4G LTE Signal Analysers for IoT, Modem and Antenna Installation

An LTE signal analyser measures the strength and quality of the mobile signal at a specific location before a modem, router or IoT device is installed. TMG Test Equipment supplies the ETM 770 and 770-Pro handheld analysers. They report RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI and SINR, together with cell ID, network provider and band. As a result, installers can confirm coverage, compare carriers and select the right antenna for each site.

Why use an LTE signal analyser before installation

Phone signal bars give an indication only. They do not show which band or cell a device is using, or whether the signal is clean enough to carry data reliably. A fixed installation needs that detail, because the device will stay where it is mounted.

The stakes rose when Australia closed its 3G networks. TPG Telecom switched off 3G in January 2024, followed by Telstra and Optus in November 2024, according to the Department of Infrastructure. Connected devices now depend on 4G LTE, Cat-M1 and NB-IoT. Therefore coverage for each technology should be measured on site rather than assumed from a carrier map.

What an LTE signal analyser measures

• RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power): the power of the LTE reference signal and the primary measure of signal strength.
• RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality): signal quality relative to total received power, which reflects interference and cell load.
• RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator): total received power in the channel, including interference and noise.
• SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio): how far the wanted signal sits above interference and noise. It is a key indicator of usable data performance.
• Cell ID, network provider and band: which cell and carrier the reading belongs to, so results can be compared between sites and networks.

ETM 770 and 770-Pro LTE signal analysers

ETM describes the 770 as the first handheld signal analyser designed for NB-IoT and Cat-M1 networks. It gives installers a low-cost, easy-to-use instrument for confirming coverage, strength and quality before a device goes in.

The 770-Pro adds GNSS positioning, so each reading can be tied to a location. It runs on an internal battery with USB charging and uses a low-energy OLED display. In addition to LTE, Cat-M1 and NB-IoT, it supports 2G and 3G for use in markets where those networks remain in service.

Where LTE signal analysers are used

• IoT deployments, including metering, asset tracking and remote monitoring on Cat-M1 and NB-IoT
• 4G modems and routers for sites without fixed-line connectivity
• Antenna selection and positioning, where readings show whether an external or high-gain antenna is needed
• Site surveys comparing carriers before a connectivity contract is signed

Related wireless test equipment

An LTE signal analyser confirms what the network delivers at a location. For network-side work, the RF Vision Antenna Aligner aligns panel and microwave point-to-point antennas for LTE and 5G. See our full LTE and 5G wireless testing range for PIM, EMF and cable and antenna analysis.

Not sure which analyser suits your installation? Talk to our team about your site and network requirements.