This article describes how to check the LTE connectivity of an ABL charging station using the RSSI value and how to improve it if necessary.
Prerequisites
The following prerequisites must be met:
The ABL charging station is equipped with an LTE module (e.g. LTE accessory package E3BLTE1 or E3BLTE2).
You have access to the ABL SBC web administration interface.
Note: Not all ABL models include an LTE module by default. LTE is available as an optional accessory for the eMH2, eMH3, eMC2 and eMC3 model series. Check beforehand whether the LTE accessory package is installed.
Meaning of the RSSI Value
The RSSI value (Received Signal Strength Indicator) provides information about the reception quality of the LTE connection between the charging station and the reev backend.
As a general rule: the higher the RSSI value, the better the reception and the more stable the connection.
RSSI Value | Rating |
20 or above | Sufficient to good |
Below 20 | Poor – connection drops possible |
Note: An RSSI value below 20 indicates poor reception and can lead to connection drops between the charging station and the reev backend.
Determine the RSSI Value
Follow the steps below to determine the RSSI value of your ABL charging station:
Open the ABL SBC web administration interface. See: Accessing the SBC Web Administration Interface
Navigate to Maintenance -> Diagnosis.
Select Network Device.
The RSSI value is displayed in the network information section.
Improve LTE Connectivity
If the RSSI value is below 20, the following measures can improve reception quality:
Check network coverage – Make sure that sufficient mobile network coverage is available at the charging station location.
Check the antenna – Make sure that the external LTE antenna is correctly installed and connected.
Optimise antenna placement – Position the antenna as openly as possible, without shielding from metal or concrete.
Tip: If stable LTE reception cannot be achieved despite all measures, consider using a LAN connection instead. All ABL models with backend communication support both LTE and a wired LAN connection.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Possible Cause | Action |
RSSI value is not displayed | No LTE module installed | Check whether the LTE accessory package is installed. |
RSSI value permanently below 20 | Poor mobile network coverage or missing antenna | Check the antenna, optimise placement or switch to LAN. |
Connection drops despite RSSI above 20 | Network disruptions or backend configuration | Check the OCPP configuration and contact reev support. |
Contact ABL Support
For hardware problems, contact ABL Support: ABL Support Page
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RSSI value?
The RSSI value (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is a measure of the LTE signal reception strength. It indicates how well the charging station receives the mobile network signal.
What RSSI value is needed for a stable connection?
An RSSI value of 20 or above is considered sufficient for a stable connection to the reev backend.
Can I use LAN instead of LTE?
Yes. All ABL models with backend communication support both LAN and LTE (optional). A LAN connection is generally more stable than LTE.
Where can I find the LTE antenna on my ABL charging station?
The LTE antenna is part of the optional LTE accessory package (E3BLTE1 or E3BLTE2). The exact position depends on the model and is described in the respective installation manual.