Choosing the right mobile signal booster can be a difficult task. After all, calls must be made without mobile phone signal problems. If you don't have a GSM signal, it will be helpful to use a mobile signal booster. This article explains step by step how to select the correct mobile signal booster. We will use an example for simplicity. Let's consider these initial data:
- We use the Vodafone operator.
- The address is Hantverkargatan, 29, Stockholm.
- The external GSM signal is good (3 bars).
- We want to cover an internal environment of approximately 600 square meters in one plant.
The 6 steps to determine the choice of the mobile signal booster:
- Step 1. Which operator are we interested in?
- Step 2. Calculate the square meters we would like to cover
- Step 3. Do we want to improve the calls or also the data?
- Step 4. Check for signal outside
- Step 5. Search for base stations with the correct frequencies
- Step 6. Choose the correct mobile signal booster
Step 1. Which operator are we interested in?
In Europe we have main operators and the so-called "Virtual mobile operators (MVNO)". These virtual operators use the network of one of the main providers. Depending on which operator we use we will have to choose the right frequence for it.
Step 2. Calculate how many square meters we would like to cover
We want to amplify the cellular signal within an environment of about 600 square meters, on a single floor. The restaurant has some walls and doors, it is not an open space.
- Surface: 600 square meters
Step 3. Do we want to improve the calls or also the data connection?
A common observation is "we have Wi-Fi, so it's just a question of calls." In principle, this is not a bad idea, since Wi-Fi is often present in homes and offices.
Classically, calls are made over the 2G network and the typical frequency of 900 MHz (in some cases even 1800 MHz). Nowadays, however, more and more calls are taking advantage of the 4G network. Calling by 4G is just that.
In a previous article, we shed some light on 4G calls highlighting these positive aspects:
- Superior call quality
- Improved coverage and connection
- Longer battery life
- Video calls
Therefore, the 4G network is not only useful for data connection and internet, but it is also an interesting technology to call, so we add it to the requirements of our ideal signal booster.
- Network: we want to improve calls (900 MHz) and 4G data connection (800 MHz).
Step 4. Check for signal outside
Each mobile signal amplifier is equipped with an external antenna (model panel antenna). The strength of this panel antenna depends in part on the quality of the external GSM signal. This has to do with the distance to the base stations (Vodafone in this case) is crucial. A panel antenna receives the signal at approximately 180 degrees and is suitable when the external signal is reasonably good, with a distance to radio stations of approximately 1.5 km.
The ideal is to measure the quality of the external signal on the roof of the building because that is where the external antenna will be installed (here you can find how to measure the GSM signal with Android and how to measure the GSM signal with iPhone) .
- The external signal is good: 3 bars
Step 5. Search for base stations with the correct frequencies
To find out which mobile signal amplifier we need, let's check the frequencies that are compatible with the Vodafone base stations closest to us.
Each region of Europe has a registry of radio base stations for mobile telephony, which is displayed on an online map. In our example we are in an urban area and there are many transmitting antennas around us. In particular, we saw one 600 meters from our building.
Step 6. Choose the correct mobile signal booster
We take a number of very helpful notes. Let's summarize for a moment.
- Operator: Vodafone
- Surface: 600 square meters
- Network: 2G (900 MHz) and 4G (800 MHz) calls
- External signal: 3 bars
- Base stations: within a radius of 1.5 km
This leads us to the choice of the ideal mobile signal booster:
GSM repeater RF-EL13-H by Rosenfelt
All mobile signal amplifiers are supplied with external antenna, internal antenna and 10 meter coaxial cable . With the coaxial cable it is possible to assemble the external antenna as high as possible and facing the base stations. It will be advisable to put it on the roof or on the facade.
Each indoor antenna covers approximately 300m2, depending on the environment in which it is installed. The more obstacles (walls, doors and floors), the weaker the signal. To cover a total of 600m2, we need two internal antennas.
We choose a extension kit 2 internal antennas . Comes with a 2-way splitter, connector, two coaxial cables, and two indoor antennas. Both indoor antennas will be mounted on a different side of the building to distribute as much signal as possible.
If you still want advice on your choice, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you!
