How to measure the GSM 3G 4G signal level using improvised means

GSM frequency range

First you need to determine the generation of the mobile network. This is easy to do using your gadget. In almost every mobile phone, the transmission technology is indicated next to the operator's mobile signal. Usually it says 2G, 3G or 4G. Let's take a closer look:

• 4G – 4th generation of cellular communications. Today it is actively used by operators from Russia. Allows you to get high-speed Internet access. Voice communication is not supported on the territory of the Russian Federation;
• 3G – 3rd generation of cellular communications. Combines radio communication technology and high-speed Internet;
• 2G – 2nd generation of communications, outdated. It was implemented in 1991. It has voice communication and slow Internet.

You can figure out what frequency the signal is by yourself. Measurements should be taken on different types of connections: 2G, 3G, and 4G. To measure parameters, you need to force the mobile phone into the desired network mode. This is done through the settings. Modern phone models are designed in such a way that they automatically connect to faster Internet access. For example, if the 4G signal is weak, the gadget will still continue to support this network rather than switching to 3G. If a person decides to make a call, the phone automatically switches to the available 3G or 4G standard. This is explained by the fact that 4G voice communication is not supported. Switch your mobile phone to the desired connection. The gadget will not immediately switch to the selected mode. You'll have to wait a couple of minutes. If you don’t know which operator is suitable for resolving the issue, then try taking measurements using SIM cards from different operators. Before determining the frequency, turn off the Wi-Fi network. If your smartphone has two SIM cards, we recommend removing or disconnecting the unnecessary card and leaving only the one that needs to be tested. This way you will be free from errors and get accurate information about the current connection. Network parameters can be measured through the hidden service menu of a smartphone or by installing one of the applications for mobile monitoring and signal measurement. For example, “Cell Tower”, “Network Cell Info”, “iWScan” and other similar applications.

Let's consider the parameters of cellular networks

Remember that if your mobile operator uses multiple frequency bands, then your gadget may use different connections in different places. For example, there may be one indoors and another outside. This is explained as follows: radio waves with low frequencies overcome obstacles better. In addition, frequencies of 900 MHz may be better than 2,100 MHz.

Working with Netmonitor Android

After installing the application on a tablet or smartphone, the user has the opportunity to determine the frequency and some other parameters of the GSM operator whose SIM card is installed in the smartphone. First, in “Settings” you need to switch the device to work in the recommended GSM standard by selecting “GSM Only” in the “Network Mode” menu section.

After this, in telephone mode you need to dial one of the commands: - *#0011#; — *#*#4636#*#*; — *#*#197328640#*#* The information that appears in the “Service Mode” window allows you to determine the frequency range of the GSM network, the working channel and the signal level in decibels.

• If the working channel number is in the range 1-124, then the GSM frequency is 900 MHz,
• If in the range 512-886 - GSM 1800 MHz,
• If in the range 974-1024 - EGSM 900 MHz

GSM frequencies in Russia

There are five frequency bands allocated on the territory of the Russian Federation. All transfers in MHz:

• 800;
• 900;
• 1.800;
• 2.100;
• 2.600

It is allowed to use several generations and communication standards in one frequency.

Frequency table of mobile operators in Russia:

From the information in the table we conclude that any generation of the network is distinguished by several add-ons and substandards. In addition, one frequency range can use several generations and standards of cellular communications.

How EGSM technology came about

Historically, second generation GSM cellular technology developed in the 900 MHz band. We are talking about the bands 890-915 MHz and 935-960 MHz, which are used for Primary GSM (P-GSM) technology.

Then the second band, 1800 MHz, began to be used for GSM technology. Also, since the early 2000s, Extended GSM (E-GSM) technology began to be used. This is a type of GSM technology in the 900 MHz range, which uses other frequency bands - 880-890 MHz and 925-935 MHz.

Frequency distribution between Russian cellular operators in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands

Source: CNews Analytics

Initially, frequencies for cellular communications were allocated by SCRF as part of private solutions - separately for each operator. In 2012, the commission adopted a generalized decision for frequencies in the 1800 MHz range. In 2014, a generalized decision was also made for frequencies in the 900 MHz range. In 2021, both of these decisions were combined into one generalized SCRF decision.

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In 2009, SCRF allowed the use of the 900 MHz band for the construction of third generation cellular networks (3G) of the UMTS standard. In 2013, SCRF allowed the use of the 1800 MHz band for fourth-generation cellular networks (4G) of the LTE standard.

In 2014, SCRF allowed the construction of LTE networks in the 900 MHz range. The principle when frequencies issued for one technology can be used for another technology is called technological neutrality.

3g frequency range

3G is third generation mobile communications. It differs from 2G in that it has faster Internet access. However, it is inferior to 4G.

The third generation gives people access to the following:

• Streaming video;
• Videotelephony;
• Audio streaming;
• Websites;
• And much more.

The main 3G carrier frequency is 2.100 MHz. However, in general, third generation communications are divided into two bands:

1. 1.920 – 1.980 MHz;
2. 2.100 – 2.170 MHz.

The first transfers data from the user to the service. The second is from the service to the user. However, 3G does not work everywhere. If we consider the territory of Russia, then there are regions where the use of the range is prohibited. This is mainly done for military reasons. Most often, the places under the ban are those where information is stored, the dissemination of which jeopardizes the security of the country (the south and southwest of the Moscow region).

To find out exactly what range 3G uses, you can ask your mobile operator. For a third generation network, the throughput capacity depends on several features:

1. Indicators of a working data transfer protocol;
2. Coating quality;
3. The presence or absence of obstacles that interfere with the signal (for example, multi-story buildings).

Below we will take a closer look at what third generation communications are capable of:

How to find out signal strength on Android. Method number 1.

In order to find out the signal level, just download the Android from the link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.signalmonitoring.gsmsignalmonitoring

In the application you can see at what frequency, what technology (2/3/4g) the operator is working on and what the signal level is.

The screenshot shows that MTS operates in 3G (HSPA+) at a frequency of 900 MHz, signal level -75 dB, velcom operates in 4G (LTE) at a frequency of 1800 MHz, signal level -106 dB.

Frequencies gsm 1800

GSM 1800 frequency distribution by city and operator

Moscow:

Saint Petersburg

Detailed instructions for viewing available frequencies for any phone

But you can still quickly and accurately clarify which frequencies your operator “sees” or at which frequencies your operator operates for a specific phone, almost any one. And it doesn’t matter what operating system (android, bada, ios, windows, symbian, java...) is installed on the phone or smartphone or tablet.

Do you know how to find out the supported frequency of a mobile cellular operator on your phone in any country? Personally, I didn’t even guess... In any case, I had to go to the website of the desired network operator and “scour” its operating frequencies. It's not very convenient and fast!

For a clearer understanding, I will give an example:

There is also information on LTE frequencies “opsos” only in the regions of Russia, maybe someone will find it useful...

Every smartphone has a hidden program called Netmonitor. For each phone model, this program is activated with its own individual code. For Android smartphones from Samsung, you must enter the code *#0011# in dialing mode. For other Android phones, the codes are: *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#* depending on the version. The most complete list of “secret” codes for activating this hidden program for different phone models, including iPhone, can be found on the Internet.

In order for the program to display the value of the carrier frequency on the screen, in the settings you need to check the box “Calculate GSM/UMTS/LTE frequencies”. Our smartphone (Samsung GT-i9505, Android 5.01) does not provide frequencies for GSM and UMTS; for the LTE standard we get what is shown in the screenshot:

There are only a few applications¹ that are claimed by the developers to determine the frequency, in addition to other functions. However, everything is not so simple. Some applications (G-NetTrack, Net Monitor, etc.) require an operating system of at least Android 7.X. Others (LTE Discovery) require the smartphone to be in Root mode.

Since frequency determination for the 3G, 4G and 4G-Advanced (4G+) standards is different, we will consider methods for determining frequencies separately.

As you know, Russia has adopted two frequency ranges for 3G: 2100 MHz and 900 MHz. The frequency of 900 MHz is adopted in those regions where, for military reasons, it is unacceptable to use 2100 MHz. For example, South-East of the Moscow region.

You will enter Test Field mode.

2) Enter *#0011# in the area you usually use to enter a phone number and press call.