communication over the cellular network.

5. Latency Measurement:

   • Latency, or the time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination, is an important factor in assessing the performance of a cellular network. Lower latency is generally desirable for real-time applications.

6. Multiple Location Testing:

   • Testing is often conducted in multiple locations to account for variations in signal strength and quality in different areas, such as urban, suburban, and rural environments.

7. Mapping and Visualisation:

   • The results of the testing are often mapped or visualised to provide a clear understanding of signal strength and quality across different locations. This can help identify areas with poor coverage or potential improvements.

8. Device Mobility Testing:

   • Testing may involve assessing signal quality while the device is in motion, simulating scenarios such as a moving vehicle. This is crucial for applications like navigation and streaming services. GPS tracking is optional extra for SignalExplorer

9. Comparative Analysis:

   • The results are often compared with benchmarks or industry standards to determine the adequacy of the cellular network in the tested area.

Testing cellular signals is vital for optimising network performance, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring reliable communication for users. It is commonly performed by network operators, service providers, and organisations installing smart water and electricty meters to enhance the overall quality of cellular services.