In an ideal situation, when evaluating uplink signal strength and quality, measurements would be made off an unused port of the multicoupler in the shelter at the base of the donor tower. There are two instances in the ERCES life cycle that these uplink measurements are crucial:

1. During the initial RF site survey when the determination is made if a building requires an ERCES
2. When commissioning an ERCES

During the initial RF site survey, few to no jurisdictions provide a means for uplink measurements. When commissioning an ERCES, some jurisdictions have implemented procedures to have personnel on site or remotely controlled test equipment to evaluate the uplink signal and noise. Most jurisdictions have no such provisions. This session will describe methods to be used to determine if the Uplink signal strength and quality are optimized without measurements at the tower.

Takeaways, when methods described in this session are implemented:
1. How to make an educated calculation of the uplink link budget
2. Ensure the uplink signal strength will not be too weak or too strong at the tower's radio
3. The quality of the signal will be verified
4. A margin of safety will be determined to ensure uplink integrity even if the RF conditions worsen