Cell Tower Selection: Why Distance Isn't Everything

Interactive demonstration of cellular network decision making

Tower A 250m | -89dBm Tower B 580m | -72dBm Tower C 1.2km | -98dBm 📱 Mobile Phone

📍 Clear Conditions - Optimal Selection

Phone connects to Tower B despite being further away because it provides the strongest signal (-72 dBm) with clear line-of-sight propagation.

🗼 Tower B - CONNECTED

Distance: 580m

Signal: -72 dBm (Excellent)

Status: Clear line-of-sight, optimal choice

🗼 Tower A - Available

Distance: 250m

Signal: -89 dBm (Poor)

Status: Close but obstructed by terrain

🗼 Tower C - Weak

Distance: 1.2km

Signal: -98 dBm (Very Poor)

Status: Too distant, blocked by buildings