How to boost cell signal

What is important to know

The problem of a weak signal from a base station in a particular location can be solved by replacing one operator with another. But sometimes a simple enumeration of SIM cards will not work. For example, if you need a connection in the country, where you need to establish a good reception.

It is impossible to maintain a permanently perfect mobile connection everywhere on the planet. It may work worse in your house, but next to it or even at your neighbors, smartphones will catch the network normally. In this case, the problem most often lies in some kind of obstacle - another building or hill.

If gadgets in your house and near it receive at least a weak signal, then you can improve communication. It is important to note that only the signal actually received at your location will be amplified. If there is no network at all, then there will be nothing to establish.

For example, if there is a stable 4G network signal a kilometer away from you, then communication will not improve, no matter how powerful the amplifier you install. In this case, it is worth checking the signal from other operators.

How to boost your cell signal with an antenna

This option is suitable for improving mobile Internet reception. If you need a cellular connection specifically to access the Web, then this task is the easiest and cheapest to solve. All modern smartphones and laptops support Wi‑Fi connectivity.

An external antenna, compared to a smartphone, is able to work with a much weaker cellular network signal. You need to determine where it is strongest. If this is a private house, then communication is usually better on the second floor or in the attic.

Before installing the antenna, look for the ideal location for it. Monitor the speed of Internet access by moving the device in space. Fix it in a place where the reception is strongest, if it is physically possible.

Gadgets cannot be connected directly to the antenna - you will need an intermediary device. To do this, you can use a USB modem with a SIM card, which must be connected to the antenna. A Wi-Fi router with SIM card support is also suitable as a modem. The smartphone or laptop will then just need to be connected to the transmitter via Wi‑Fi.

It is important to note that in the modem or router you need to put not a SIM card from your phone, but a separate one, with its own tariff for your needs.

For antennas and devices with them, gain is important - the ability to convert a weak signal into a strong one. The characteristic is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the value, the weaker the signal from the base station will be amplified to an acceptable level.

But increased efficiency affects the cost of the antenna. Models with a high gain will cost significantly more.

What to buy

• Antenna Kroks KAA15 for modems and routers from Huawei and ZTE, 1,940 rubles →
• Panel antenna "REMO" BAS‑2324, 1,901 rubles →
• Antenna Kroks KAA-20 for LTE modems from Huawei and ZTE, 3,880 rubles →

How to boost your cell signal with a repeater

The repeater consists of two modules - a receiver and an emitter. The first is placed in a place with the best signal, and the second "repeats" this caught and amplified signal from the cellular network to connect gadgets. So the device maintains a stable connection in your home. A SIM card is not needed for such a device, you just connect your smartphone or tablet to it as to a regular cellular network, not via Wi‑Fi.

Models of signal amplifiers differ from each other, as well as standards for cellular networks. 2G networks (GSM) are suitable for voice communication, 3G and 4G can be used for both calls and mobile Internet, but at a higher speed in the second case.

A repeater is usually only capable of receiving and retransmitting one of the available networks. Therefore, you need to choose a device based on the purpose for which you need it. And do not forget about the availability of a particular network of your operator.

Remember that a stronger 2G signal will only allow you to make phone calls, in most cases it is better to choose 4G. A compromise with 3G will help out if more advanced networks are not “caught” in your home.

What to buy

• Kit with PicoCell 1800/2000 SX20 repeater, 34,700 rubles →
• Set "DalSVYAZ DS‑900/2100‑20", 23,090 rubles →
• Mr. repeater kit Boosto 15, 8 490 rubles →