In this day and age of technology, internet, and wireless communication, cell phones have become a prime necessity in our everyday lives. We use it for work, school, or at home, from the moment we wake up to the time we need to sleep.
Along with our mobile devices is the constant need for continuous connectivity. Our present signal transmission systems have come a long way from reliance on purely wired connections.
However, there are still times when the wireless reception of our devices’ fails us. Either the link to the nearest signal is too weak to make calls, or our internet is too slow to load a webpage.
This dilemma could disrupt our daily activities and could lead to a whole day’s worth of productivity or leisure gone in a snap.
Fortunately, the invention of the cell phone signal booster came along to help out with this problem.
What’s a cell phone signal booster?
A cell phone signal booster is a device that amplifies cellular communication waves to improve reception in enclosed areas or places with plenty of obstruction. These areas usually include inside buildings, establishments, and vehicles where signals tend to be weaker.
How do cell phone signal boosters work?
Tall trees, buildings, tunnels, hills, or even your distance from the point where you are getting your signal can disrupt your reception or connection.
A signal booster works by capturing the strongest signal through an outside antenna. That signal passes through a cellular repeater, which boosts the signal and transmits it through an inside antenna. You will then be able to receive a better or even a full-bar connection on your mobile device.
Types of cell phone signal boosters
There are two main types of signal boosters that people can use. One is an analog signal booster, and the other is a smart signal booster.
Analog Signal Booster
An analog signal booster is the original and traditional form of reception boosters which utilizes an antenna to amplify signals.
For these types of boosters, they can amplify any mobile phone carrier frequencies without a problem. It usually comes with a separate antenna to be placed outside and at the highest possible spot of your location to capture better signals.
An analog signal booster—also known as bi-directional repeater or amplifier, or BDA—works for both cellular phones and two-way radios. It usually has 63 to 70 dB gains.
Smart Signal Boosters
A smart signal booster, on the other hand, is a newer generation of signal boosters that are wireless and digital.
These boosters typically use a digital baseband process to amplify then rebroadcast the reception to your mobile device. Compared to the 63 to 70 dB gains of an analog booster, smart signal boosters typically come with over 100 dB gains.
Smart signal boosters are pricier than their analog counterparts but come with more advantages and features. That includes plug-and-play, internal boosters, and requires no outside antenna.
All signal boosters have classifications or categories depending on their usage. Some are designed to be installed only on fixed places such as buildings, homes, or offices. Others are suitable for mobile locations or vehicles such as camper trailers, buses, ships, trucks, and cars.
When choosing a signal booster, consider what service provider you have, your location, and where you will use it. Finding out what you need for your area and usage will help you decide on the right signal booster for you.
