How to read signal db level

[Raptor5150]

Ok so i decided to switch my triumph running cm9 to signal db or noise instead of bars.. right now its at -91 whats considered bad and good levels (i know stick with the bars they are easier to read blah blah ) i hear that signal db is alot more accurate so could someone give me a positive to negative scale based on the numbers that are used?

thanks

 

[El Presidente]

The -91 is dBm, the lower that number the better. From memory, it basically measures how much interference/background noise there is against a reference level. I'd say -91 is average, mine normally sits at around 75-95 at home.

You then have something called ASU which I think stands for Active Set Updates and is something to do with how fast your phone can get a reading from the nearest cell tower. It's been a while since I read up on the topic so I'm a little hazy.

There's a good app called Network Signal Info which will give you detailed info on signal strength/WiFi etc.

 

[Slug]

dbm: lower is better. Iirc -85 or lower is considered "excellent".
asu: higher is better.

 

[Clementine_3]

asu: higher is better.

My asu is always 0. I have never seen an actual number (OK, 0 is a number, but still and all) listed. Does Verizon not use this?