How to check if the mobile internet signal of the charging station is sufficient.
Overview
If a charging station using a SIM card is connected via GPRS, it is important that the mobile signal strength on site (in -dBm) is strong enough to maintain a stable internet connection.
If a charging station using a SIM card is connected via GPRS, it is important that the mobile signal strength on site (in -dBm) is strong enough to maintain a stable internet connection.
In the connectivity-tab using the ACE Service Installer
You can check the signal strength with the ACE Service Installer. You can do this as follows:
You can check the signal strength with the ACE Service Installer. You can do this as follows:
- Connect charging station to laptop/computer via ethernet (UTP) cable.
- Launch the Alfen ACE Service installer.
- Go to the 'Connectivity' tab.
- Click on the tab 'Mobile' in the left bar.
- Make sure that the 'Advanced Settings' are shown by checking the checkbox in the top right corner.
- Read out the actual signal strength at the 'Mobile signal strength'.
In the logging-tab using the ACE Service Installer
You can check the signal strength with the ACE Service Installer.
The advantage if this method is that you can find signal strengths several times and check for consistent signal levels.
You can do this as follows:
You can check the signal strength with the ACE Service Installer.
The advantage if this method is that you can find signal strengths several times and check for consistent signal levels.
You can do this as follows:
- Connect charging station to laptop/computer via ethernet (UTP) cable.
- Launch the Alfen ACE Service installer.
- Go to the 'Logging' tab.
- Scroll trough the list and search for the (Mobile) signal strength.
As long as the GPRS signal strength is between -45 and -90dBm, the charging station can maintain a stable internet connection.
If the signal strength is worse (e.g. -100dBm or less), it may not be possible to establish a connection.
If it is possible to establish an internet connection, it might be unstable. This will result in intermitted signal loss.
The following types of locations may be prone to weak signal strengths:
- Underground car parks
- Thick concrete structures
- Remote locations
In such locations it is recommended to establish a wired internet connection to the charging station (via LAN/Ethernet).