Poor cell phone signal is a problem that few homes and businesses are completely immune to. Despite efforts on the part of the cellular networks, dropped calls and bad reception are problems which are here to stay. However, a solution is arriving in the emerging technology of "cellular repeaters". These are cellular amplifiers that will receive the cell phone signal through an antenna outside your building, put the signal through the amplifier, then rebroadcast the improved cell phone signal inside your building.
Cellular repeaters are similar in idea to WiFi routers, although instead of plugging into the phone lines, they get the cell signal from an antenna placed outside your building.
As cellular amplifier technology has developed, products are now available to fill an array of needs: There are in-vehicle repeaters, large building (e.g. warehouses) repeaters and of course standard home/small office (SOHO) repeaters.
Once you have installed a wireless cell phone repeater, you should be able to use your cell phone wirelessly as normal and notice an improve amount of reception on your phone's indicator. Most cellular repeaters support around 20 simultaneous users.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Decide on a Dual Band or single frequency cellullar repeater
Cell signal is broadcast on two different frequencies in the US (800 and 1900 MHz) depending on which network you are with. If there will be multiple users of the repeater or if you are on Cingular or Verizon (which use both frequencies) then a Dual Band cell phone repeater is recommended. Dual Band repeaters are compatible with all networks other then Nextel.
If this does not apply, you maybe able to get a single band cell phone repeater, which can lower the cost somewhat. In order to do this you need to determine which cellular frequency your network is on.
I recommend: attempting to contact your network and asking them whether they are 800 or 1900 MHz (reliable info but hard to get a response) or use an online resource like this:
Cellular Network Frequency Information.Another resource for cellular frequency information is
Wireless Advisor.
Decide what type of cell phone repeater you need
If portability is required, go for an in-vehicle model. If you are looking to cover a large area e.g. more than 2,000 sq ft. then go for one of the more powerful cell repeaters - look for a gain of 60 dB. For residences and small offices a standard strength repeater is suitable - look for a gain of 50-55 dB - although if the cell reception is particularly bad in your area, it might be a good idea to go for a more powerful cellular repeater.
I recommend: Go with an established brand such as
Wilson Electronics. A good dual band , wireless, standard sized repeater that is suitable for the most general requirements, is the
Wilson SOHO Amplifier. A good portable option is the new
zBoost zP Personal Repeater - a sub $100 personal cell zone that is small enough to be taken everywhere with you.
Check how strong the signal is outside your building
Take your cell phone around your building and do a quick survey of the reception. If you can find areas where the signal is 3 bars or greater on your phone, a cellular repeater should work great for you. If you are only getting 1-2 bars, then look out for a system with a yagi antenna - the most sensitive type of antenna - or look out for a high performance system (60 dB gain)
I recommend: a
Yagi Antenna.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If your requirements for a cellular repeater are pretty typical i.e. you need a dual band wireless repeater for a home or small office then you will be fine going for a repeater like the Wilson SOHO Amplifier. However, if your requirements are at all complicated e.g. you want a single band model, or the cell signal in your area is particularly weak, then I recommend you seek further advice. The sales team of a cellular repeater store can be a good place to get this.
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