In Building Signal Booster FAQ
We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions for in-building cell phone signal boosters and accessories used to improve a cellular signal inside a building. The building could be your home, office, warehouse, data center or large office building. Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Nextel, Rogers.
Installation of these types of systems is easy. Anyone with some hand tool skills can install one. We have complete packages that contain everything you need to improve cellular service inside your building.
If you need personal guidance in designing, purchasing and setting up a building cellular amplifier system, see Getting More Help.
In Building Cellular Signal Improvement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
How can I improve my cellular service inside a building?
The best way to improve cellular service inside a building is to install a cellular repeater type system. You will see them referred to as "Cell Phone Signal Boosters", "Building Cellular Amplifiers", "Cellular Repeaters", etc.
What is an "In-Building" Cellular Signal Amplifier (Repeater) System?
An in building cellular service amplifier or repeater system improves cell phone and cellular data card service inside of buildings like homes, offices, warehouses, hangers, office buildings, etc.
What does an In-Building Cellular Signal Repeater System consist of?
A basic system consists of:
- Outside Antenna
- Cellular Amplifier
- Inside Antenna
The outside antenna passes the cell signal to and from the cell tower. The amplifier boosts the cell signal the re broadcasts (repeats) the signal through the inside antenna.
What is a Bi-Directional System?
A Bi-Directional systems improves the cell signal both receiving and sending.
How do I know an in building cellular signal amplifier system will work for me BEFORE I buy a system and set it up?
A little planning, information gathering and calculating before your purchase can avoid most system installation problems. We want to help you avoid purchasing a system and setting it up only to find out it doesn't work or cover enough area. We can help you calculate cellular coverage area that you should expect and avoid extra work and expense setting up a system.
In general, the information require is:
- Size of the area
- Received Signal Strength Outside the Building
- What frequency (or frequencies) your service provider is using in your area
- Approximate amount of cable your going to need
Our Estimating Coverage Area page will help you gather the required information and contact us with it so we can help you design your system.
Are these systems hard to install?
A basic cellular repeater system consists of an outside antenna, inside antenna and amplifier. The hardest part of installing a system is running the cable to connect the antennas to the amplifier. Anyone that is a bit handy with hand tools can perform the installation. If you're not up to the installation, you might contact a local company that does installations such as home automation, audio/visual equipment (TV, surround sound, home theater, etc) or satellite TV installs.
Can I use the same signal booster in my car and in my building?
You can use a short range signal booster in your car and building however you will only be able to improve your cellular signal over a small area (1-10 feet).
A typical cellular signal amplifier requires an outside antenna, amplifier and an inside antenna. The challenge with this type of system is that if the inside and outside antennas are too close together, you get signal oscillation between the two antenna instead of getting the signal from your service providers tower. A good amplifier will shut down when it senses oscillation so as not to negatively affect other users on the tower. If you used an amplifier strong enough to cover a building, you could never get enough antenna separation in side even a very large vehicle.
Will the same amplifier that works for my cell phone work for my cellular data card?
Probably. Cellular data cards typically use the same cellular networks are cell phones. The frequency used by a cell phone may be different than your data card but, if you have a multiple band amplifier, your card will usually be covered. Just be sure and match up what frequency your service provider is using with what frequencies your amplifier is boosting.
Can I improve signal for multiple carriers such as Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, etc with one system?
Yes, make sure the amplifier system you select covers the frequencies each service provider uses in your area. This is not a difficult as it sounds. For example, most carriers in the US and Canada use 800MHz, 850MHz or 1900MHz CDMA or TDMA networks. A dual band system that covers 800MHz and 1900MHz will cover most US and Canadian carriers including Sprint, AT&T, Rogers, Verizon and T-Mobile. It will not, however cover a network such as iDen 800MHz or 900MHz used by Nextel, BoostMobile, SouthernLinc or MIKE.
Can I get a system that covers Nextel and everybody else including Sprint, AT&T, Verizon?
Unfortunately the Nextel iDen 800MHz network amplifiers will interfere with the others so you have to decide between Nextel and everybody else.
Can I better my cell signal inside AND outside my home?
It is possible however improving outside signal is beyond the scope of what most signal boosters are designed for. Usually you are at the mercy of your cellular service provider to improve outside signal strength by tuning their towers or adding additional towers in your area. The challenge of improving a signal outdoors is getting enough separation between the inside and outside antenna so as not to have oscillation between the two antenna which can have a negative effect on cellular towers in the area. With a bit of planning you can cover a small area outside maybe a porch or small deck.
How strong a signal outside is required for these systems to work?
In general, you'll need at least 3 bars of signal for a cellular repeater system to cover much area. The stronger the outside signal, the more coverage area you will get inside. You can calculate coverage with a few pieces of information. You can find more information on our website at: Estimating Coverage Area. We would be happy to help you with the calculation and planning as well.
I have a very weak signal outside my home, what can I do?
There are a couple of options if the signal is very weak outside.
- Use a short range, mobile cellular amplifier and keep your phone very close to the inside antenna or
- Use an in line amplifier to boost the signal at the outside antenna (not recommended)
If you have less than 3 bars of signal outside your building then you will not get much coverage area from an in-building amplifier system. You'd probably have to be standing right next to the inside antenna to get any cell service. In most situations, where the outside cell signal is very weak or non existent, it's best to use a mobile signal amplifier and leave your phone next to the inside antenna. It still communicates with the tower at 3 watts. The mobile amplifier costs less. This option does mean you are tethered to the inside antenna but you can use a Bluetooth headset or speaker phone to walk around wireless. Bluetooth usually gives you around 30 feet of coverage.
If I have a very weak signal outside, can I use another amplifier to boost it before going to the building amplifier?
You can use a direct connect cellular power booster as an inline amplifier to boost a weak outside signal. Much care must be taken to set up such a system as it will effect the building amplifier and will probably make any oscillation control built into the amplifier ineffective. It could adversely affect your service providers towers and other users of the towers. We do not recommend doing this especially without professional help.
The best option is to use a short range system such as a vehicle/portable wireless cellular amplifier or a connection type power boosters. Many people use these options, leave their phones close to or connected to the amplifier along with a Bluetooth headsets to walk around the area without being attached to anything.
Can I install multiple inside antennas connected to one amplifier?
In many cases multiple inside antennas may be required. One example is if trying to improve a signal in 2 rooms where the walls block the signal (walls made of metal or rock). Note that adding additional antennas cuts the coverage area in half. For example if one antenna covers 100 feet then 2 antennas with a splitter and additional cable will cover about 50 feet each.
What if I have a large building and one system is not enough?
We can help design a system that can cover large buildings such as buildings with multiple floors, apartment complexes, dorms, warehouses, etc.
