A cell phone signal booster can do wonders when the reception in your house or office is too low to let you make calls or browse the internet. Having one set up is a good way to strengthen the signal coming in from the nearest carrier tower. Still, you would need to look at the specifications before buying.
Outdoor Antenna Types
- Yagi Antenna: This is a directional antenna which is most sensitive in a single direction, and is typically capable of adding 9 to 11 db gain. It works well for locations which get weak signals, say, of under 2 bars. The Yagi Antenna can also come in handy when there is more than one carrier servicing the household, and all you wish to do is boost the signal for a single carrier.
- Omni Directional Antenna: This type of antenna is capable of picking up a signal from all directions. The typical gain it adds is 3 to 5 db, and on all carriers. Such an antenna is recommended for places which receive 3 bars or more on the outside, and can be used to boost signal strength on any and all carriers.
Indoor Antenna Types
- Dome Antenna: This is the ceiling mounted variety of antenna, which is placed centrally on the ceiling, and can broadcast signal all around. It bears remembering that such antennas do not have the same power as panel antennas, which is why they are more suited for use in small offices and homes.
- Panel Antenna: This is the wall-mounted type of antenna, which broadcasts signal in the direction it is facing. IT works best in long buildings, where the signal has to travel horizontally. This also poses a limitation. Panel antennas are suited for commercial and industrial applications.
The Power Supply
Only the amplifier component of the signal booster requires power; the remaining components run off this same power. Building amplifiers all come with AC power supply. When you get a repeater for a vehicle, it comes with DC power supply.
How a Repeater Works in Metal Buildings
Metal buildings are known to block signals very well, but if you have even a little bit of signal entering an edifice, it essentially gets trapped on the inside, which means excellent coverage. A good booster system can capture and rebroadcast it so that there is good reception in the interior.
