High Power Boost Mode is a special radio transmission mode that sensors use when they are too far from a Cloud Connector. It extends communication range but uses more battery, reducing the sensor's overall lifetime. This article explains how it works and how to identify it.
Who is this article for?
Anyone using DT sensors and Cloud Connectors who wants to understand the different radio modes, or who has noticed a warning sign on a sensor's signal indicator.
The two radio modes
Sensors and Cloud Connectors can communicate using two different radio modes:
- Low Power Standard Mode: The normal transmission mode, optimized for low energy usage and long battery life.
- High Power Boost Mode: A higher-energy transmission mode used when a sensor is outside the normal range of a Cloud Connector. It boosts the communication range but drains more battery, which reduces the sensor's lifetime.
How to identify sensors using High Power Boost Mode
Sensors transmitting in High Power Boost Mode display a warning sign on their signal indicators (boost icon).
You can also see boost periods in the Connectivity section of the detailed sensor view in DT Studio. The yellow areas in the chart represent periods when the sensor was using boost mode:
Troubleshooting / FAQ
Q: Is it bad if my sensor is using High Power Boost Mode?
A: High Power Boost Mode isn't harmful, but it does drain the battery faster and shorten the sensor's lifetime. It also means you have less of a safety margin; if the environment changes and radio conditions get temporarily worse, you may lose connectivity entirely. We recommend avoiding boost mode whenever possible by moving your Cloud Connector closer to the sensor.
Q: How can I stop my sensor from using boost mode?
A: The best way is to reduce the distance between the sensor and the Cloud Connector, or to remove physical obstructions that may be blocking the signal. See the related article below for detailed guidance.