A cell phone booster makes life a lot easier. Yet, purchasing the first available device is not the best idea. Before buying, you need to study in detail its characteristics and choose the equipment that will meet your requirements to boost Vodafone signal.
To make it easier for you, we will tell you in this article how to choose a cellular booster.
How Modern Boosters Work
When figuring out how to choose a repeater, remember that it is a key element of a mobile signal amplification system. A street antenna sends a weak radio signal to it through a high-frequency cable, which comes from the base station (BS) of the operator.
The main task of the repeater is to improve the signal to a state comparable to being close to the BS and transmit it over the wire to the relay antenna. It, on the principle of a wifi signal, exchanges information with a mobile phone and sends it back to the BS. It does not matter where the repeater will be placed. You can post it in the house, office, or car and the principle of operation will be the same.
Boosters Selection Peculiarities
Before choosing an amplifier, you need to measure the signal. This can be done using a spectrum analyzer or special applications, but in order not to be mistaken, it is better to entrust the procedure to GSM-LINK specialists.
If necessary, they can not only measure the signal but also completely organize the amplification system. If you want to try to choose the equipment yourself, then we will tell you what to consider.
Communication generations and the ranges on which they operate
At what frequencies different generations work, it is important to know before buying equipment. Because different models are focused on working in certain ranges:
- 2G. The second generation of the gsm signal, along with voice communication, made it possible to send text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages. 2G operates in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands.
- 3G. This generation was able to provide users with access to high-speed Internet and voice radio at the same time. 3G works in dual frequency bands – 900 and 2100 MHz.
- 4G LTE. Initially, this generation made it possible to transfer Internet data at speeds up to 1 Gb / s, using base stations like a Wi-Fi router. Yet, today the VoLTE system (voice over LTE) has already been developed and is being actively implemented, which allows you to call on the 4G frequency, like WhatsApp or Viber. The fourth generation is located at frequencies of 800, 1800, and 2600 MHz.
Number of Bands and Bands Supported
It was said above that each generation of communication operates in a specific range. There are single-band repeaters, for example, operating exclusively at a frequency of 900 MHz. And there are multi-band, capable of working on several ranges at once. For example, 3G at 2100 MHz and 4G at 2600 MHz. These are often installed in the car because they often change their location.
However, do not forget that the range is divided into a certain number of bands. And when choosing a repeater, you need to consider how many bands it supports:
- If you need to amplify the signal of a specific operator, then a single-band repeater will do. Such equipment operates in only one band and is capable of receiving a radio signal from one provider.
- If you are connected to different operators and you need to amplify them all, then choose a broadband repeater. This is a device that can operate on all bands in a specific range.
- Some models work on the principle of broadband, they are called selective. These devices can select the desired band of a particular operator. When tuning a selective device to a frequency of a specific provider, other signals are cut and ignored to reduce interference.
If you want to save money and buy a single-band amplifier, then it’s better not to risk it and take a broadband model. It will accurately support the signal of your operator in a specific range. As well, UCtel recommends purchasing multi-band broadband or selective repeaters. It is guaranteed to support all bands in all bands broadcast by domestic operators.
Place of Use
If you need a repeater for home, the simplest, then it is better to take an analog one. It is distinguished by its low price and reliability. It has a minimum of settings, but at the same time, it can maintain the normal functioning of the system. Adjustment and control on analog devices are located in their cases.
For shopping and business centers, large administrative buildings, and large industrial enterprises, a digital device is suitable. It is more complex, with advanced options, and highly rated by users. It can be configured using the digital interface on the device itself and using a computer. Almost all digital devices are selective, which allows you to make a separate setting for each operator.
For special objects and places with difficult terrain, an optical-type repeater is required. This is a professional device that transmits data over a special fiber-optic cable. And this differs from conventional repeaters operating through coaxial wires. It provides lossless information transmission over a distance of up to 20 km from the receiving antenna to the distributing one.
Resistance Indicator
The most popular impedance (a measure of resistance) in modern amplifiers is 50 ohms. The same indicator should be for all wires, antennas, and adapters that are in the same system as the repeater. Due to the same resistance, all parameters are in agreement with each other, and the probability of loss of quality and power indicators of the signal passing through the circuit is reduced.
Signal Gain Adjustment and Control
There are simple models on which the power is not manually adjusted. To make changes to their work, an attenuator is used (a device for changing operating parameters).
And there are repeaters equipped with gain control systems: manual or automatic. Indicators on manual boosters are regulated by buttons, switches, etc. Automatic boosters prevent loopback automatically.
Conclusion
You can assemble the system yourself by purchasing all components separately. However, one cannot do without special knowledge of radio communications. For typical objects, amplification kits are a good, effective option.
The development of individual projects is appropriate for large commercial and industrial premises, with special requirements for the organization of an amplifying network. Luckily, UCtel specialists can help you with this all and even more.
