Cellular Network Assessment

Use this feature to check device connectivity to the cellular network. Most assessments are completed in under one minute, but can be run for 30 minutes depending on settings in the FDM Tools server for the business unit. During the assessment, the module stops its local beacon, listens to the cellular network, and gathers and locally stores assessment data. When the assessment is complete, the module resumes its local beacon and assessment summary data can be reviewed. All summary data is pushed to the FDM Tools server on synchronization. When synchronization is complete, the assessment data is cleared from the Field Tools application.

For descriptions of the results, see Result and success fields.

For efficiency, you can perform multiple assessments at a time, reviewing the summary of one while you are waiting for others to complete.

  1. Tap or select the module from the main menu.

  2. Tap or select Cellular Information.

  3. Tap or select Cellular Network Assessment.

  4. Tap or select Start Cellular Assessment.

  1. Tap or select the module from the main menu.

  2. Tap or select Cellular Information.

  3. Tap or select Cellular Network Assessment.

  4. Tap or select Assessment Summary. An assessment summary page displays.

  5. Review the RSRQ average, SINR average, and RSRP average values and associated connectivity icons. For details about acceptable range values, see Weak network signal. An acceptable connection is indicated if the bars are either yellow or green. An unacceptable connection is indicated by the color red.

  1. Tap or select the hamburger menu icon.

  2. Tap or select Cellular Assessment Info. Filter options are displayed in a pick list.

  3. Select and configure an appropriate filter (options include One Day, One Week, Since Last Sync).

  4. Tap or select [Proceed]. A list of summaries is displayed.

  5. Tap or select the Request Summary Info link for the endpoint in question. The assessment summary displays.

  6. Review the RSRQ average, SINR average, and RSRP average values and associated connectivity icons. For details about acceptable range values, see Weak network signal. An acceptable connection is indicated if the bars are either yellow or green. An unacceptable connection is indicated by the color red.

To verify that the module has a good connection to the cellular network, verify the following ranges:

  • Network Detach Counter is less than 2 weeks

  • Abort Transmit Counter is less than 2 weeks

  • Receive Signal Quality (RSRQ) average is greater than -19 dB

  • Signal To Noise Ratio (SINR) average is greater than -3 dB

  • Reference Signal Power (RSRP) average is greater than -110 dBm

If any one of these values do not fall into the recommended ranges, your endpoint does not have good connection to the network. This can be due to either a bad installation, a bad location, or a bad device.

Investigate the installation of the module. Take action to correct any RF obstacles and/or improve upon the initial installation. For example, if you have a non-RF-friendly lid in a pit installation, exchange it out for an RF-friendly lid. For more information, see and the section in this document that describes the procedure for your specific installation.

After improving the installation, wait 24 hours and test the signal strength again. If you still cannot achieve good connection, you may need to replace the module or change the location of the installation. Discuss options with your Itron Technical Representative, as the best choice varies from environment to environment.