RSSI is NOT equal to Signal Strength (dBm)

[pfranca]

The term RSSI, used in the interface of inssider, is not adequated.

The unit dBm is related to the signal strength, and is generaly negative, ranging from -30 to -100 (in the most cases).

RSSI is an arbritary value, ranging from 0 to 255 (it varies between manufacturers), used by the wireless adapters to determine, for example, when the channel is free or when they have to do the roaming to another AP.

Sometimes, tools converts and shows this RSSI value as percentage, what causes the confusion with the signal strength.

I think it would be better to use the term "Signal" or "Signal Strength", in the next versions, and not RSSI.

Hope it helps.

Pedro França
(Brazil)

[Tyler]

In InSSIDer, RSSI simply means signal strength.

We are working on it.

[Steve]

That is correct. On Windows XP, the actual RSSI value is reported. However, on Vista platforms, signal strength is reported in the range of 0 - 100, which is then converted to RSSI. The solution is to show the actual signal strength value, and not the RSSI for Vista platforms.

[sumansameer]

thanks for sharing impressive work

[Tyler]

Actually, now the RSSI on Windows Vista and 7 is the RSSI reported from the WiFi card. We fixed it a couple of versions ago.

[bassfisher6522]

so the lower the negative number the better signal strength you have.

[Trent]

so the lower the negative number the better signal strength you have.

That is worded a little funny. This might make it easier:

-30dBm = Awesome
-60dBm = Good
-80dBm = Meh
-90dBm = Bad

[bassfisher6522]

Well I looking good then...I'm right in the middle there, 45 to 50. Not bad I reckon.

[gocardinals]

That is worded a little funny. This might make it easier:

-30dBm = Awesome
-60dBm = Good
-80dBm = Meh
-90dBm = Bad

I registered to this forum just to tell you THANK YOU for making this simple and easy to understand. Based on my hours of running around the apartment with inSSIDer I find your analysis to be spot on.