A Beginner’s Guide to Signal Boosting and How It Works

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A cellular booster is an FCC and IC-certified electronic device used to improve the quality of the existing cellular signal, especially in areas with a weak signal or no signal at all.

Boosters work with any approved network type, including 5G, 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G, and can be used on any model of the device within those networks. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about signal boosting.

How Does Signal Boosting Work?

Cellular signal boosters enhance the signal your phone is getting from a cell tower. The strength of the signal is measured in decibels (dBm). The closer you are to a cell tower, the stronger your signal is, and the higher your dBm will be.

In areas of weak signal or no signal, there will be a significant difference between the cell tower signal strength and your device’s signal strength. A cellular signal booster increases the device signal strength without increasing the signal strength of the cell tower.

How Strong Are the Signals You’re Receiving?

Many devices, including phones and wireless hotspots, will display their signal strength in their status bar. As you move around, the signal strength will change.

The higher the number, the better your signal. If you’re in an area with no signal or a very weak signal, your device’s signal may change significantly when you move a few feet.

What Are Signal Boosting Kits Made Of?

Most signal boosting kits consist of a cabin-style antenna and amplifier. The cabin antenna is often mounted on a roof and is designed to send a wireless signal from the roof to the inside of your home.

Boom antennas are similar to cabin antennas in that they have a mast and directional antenna panels. The main difference is that they are meant to be installed directly on the roof.

The equipment may also include a controller, which is typically mounted in the building with the booster and is used to manage and control the entire system.

Types of Outside Antennas

1) Omnidirectional Antenna

An omnidirectional antenna is designed to send a signal in all directions. This is a good choice if your signal is a decent strength and you’re working with a high-quality booster. It’s a good choice to use in areas with no trees or other obstructions.

They are often mounted in an attic or on the side of the house and can be wired directly to the controller or connected to a wireless system.

2) Uni-Directional Antenna or Yagi Antenna

A Yagi antenna is an omnidirectional antenna with high gain. This means that it focuses the signal in one direction. This is the best choice for an area with a weak signal or in an area with obstructions like trees or homes.

This type of antenna is typically mounted on the roof and is wired directly to the controller.

Conclusion

Cell phone signal boosters are a great investment for anyone who’s often in an area with a weak cell signal. These devices can be purchased and installed in less than two hours.

TP Communications will help you find a cell booster in Calgary that can increase the range of your phone’s signal. If you are having signal issues in your area, we offer a wide range of services to help you find optimized solutions. Get in touch with us to learn more!