In this article, we will explain the factors that we must consider in order to choose the most suitable amplifier – O2 signal booster to solve communication problems inside our home or office.
What is a cell signal booster?
These cell signal boosters are electronic devices that, together with their antennas and cables, allow us to improve the quality of the signal in the area. For this, we must choose an amplifier that suits our needs. Some important points to consider are:
Technology
The technologies being processed are 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 2G networks (GPRS, EDGE) are those that the phone connects to when it is in more remote areas such as rural or mountainous areas. In 2G networks, the speed is slower, and usually, voice takes precedence over data, not being able to work with these two services at the same time.
3G networks (HSPA, UMTS) take the 3rd place. The generation that is used most often. The main difference between 3G and 2G network is that 3G offers faster browsing speed, moreover, voice and data services can work simultaneously with 3G networks.
4G (LTE) networks are ranked 4th. Generation of mobile telephony technologies. They represent the next step towards 3G, with them the data network improves in quality and speed, allowing speeds of up to 75 Mbps download (download) and 25 Mbps upload, however, in this technology, the voice is no longer processed when we make a call , we can appreciate that the cell phone automatically switches to 3G technology.
Bandwidth
The frequency or operating range is determined by the environment where the technologies are sent, i.e. the technology is like a car, and the band is comparable to a road. It is important to consider that the technology is not required to use only one lane, and in the same way, a carrier or company can handle several.
Aspects to Consider When Choosing An Amplifier
There are three aspects that we must consider when choosing the most suitable amplifier.
Home Location – Received Frequencies
The location of the house is directly related to the 4G / 5G mobile phone frequencies that are received outside the house, which we will be able to boost in order to have full coverage inside our house.
Mobile telephone companies, depending on the area, the number of connections in the area, and the dispersion of customers, can use from two frequencies, up to six different frequencies to cover a specific area or population.
Low frequencies (700-800-900 MHz) can cover more space and penetrate buildings better, but the bandwidth or flow through which the connections are carried is lower, so they are only functional for sparsely populated areas. On the other hand, high frequencies (1800-2100-2600) are capable of carrying a large number of simultaneous connections, but their coverage area is smaller, so they are used only in cities.
To make it easier to choose an amplifier, at UCtel we classify equipment into three main categories:
- Amplifiers 700 -800 -900 MHz;
- Amplifiers 800-900-1800 MHz;
- Amplifiers 800-900-1800-2100-2600 MHz.
Although this classification is general, it is quite practical and fair in choosing the most suitable amplifier.
How to find out the frequencies on which our mobile phone connects
The location of the house is a very practical criterion in choosing the type we will need, however, we have mobile applications such as Network Cell Info Lite and LTE Discovery that indicate the frequencies we connect to. If you want to know more, we invite you to refer to the post: “How to find out the frequencies to which my mobile phone connects”
Housing in the countryside
Rural areas are characterized by fewer users, they are more dispersed. In these areas, companies prefer to use frequencies that have more bandwidth, allowing the phone tower to cover a larger area.
The following frequencies are used in these sections:
- 900 MHz (Band 8). Used for voice calls as well as 3G connections
- 800 MHz (band 20). Transmits 4G data connection and Volte: calls over 4G.
- 700 MHz (band 28). 5G transmission: high-speed connection and calls through 5G. It is also used for 4G.
Housing in urban areas
In cities and urban areas in general, signal strength outside is not such an important factor, because it is normal that we have at least 2 – 3 coverage bands. In urban areas, the factor that will most determine the performance of our mobile phone amplifier is the number of boosted frequencies.
In cities, unlike in rural areas, there are a large number of users and connections that are continuous: voice calls, VOLTE calls, Internet connections; which leads to constant and dense communication traffic. To be able to manage these large numbers of simultaneous connections, operators require different frequencies through which they are routed; and the larger and denser the area, the more frequencies will be required.
The greater the density of users in a city or area, the more frequencies will be required for circulation.
For this reason, the best option in urban areas or tourist areas with a large influx of users is to use 5-band amplifiers, as we will achieve greater stability in calls and communications in general; or in your case a 900-1800-2100 MHz repeater.
Square meters we need to cover
The amplifier’s internal antenna acts as a speaker that radiates the telephone signal from the repeater. The strength of the signal emitted by the internal antenna will determine the amplitude or square meters of the housing where we can have sufficient coverage.
That is, the wider the amplification area, we will need an antenna or internal antennas to resonate with more intensity so that the emitted signal reaches different floors and rooms.
This is where the strength of the signal received outside the home and the power of the amplifier are related to each other, determining the coverage area.
The coverage area will depend on:
- Signal strength outside the home.
- The power of the amplifier used (gain).
- Thickness and type of material of interior partitions.
- A number of relay antennas (internal antennas). We recommend installing at least 1 indoor antenna per floor or every 300 square meters if necessary.
- The height at which the relay antenna is located. The higher the height, the larger the area.
- Enhanced frequencies. As we have seen, low frequencies have a greater ability to propagate in effects covering large areas.
Thus, you can choose the best O2 signal booster for yourself and get good coverage wherever you are.