Yes, the ideal is that they are similar or they can have a difference of a maximum of 3db.

In wireless connections, including those established by MikroTik devices, the transmit (TX) and receive (RX) signal level should ideally be similar, but in practice, it is not always possible or necessary for them to be exactly the same. These signal levels indicate the power of the signal being sent (TX) and the power of the signal being received (RX) in dBm (decibels relative to a milliwatt).

Key Considerations

• Differences in the Environment: Differences in TX and RX signal levels may be the result of several factors, including the distance between devices, physical obstacles, interference from other wireless signals, and differences in the transmission/reception capabilities of the devices involved.
• Potency of transmission: The power with which a device can transmit (TX) may be different from its receive sensitivity (RX). In addition, local regulation may limit the maximum allowed transmission power, affecting the TX signal level.
• Antennas and Directionality: The characteristics of the antennas used (such as gain and directionality) also influence the TX and RX levels. A directional antenna, for example, can significantly improve reception (RX) from a specific direction, while the transmitted signal (TX) from the other device may not benefit similarly if you use a different antenna.

What is Acceptable?

• Acceptable Range: As long as signal levels remain within a range that allows stable and reliable communication, small differences between TX and RX are not a cause for concern. The important thing is that both levels are above the minimum threshold for quality communication and below the limits that could indicate excessively powerful transmission that causes saturation or violation of regulations.
• Improvements and Adjustments: If there is a large discrepancy between TX and RX levels, and this affects network performance, adjustments can be made. This could include changing the location or orientation of antennas, adjusting transmit power within allowable limits, or using antennas with different gain characteristics.
• Diagnosis: Wireless monitoring and diagnostic tools, many of which are available on the MikroTik devices themselves, can help you evaluate connection quality. Metrics like signal level, packet error rate (PER), and throughput will give you a clearer picture of the health of your wireless link.

In summary, although perfect symmetry of the TX and RX levels is ideal, it is not an absolute requirement for the efficient operation of a wireless network. The key is to ensure that both signal levels support high-quality, reliable communication within the technical specifications of your devices and applicable regulations.