Poor cellular communication causes a lot of inconvenience in everyday life. There are several ways to improve GSM, 3G and 4G LTE signal reception. Let’s consider all possible options to understand which one is most effective to know how to boost mobile signal in the office.
Why do we have a bad mobile network signal?
The mobile signal can be weak for several reasons. For example, you find yourself outside the city outside the coverage area of the operators. Or vice versa, you are surrounded by dense urban development and powerful high-rise buildings. At the same time, you cannot reach the subscriber or find yourself unreachable, and you also cannot access the Internet – pages load slowly. We offer several ideas on how to boost mobile signal on your premises.
Method 1: Install a repeater
This is a device that processes and amplifies the signal coming from the telecom operator’s base station.
The repeater is included in the kit for signal amplification, which also includes external and internal antennas, a coaxial cable, and high-frequency connectors. The gain can vary from 40 to 90 dB depending on the brand, model and its purpose. Repeaters with a gain below 60 dB are less sensitive to reception and function normally only at a short distance from the base station.
There are one-, two- and three-band amplifiers. Single-band ones are designed only to amplify the GSM signal and operate at one frequency: 900, 1800 or 2100 MHz. In addition to voice communications, dual- and tri-band repeaters enhance 3G/4G mobile Internet. The more bands a repeater supports, the higher its cost.
Repeater operating principle
An external antenna is installed outside the house (on the facade, roof, etc.) and is directed towards the base station of your cellular operator. The location of the BS can be found using a spectrum analyzer, applications or a single coverage map.
The signal is then transmitted via cable to a repeater connected to the mains. In the device, the signal is “repeated” and amplified, expanding the operator’s coverage area. Indoors, the repeater distributes an amplified signal using an internal (subscriber) antenna.
You can install the repeater yourself or contact professionals such as UCtel. Installing the system is not difficult, but you need to prepare for it: assess the level of the incoming signal, the location of the tower, calculate the area of the room, the number and location of antennas. If experience is not enough, it is better to contact UCtel specialists, who will take measurements and design an individual amplification system for your home, taking into account all the parameters. After all, an incorrectly installed repeater will emit radio noise and interference that interferes with the operation of base stations.
Method 2: Install an external antenna
And here is another way how do you boost mobile signals for your office workers. This will allow you to make calls and send messages via instant messengers, even if the voice connection is weak or contains interference and noise. The two most common uses for antennas are:
- Antenna connected to a USB modem and Wi-Fi router. The system consists of three elements: an outdoor antenna, a USB modem with a SIM card and 4G support, and a Wi-Fi router. The antenna is installed outside the room: at window level, on the roof or on a specially fixed mast and is directed towards the nearest operator base station. The higher the antenna is located, the more gain you can achieve. The antenna receives a signal, which then goes through a cable to a 4G modem with a router. The amplified signal is distributed in the form of powerful Wi-Fi Internet. This option is suitable for dachas, ancient buildings with thick brick or concrete walls. That is, those cases when there is a signal on the street, but inside there is no connection or Internet connection.
- Antenna with built-in 3G/4G router. In this case, the router along with the antenna are located on the street, and the signal will be transmitted via cable to the house, where Wi-Fi will be strengthened. As a rule, the cable is long (up to 80-100 m), thin, and easily hidden under the baseboard. The systems use PoE technology, that is, both signal transmission and power supply occur over one cable. This device supports frequencies up to 2700 MHz and modern 3G/4G standards.
Method 3: Changing settings on your smartphone
An additional option is how to strengthen the cellular signal at the dacha or while being very far from the base station, for example, in a forest or in the mountains. If you urgently need to make a call, try changing the network mode on your phone. Often in an area of poor reception, a smartphone constantly “searches” for a network, freezes a lot, and consumes battery power. For example, if you are outside the 3G coverage area, set the “2G only” mode. Then the smartphone will not try to connect to the 3G standard frequencies. Read our article on how to measure the signal level on your phone.
Your task is to turn off “unnecessary” frequencies that are not in the area where you are. This method is only available for Android devices:
- Open Settings → Mobile networks → Preferred network type. From the list provided, select 2G, 3G or 4G (LTE). Test each mode: is it possible to reach another subscriber, is it possible to send a message, what is the speed of loading pages in the browser, etc.
- You can solve the problem on an iPhone in a similar way. You need to open Settings → Cellular → Data Options → Enable LTE. In the last item, check the “Data only” box. This will disable 4G voice communications, and if the signal is weak, the phone will automatically switch to a lower frequency. As a result, it is possible to achieve a stable network level, despite the fact that page loading speeds will be significantly slower.
Conclusion
The best option described would be a mobile network signal booster. The entire set can be installed in your office premises completely unnoticed by prying eyes. But its functioning will be very noticeable from the very first minutes after activation, and for the rest of the time while the equipment is needed. You can consult on the selection of equipment and fill out an application for installation by contacting UCtel specialists.
