Discuss Apple Apple-Device-Support Exam Topic 12 Question 20

At what Wi-Fi signal level will trigger iPhone or iPad to search for a stronger Wi-Fi network?

A-50 dBm

B-100 dBm

C-70 dBm

D-80 dBm

Suggested Answer: D

Wi-Fi signal level, also known as Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), is a measure of how well your device can receive the wireless signal from the router or access point. It is usually expressed in decibel-milliwatts (dBm), which is a logarithmic scale that ranges from -30 dBm (very strong signal) to -100 dBm (very weak signal). The higher the negative value, the weaker the signal.

According to the Apple Device Support Reference Materials1, iPhone and iPad will search for a stronger Wi-Fi network when the signal level drops below -80 dBm. This is because a weak signal can affect the performance, reliability, and security of your Wi-Fi connection. A weak signal can also drain your device's battery faster, as it requires more power to maintain the connection.

To check the Wi-Fi signal level on your iPhone or iPad, you can use the following steps23:

Open the Settings app on your device.

Go to Wi-Fi.

Under the Wi-Fi network list, locate the name of the Wi-Fi network or wireless router you want to check the signal strength for.

Tap the information icon (i) next to the network name.

Look for the RSSI value, which shows the signal level in dBm.

Alternatively, you can also use third-party apps that can display the Wi-Fi signal level on your device, such as Wi-Fi Sweetspots or Network Analyzer.

How to View Wi-Fi Networks Signal Strength on iPhone or iPad.

How to View Wi-Fi Networks Signal Strength on iPhone or iPad | Guide.

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32 comments · newest first

Caitlin 11 months ago

That's interesting, I didn't know that!

Arlyne 11 months ago

Nope, definitely -70 dBm.

Shantay 12 months ago

Wait, I thought it was -80 dBm?

Donette 12 months ago

Totally agree, -70 dBm is the threshold.

Gregoria 1 year ago

It's -70 dBm!

Whitley 1 year ago

I recall reading that -100 dBm is way too weak to trigger a search, so it must be one of the higher levels. Maybe -70 dBm?

Alesia 1 year ago

I’m leaning towards -50 dBm, but that seems too strong for a trigger. I need to remember the specifics better.

Emelda 1 year ago

I feel like I saw a question similar to this in practice, and it was -80 dBm. But now I’m second-guessing myself.

Jeannetta 1 year ago

I think it might be around -70 dBm, but I’m not entirely sure. I remember something about that level being a threshold.

Robt 1 year ago

Ah, this is a tricky one. I'm leaning towards -50 dBm, as that's generally considered a very strong Wi-Fi signal, but I'm not 100% sure. Guess I'll have to make an educated guess on this.

Dan 1 year ago

Okay, let me see... I know iPhones and iPads are designed to maintain a strong, stable connection, so the threshold is probably around -80 dBm to avoid frequent network hopping.

Lovetta 1 year ago

Hmm, I'm not too familiar with the specific signal levels that trigger network switching on iPhones and iPads. I'll have to think this one through carefully.

Carma 1 year ago

I'm pretty sure it's -70 dBm, that's the typical threshold for a strong Wi-Fi signal on mobile devices.

Felix 1 year ago

I'm pretty sure this is asking about the X2 interface in the EN-DC architecture. I think the answer is False, since the question says eNodeB/gNodeB only supports configuring X2 fingers based on EndPoint.

Reynalda 1 year ago

Okay, let's see here. The key seems to be identifying the project artifact that would contain the acceptance criteria. I'm going to think through each of the options carefully.

Ailene 2 years ago

Ah, the age-old Wi-Fi conundrum. I'm going with -70 dBm, the perfect balance of 'just enough' and 'time to find something better'.

Harrison 2 years ago

↳ replying to Ailene

I agree, it's the sweet spot for searching for a stronger Wi-Fi signal.

Herminia 2 years ago

↳ replying to Ailene

I think -70 dBm is the right answer.

Sharen 2 years ago

That's a good point. Maybe it's D) -80 dBm then.

Adolph 2 years ago

But wouldn't a stronger signal be needed before searching for a new network?

Rebeca 2 years ago

-50 dBm? That's like trying to communicate with a tin can and a piece of string. I'd be better off using smoke signals at that point.

Sharen 2 years ago

I believe it's C) -70 dBm.

Laura 2 years ago

I bet the iPhone or iPad has a secret algorithm that calculates the perfect Wi-Fi threshold based on the current moon phase and the user's caffeine intake. My money's on -80 dBm, the more confusing the better.

Sina 2 years ago

↳ replying to Laura

I'll go with -100 dBm, can't go wrong with a strong signal.

Stefania 2 years ago

↳ replying to Laura

I'm going with -70 dBm, I like to keep it simple.

Jaclyn 2 years ago

↳ replying to Laura

I think it's -80 dBm too, it just sounds right.

Adolph 2 years ago

I think it's A) -50 dBm.

Lyda 2 years ago

Ah, the age-old question of when my device decides to abandon ship and search for greener Wi-Fi pastures. I'd say -70 dBm is the sweet spot, just enough signal to keep me connected but not too much to make my device lazy.

Maryln 2 years ago

↳ replying to Lyda

Interesting, I always thought it was -50 dBm that would prompt the search for a stronger Wi-Fi signal.

Britt 2 years ago

↳ replying to Lyda

I've heard that -80 dBm is also a common trigger point for devices to search for a new network.

Edda 2 years ago

↳ replying to Lyda

I agree, it's the perfect balance between staying connected and looking for a better signal.

Darrel 2 years ago

↳ replying to Lyda

I think -70 dBm is the threshold for searching for a stronger Wi-Fi network.

Apple-Device-Support Exam - Topic 12 Question 20 Discussion