Now we will discuss what amplification of a cellular signal is. We will indicate the main ways that allow us to achieve it. A few words will also be said about the specifics of the operation of third-generation networks. But first things first.
How does the cell signal system work?
The scheme of operation of this type of mobile radio, which operates on the basis of a cellular network, is to create a high-frequency radio channel of your phone with the operator's station that provides mobile communications in the range from 450 to 2700 megahertz. With the help of this system, calls are made, text messages are sent, and even network users access the Internet.
In addition, there are several standards for cellular network communication, which are determined by the frequency and method of organizing the radio signal. The standard for mobile radio networks GSM, for example, is built in such a way that regardless of the location of your mobile (city, forest or on the move), it will most likely receive a signal from radio base stations.
"Holes in the coating", or "deadzone"
Why is it necessary to boost the cellular signal in this case? The reason is simple - there are obstacles in the way of the signal, like multi-storey buildings, wooded areas and other obstacles that reflect the radio signal. Often, it is because of this that you cannot use your mobile communication services, and the GSM signal disappears.
As a result, it turns out that the maximum allowable distance for receiving a GSM-900 phone, which will allow you to use the signal of a mobile operator, is seven kilometers within the city and less than thirty-five kilometers from it. For the 3G standard, it is half as much. The CDMA standard, in turn, has twice the coverage distance of the GSM standard from a single base station. When the strength of the radio signal becomes insufficient, the so-called dead zones are formed, where the strength of the GSM signal is minimal, which affects communication (connection is interrupted from time to time or completely disappears).
There are such places in every city and outside it: indoor premises in residential or office buildings, underground premises (basements, underground parking lots, zero floors, etc.), warehouse and industrial buildings, high-rise buildings (more than 10 floors high), huge commercial and entertainment centers, settlements and houses outside the city limits (which are located quite far from the base stations). The reasons for the occurrence of such dead zones are also quite diverse: thick walls of buildings, a large number of metal and reinforced concrete structures (which representa strong obstacle to the radio signal), rooms at a certain depth (the signal may simply not break through), high altitude (usually above 30–35 meters the network disappears or, in other words, an interference effect occurs) or remoteness from the signal source of the cellular network. It is at such moments that you need to strengthen the GSM signal of cellular communications.
How to deal with the weak signal problem?
To fix this problem, you will need an intermediate signal amplifier between the base radio tower of the carrier and the room that does not receive a signal. This cellular signal amplification tool is built around an interconnected system of equipment: donor and serving antennas that receive and transmit signals between your carrier and mobile phone, power distributors and cables.
How to strengthen the cellular signal with your own hands?
Work on amplifying the signal should take place gradually, in several steps, to achieve maximum effect. To do this, you need to determine where your antenna-amplifier will be located, and find out its power. The easiest way to do this is with your own mobile device, which indicates the level of signal reception (often in the upper right corner of the screen). Places where signal reception is usually better are on the roof of the house or outside the window of your high-rise building (in urban areas). Having determined the place where it catches the signal best, you can proceed to fixing the external antenna.
The next step is to placeamplifier. Everything is simple here - you need a free surface and a close location of a 220-volt outlet.
The last step will be the placement of internal communication antennas. The principle of their placement is the possible permissible distance from the external antenna, as this will provide the most effective amplification of the cellular signal.
The final stage will be commissioning - connecting the antennas to the amplifier. Once you have laid the cable, crimp the ends with N-type connectors and attach. You can start the system.
A note about 3G networks
3G cellular signal amplification occurs almost according to the same principle, but with one important detail: outdoors, the intensity and continuity of the 3G signal are several times higher than indoors. In this case, the signal is hindered by the walls and the proper location of the indoor antenna in the room is required.
