RSSI Reading

What Is RSSI?

RSSI stands for Received Signal Strength Indicator. It's a measurement of how strong a wireless signal is when received by a device, such as a Wi-Fi router or a Bluetooth device.

RSSI values are expressee as negative numbers, such as -30 dBm (decibel-milliwatts), with -30 dBm being a very strong signal and -90 dBm being a very weak signal. The closer the RSSI is to zero, the stronger the signal.

At Odessa we require an RSSI reading of -70 dBm or better (closer to zero) in order to proceed with installation. RSSI less than -70 dBm will result in a negative user experience, with choppy video calls and dropped connections.

Measuring RSSI is one of the first things you do when you get to the site. Take your measurement at the TV location since just a few feet toward or away from the router can make a difference in the reading.

RSSI Vs. Speed Readings

RSSI and speed readings are two independent values, and both of them are important for a good user experience. It is possible to have a strong RSSI with a slow speed, or a weak RSSI with a fast speed. Both values need to meet spec for a good user experience. How to do a speed test >

⚠️ Proceed with installation only if RSSI is -70 dBm or better AND speed is 20 Mbps or better (download and upload).

How To Check RSSI: iOS

Step 1: Get The Airport Utility App

Link to Airport Utility App on iOS App Store >

Step 2: Enable Wi-Fi Scanner In Settings

Settings >
Apps >
Airport Utility >
Toggle on Wi-Fi Scanner

Step 4: Click "Wi-Fi Scan"

Make sure you are connected to the same WiFi network that you are going to connect the Odessa box to
Launch the Airport Utility App and click Wi-Fi Scan at top right

Step 5: Click "Scan" Again

This is a commonly overlooked step. Yes you have to click Scan again here.
Clicking Scan from this page will initiate a scan of local Wi-Fi networks, and return a list on this page.
In the next step you can capture the RSSI reading of the network you plan to connect the Odessa box to.

Step 6: Note RSSI Reading Value

In the list of Wi-Fi networks, find the network that you plan to connect the Odessa box to.
Note the RSSI value. It will be expressed as a negative number, e.g. -68 dBm
- If the value is -70 dBm or higher (closer to zero), proceed with installation.
- If the value is -71 dBm or lower (further from zero), do no proceed with installation.
Take a screenshot of the page that shows the reading. You will upload this screenshot as part of the documentation process for the installation report.

How To Check RSSI: Android

WiFi Analyzer App

Make sure you are connected to the same WiFi network that you are going to connect the Odessa box to.
Download WiFi Analyzer by olgor.com in the Google Play Store.
Launch the app, and go to the 4th tab that has an icon of circles.
In the list of Wi-Fi networks, find the network that you plan to connect the Odessa box to.
The RSSI reading is the "-## dBm" found in the speedometer dial on the right.
Note the RSSI value. It will be expressed as a negative number, e.g. -68 dBm
- If the value is -70 dBm or higher (closer to zero), proceed with installation.
- If the value is -71 dBm or lower (further from zero), do no proceed with installation.
Take a screenshot of the page that shows the reading. You will upload this screenshot as part of the documentation process for the installation report.

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