Signal Strength Indicator

The signal strength indicator on the BlackBerry device can be displayed as either a bar graph or a RSSI number (dB).
Symptom: Data can be effectively transferred with three bars of connectivity, unfortunately the fluctuations in the bar graph can be difficult to decipher as the user travels.

For some users it may be advantageous to have them switch to a RSSI number and have them monitor performance. If delivery is delayed and the RSSI number is above 90 then the delivery issue is a likely result of carrier signal strength.

Note during the conversion the “lower” the RSSI number the better the signal strength. -90 is the approximate cut-off for data delivery.
Signal Bar Strength Indicators RSSI Indicators
5 bars (optimal strength) -77 or higher
4 bars -78 to 86
3 bars -87 to -92
2 bars -93 to -101
1 bar -102 or lower


Solution: To change the signal strength indicator on the BlackBerry device, the below procedures vary due to different devices:

Press and hold the ALT key and type dbon. To switch back to the bar graph, press and hold the ALT key and type dboff.
Or

Press and hold the ALT key and type nnmll. To switch back to the bar graph, press and hold the ALT key and type nnmll.
Or

Press and hold the ALT key and type nmll. To switch back to the bar graph, press and hold the ALT key and type nmll.