pjhtech ToolsTo collect a cell-lock target, read the serving cell first, then run cell-monitor if the modem supports scanning. Use the reported LTE EARFCN and PHY-CELLID together in the matching modem’s cell-lock command.
Read the current EARFCN, PCI and signal
/interface/lte/monitor lte1 once
/interface/lte/show-capabilities lte1Run a transfer while reading monitor so carrier aggregation can appear. Record the modem model, serving band, channel and PCI with the signal readings.
| Field | What it tells you | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| RSRP (dBm) | Power in specified reference signals | Compare coverage for the same RAT/measurement type |
| RSRQ (dB) | Reference quality relative to total received power | Interpret with RSRP, bandwidth and load |
| SINR (dB) | Signal relative to interference plus noise | Higher usually permits more reliable higher-order modulation |
| EARFCN | LTE absolute radio-frequency channel number | Identify the LTE carrier with its band |
| PCI / PHY-CELLID | Physical cell identity | Reused between sites; not a globally unique tower ID |
| Serving / primary band | Current control/primary carrier | Record channel, PCI and bandwidth together |
| CA bands | Additional component carriers | Check during load; absence at idle need not mean failure |
Find nearby LTE cell-lock candidates
/interface/lte/cell-monitor lte1Check cell-scan capability first. Stop the live monitor with Ctrl+C. Cell-monitor is modem-dependent and can interrupt or affect service; use a maintenance window for a remote connection. It reports visible candidates, not a guarantee of a full scan of every nearby tower or every NR band.
Use EARFCN plus PHY-CELLID from the candidate row. PCI alone is reused by different cells. If the modem does not support cell-scan, use its serving-cell output or the modem’s documented scan method.
An antenna comparison that you can repeat
For antenna alignment, keep the modem, cable and transfer endpoint unchanged. Compare RSRP, RSRQ, SINR and actual upload/download results at each position. Keep the position that improves the required service; a stronger power reading alone is not enough.