Abstract: A method of remotely estimating the functionality of a preamplifier mounted adjacent an antenna at the top of a mast or tower and coupled to a base station via a transmission medium, such as a coaxial cable, includes taking noise and/or signal power measurements at the base station via the coaxial cable for the amplifier when both powered and unpowered. The ratio of the respective noise and/or signal powers, after the receiver noise figure at the base station and the cable loss (estimated or measured) including any connection device loss are accounted for, provides an estimate of the functionality of the amplifier.

Abstract: The output power of a signal generated by a mobile communications device is measured over a short period of time (e.g. one signal burst), and the data modulation carried by the signal is also determined. The measured power value is adjusted to compensate for variations due to the content of the data modulation. This enables the long-term average power output by the device to be determined more quickly than by averaging the power measured over many successive signal bursts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for displaying signal strength bars in a wireless terminal device. In the first step, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) values of the wireless terminal device consecutively collected for a predetermined time T are analyzed, and C/I (Carrier to Interference) ratios consecutively calculated for the predetermined time T are analyzed. In the second step, the number of signal strength bars to be displayed on the wireless terminal device is determined based on the analysis result of the first step. In the third step, the determined number of signal strength bars is displayed on the wireless terminal device. The signal strength bars are displayed in consideration of peripheral interferences around a wireless terminal device, and thus users can see the telephone communication quality or data transfer speed more accurately.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a cellular communications system; comprising a plurality of voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) measurement means located at respective connections to antennas of said communications system and at respective discontinuities in radio transmission lines to said distributed antennas; wherein each said VSWR measurement means is individually identifiable, has a respective threshold, and is arranged to compare its measured VSWR value to its respective threshold and identifiably indicate an error status if its measured VSWR value exceeds its threshold. Also described is a corresponding method of monitoring a cellular communications system. Also described is a VSWR measurement apparatus, and an antenna arrangement comprising an antenna and such a VSWR measurement apparatus.