What is a cellular signal?
Cell phone signals, like television and radio signals, are radio frequency signals, or waves. Technically, they are electromagnetic waves.
A mobile phone signal (or reception) is the strength of the connection the mobile phone has to its network. Depending on various factors, such as proximity to a tower, the signal may vary. Most mobile devices use a set of bars of varying heights to display the strength of the signal where the device is located. Traditionally five bars are used; see five by five.
Generally, a stronger mobile phone signal is easier to obtain in an urban area, though urban areas do have some “dead zones” where a reception cannot be obtained. On the contrary, many rural or minimally inhabited areas lack a signal or have a very weak reception, but many mobile phone providers are attempting to set up towers in parts of these areas most likely to be occupied by users, such as along major highways. Even some national parks and other popular tourist destinations away from urban areas now have cell phone receptions.
In an area where the signal would normally be strong, certain other factors may have an effect on the reception, thereby making it either stronger or weaker, or may cause complete interference. For example, a building with thick walls may prevent a mobile phone from being used. Many underground areas, such as tunnels and subway stations, lack a reception. And the weather and volume of network traffic may impact the strength.
What is a cell phone repeater system?
A typical system consists of an outside antenna, an amplifier that requires AC or DC power and an inside antenna. The inside antenna is sometimes attached to the amplifier on less powerful systems.
For incoming calls, the outside antenna, called a “donor” antenna, picks up the signal, boosts it and sends it to the amplifier via a coax cable that connects the two devices. The amplifier boosts the signal again and projects it wirelessly over a given area, through the inside antenna. For outgoing calls the sequence is reversed.
Why can’t I get a cell phone signal inside a building ?
Radio frequency signals at the cellular level just will not penetrate solid building materials. They will not penetrate asphalt or concrete shingles, radiant barriers, brick or most wood, even pressboard types. If you can use a cell phone or computer air card in a building, it is likely because it is close enough to the cell phone tower and situated so the signals go through uncovered, non-tinted windows.
How far will a cell phone repeater broadcast the signal ?
That depends on a number of things: the current outside signal strength at the place where the cellular phone repeater’s outside antenna will be installed, the gain of that antenna, the amplifier, how much cable will be used and which frequency you want to boost.
How do I know what components to buy for a cell phone repeater?
That depends on a number of things: the current outside signal strength at the place where the repeater’s outside antenna will be installed, the gain of that antenna, the amplifier, how much cable will be used and which frequency you want to boost.
My next door neighbor can use her cell phone inside, why can’t I?
For the same reason you can talk on your cell phone on one side of the street and not on the other. Your house may be blocked from the signal by a tree(s), it may be blocked by her house, it may be lower in elevation and, of course, she may have a different service provider with a tower better located.
Can multiple inside antenna be used with a cellular repeater?
Yes. How many depends on many of the variables used in determining the coverage area of a system with a single inside antenna. We don’t recommend guessing at it.
Can multiple service providers be covered with a single cell phone repeater?
Yes. It is something we do daily for our customers. The cost is increased with the addition of each service provider. When covering all four major providers, the cost increase can be significant.
What is a cell phone dead zone ?
Areas where cell phones cannot transmit to a nearby cell site, base station, or repeater are known as dead zones.
Dead zones are usually areas where cell phone service is not available because the signal between the handset and the cell site antenna is blocked, usually by hilly terrain, excessive foliage, physical distance, or tall buildings.
A number of factors can create dead zones which may exist even in locations in which a wireless carrier offers coverage, due to limitations in cellular network architecture (the locations of antenna), limited network density, interference with other cell sites, and topography. Since cell phones rely on radio waves, and radio waves travel though the air and are easily attenuated, cell phones may be unreliable at times. Like other radio transmissions, cell phone calls can be interrupted by large buildings, terrain, trees, or other objects between the phone and the nearest base station antennas.
Many wireless service providers work continually to improve and upgrade their networks in order to minimize dropped calls, access failures, and dead zones (which they call “coverage holes” or “no-service areas”).
What is the FCC ?
Government administrative agency, established as a result of the Communications Act of 1934, that assigns wavelengths to radio and television stations, issues (and renews) licenses to radio and television stations, and regulates the broadcasting industry, including television, radio, telephone, and telegraphy. The commission reports directly to Congress and is composed of seven commissioners appointed by the president with Senate approval. Each commissioner serves a seven-year term, and no more than four commissioners may be from the same political party at any given time.
What is a wireless amplifier ?
A wireless amplifier is an electrical device which strengthens the power or gain of a wireless signal in order to send a signal over longer distances. Unfortunately, amplifiers also strengthen the noise and other unwanted garbage when amplifying the primary signal. When the 802.11 standard was originally developed, a wireless signal was meant to replace local area network Ethernet cabling. A wireless signal without amplification will travel 300-500 feet. However, with the proper elevation of 100 ft. and an amplifier, plus the right antennas, a wireless signal can be sent more than 20-30 miles.
What is PCS ?
PCS (Personal Communications Service) is a set of standards. Most PCS standards are based on an existing standard. PCS is little more than the operation of these standards on the frequency bands of 1930-1990MHz for receiving and 1850-1910Mhz for transmitting.
Booster vs Repeater ?
A Booster is designed for hardwired applications, while a repeater is designed to provide wireless coverage to a specified area. Therefore, a repeater is better suited where multiple phones need improved coverage or if a user prefers wireless coverage as oppose to a tethered setup. Boosters can also be used to provide wireless coverage inside your home or vehicle, however because the coverage area is not very wide (3-4ft), this is a solution that is not recommend.
What if I’m not satisfied with my purchase ?
All our products come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unhappy with your kit for any reason, simply contact us to arrange to return the product for a full refund.
