Signal Scanners & Cellular Testers - Quickly Find the Best Connection

In a nutshell: Signal scanners show you where reception is really strong, which network operator performs best at the site, and how to optimally align your antenna. This helps you avoid wrong installations, long cable runs, and costly on-site revisits.

What do I need a signal scanner for?

• Aligning antennas
• Comparing network operators
• Choosing the best location inside a building

What does a signal scanner measure?

For LTE/5G, three values are key: RSRP (signal strength, dBm), RSRQ (signal quality, dB) and SINR (signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, dB). Together they show whether you just have “a lot of signal” - or can really expect stable data rates.

Selection criteria

• Does the tester support the required networks/bands?
• Can the tester log measurements over time and export the data?
• Does the tester have a connector for external antennas?
• Is the device easy to use on site – readable display, simple menus, robust housing, long battery life, and case/accessories?

Practical workflow (3 steps)

1. Walk-through / scan: Scan one or more locations and mark the best sector/spot.
2. Align & verify: Mount the antenna, use short low-loss cabling, then verify values and run a speed test.
3. Optional logging: Record values over hours/days, then fix everything in place and document the installation.

LoRaWAN Tester Comparison

• Has a display and sends GPS data → easy evaluation with a heatmap is possible
• Requires a button press to start → cannot always be placed like the real sensor (e.g. behind a closed cabinet door)
• Test settings cannot be adjusted flexibly

• Connects to a smartphone app, free choice of test settings, testing under real conditions possible (also behind closed doors)
• Uses standard AA batteries (available everywhere), test report can be sent via the app
• No GPS data available, no display → smartphone is always required

• Has a display and sends GPS plus network data → best evaluation options with heatmap
• Various test modes possible, all spreading factors (SF7–SF12) can be set
• Requires a button press to start → placement is limited, battery is built-in (not easily replaceable)