A parks-and-rec survey app shows −72 dBm at a kiosk. How should the technician treat that reading?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
Negative dBm still counts — most Wi-Fi lives below 0 dBm, and −72 is a real absolute level, not a broken meter. Talk performance from that received-strength number, not from a made-up "negatives are dead" rule. Utilization and RSSI codes are different dials.
Full Explanation
A survey reading such as −72 dBm is an absolute received-signal-strength measurement referenced to 1 mW. Technicians use absolute dBm values when discussing coverage targets, margins, and performance potential alongside noise and SNR. Negative dBm values are normal for WLAN receive levels and do not by themselves mandate an immediate roam. Channel utilization and vendor RSSI codes address different aspects of the RF picture than absolute received power.