Monitoring cellular and WiFi backhaul interface statistics
The base station dashboard displays signal quality and performance metrics for cellular (3G/4G) and WiFi backhaul interfaces. Each metric is accompanied by a classification (Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor) to help you quickly assess the backhaul connection quality.
This task is only relevant for base stations running ThingPark LRR packet forwarder. Reporting of backhaul statistics is not supported by Semtech Basics Station.
Accessing backhaul interface statistics
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Select Base Stations.
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On the List tab, click the name of the base station for which you want to monitor backhaul interface statistics.
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Click the Backhaul Statistics tab.
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Locate the INTERFACES widget to view the cellular (3G/4G) and WiFi backhaul interface statistics. Metrics are colored as described in the following sections, hover your mouse on a specific metric to see its quality classification.
4G LTE metrics
RSRP is the primary indicator of 4G signal quality, also represented by bar icons. RSRP measures the average power level of the reference signals transmitted by the LTE cell, providing the most reliable indicator of signal strength for 4G connectivity.
| Classification | Range (dBm) | Bars | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | RSRP >= -80 | 5 green bars | Green |
| Good | -80 > RSRP >= -90 | 4 green bars | Green |
| Fair | -90 > RSRP >= -100 | 3 orange bars | Orange |
| Fair | -100 > RSRP >= -110 | 2 orange bars | Orange |
| Poor | -110 > RSRP >= -120 | 1 red bar | Red |
| Poor | RSRP < -120 | 0 bars | Red |
RSSI, RSRQ, and SINR are supplementary metrics providing additional diagnostic information about 4G signal quality:
- RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) measures the overall signal power level.
- RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) measures signal quality considering interference and noise.
- SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio) measures the ratio of useful signal to interference and noise.
| Metric | Excellent (green) | Good (green) | Fair (orange) | Poor (red) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSSI (dBm) | > -65 | -75 to -65 | -85 to -75 | < -85 |
| RSRQ (dB) | > -10 | — | -15 to -10 | < -15 |
| SINR (dB) | > 20 | 13–20 | 0–13 | < 0 |
3G UMTS metrics
RSCP is the primary indicator of 3G signal quality, also represented by bar icons. RSCP measures the power level of the received pilot signal from the UMTS cell, providing the most reliable indicator of signal strength for 3G connectivity.
| Classification | Range (dBm) | Bars | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | RSCP >= -60 | 5 green bars | Green |
| Good | -60 > RSCP >= -75 | 4 green bars | Green |
| Fair | -75 > RSCP >= -85 | 3 orange bars | Orange |
| Fair | -85 > RSCP >= -95 | 2 orange bars | Orange |
| Poor | -95 > RSCP >= -120 | 1 red bar | Red |
| Poor | RSCP < -120 | 0 bars | Red |
RSSI and Ec/Io are supplementary metrics providing additional diagnostic information about 3G signal quality:
- RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) measures the overall signal power level.
- Ec/Io (Energy per Chip to Interference power Ratio) measures signal quality by comparing useful signal to interference.
| Metric | Excellent (green) | Good (green) | Fair (orange) | Poor (red) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSSI (dBm) | > -70 | -85 to -70 | -100 to -85 | < -100 |
| Ec/Io (dB) | > -6 | -10 to -6 | -15 to -10 | < -15 |
WiFi metrics
RSSI is the primary indicator of WiFi signal quality, also represented by bar icons. RSSI measures the overall power level of the WiFi signal received by the base station, providing the most reliable indicator of signal strength for WiFi connectivity.
| Classification | Range (dBm) | Bars | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | RSSI >= -50 | 4 green bars | Green |
| Good | -50 > RSSI >= -60 | 3 green bars | Green |
| Fair | -60 > RSSI >= -70 | 2 orange bars | Orange |
| Poor | -70 > RSSI >= -80 | 1 red bar | Red |
| Poor | RSSI < -80 | 0 bars | Red |
Troubleshooting poor backhaul quality
- Check antenna placement: Ensure antennas are positioned for optimal signal reception, free from obstructions.
- Verify signal coverage: Check if you are within acceptable coverage range for your cellular or WiFi network.
- Check for interference: Look for potential sources of interference near the base station.
- Verify connectivity configuration: Review the backhaul network interface configuration to ensure it is correct.
- Contact your service provider: If metrics remain poor after these checks, contact your cellular or WiFi service provider.
Additional resources
For more information about base station connectivity, see: