Cell Phone Signal Booster

[Sawdustsmb]

We have DSL here so I guess I need to run a phone line to the barn or tractor garage where I can set the whole thing up. Thanks and keep it up guys - I'm learning!!!! Will get to town and talk to Verizon soon.

Bob

 

[Cagley]

We have DSL here so I guess I need to run a phone line to the barn or tractor garage where I can set the whole thing up. Thanks and keep it up guys - I'm learning!!!! Will get to town and talk to Verizon soon.

Bob

Bob, I wanted to point out in case it got lost in the mix, that there are two types of solutions. The first is a microcell or network-extender. It plugs into your internet connection and generates its own signal. You can only get them directly from your carrier and they only work for that single carrier.

The second option is a signal booster or repeater. A signal booster can't create its own signal, instead it takes an existing signal, amplifies it, and rebroadcasts it in a place where you need a better signal. It doesn't require an Internet connection, but it does require at least some signal otherwise there's nothing to boost.

Each option has advantages and disadvantages. Microcells/Network-Extenders are usually cheaper, but you need a good quality and reliable Internet connection for them to work properly. Signal boosters cost more, but they don't tie you to a single carrier and work in places with no Internet.

I hope this helps in case there was any confusion.

 

[Sawdustsmb]

Cagley
I do have excellent reception (3-4) bars on the top of an electric pole 20 - 25' up right next to the tractor garage - if I can use that with a signal booster just in the driveway area around the barn, shop and garage it would be great. sorry if I seem a lot dense on this.

Bob

 

[Cagley]

Cagley
I do have excellent reception (3-4) bars on the top of an electric pole 20 - 25' up right next to the tractor garage - if I can use that with a signal booster just in the driveway area around the barn, shop and garage it would be great. sorry if I seem a lot dense on this.

Bob

Can you explain a bit more about the area you're trying to cover? Is it just the OUTSIDE area around the barn/shop/garage. Or is it the INSIDE of the BARN, the SHOP, and the GARAGE? If you can, let us know exactly what areas you're trying to cover with signal and about how many square feet are in each area.

 

[nikdfish]

We have the first model Verizon microcell (aka femtocell) and it has worked well for us. It is the non 3G version and pretty low bandwidth (I understand the 3G version wants something like 3 mbits worth). You should know that the phone needs to come fairly close to the unit (15 feet?) to "register" with it. After registration it will stay linked until out of range or until a tower signal is stronger. Double check bandwidth requirements on the unit you are considering to be sure it is a good fit with your DSL service.

Nick

 

[wcampbell47]

Cagley
I do have excellent reception (3-4) bars on the top of an electric pole 20 - 25' up right next to the tractor garage - if I can use that with a signal booster just in the driveway area around the barn, shop and garage it would be great. sorry if I seem a lot dense on this.

Bob

I noticed when I tried to filter on a specific carrier I got no red dots either. Something quirky there with the map ... works in my area.
Ok, if you have signal and can mount the "outside" antennae on the pole and cable it down to the barn, then install the actual booster in a protected area with 110 v available you can then cable to an "inside" antennae which you position to give you the best coverage around the shop. With 3-4 bars at the top of the electric pole I would expect the boosted signal to be great down on the ground. BTW this system boosts both ways, signals from the tower as well as to the tower are boosted. This type does not require internet and will boost signals from carriers in the 800 - 1900 mhz range which should cover most carriers .. but not Nextel - different protocol.

At this point I encourage you to go to the Wilson web site and attempt to locate a certified installer in your area. If you are a really hands on guy you can find where they are sold in your area. They come with pretty good instructions.

FYI - I am a tractor owner and driver. When I moved here I opened up a computer repair office. One thing led to another, a lot of questions about internet service (or the lack there of) and cell phones. I applied to be a local distributor and have been selling/installing these units for a little over a year now. It is really great to handle a product that works. I have saved more than one marriage by improving cell phone reception in the house. LOL

 

[wcampbell47]

I was just at Verizon today asking about the boosters.

They say it will work only if you have internet already and can connect the booster to the cable box, and essentially re-transmit the signal. The higher you can get the transmitter, the more range you have. It's been 53 years since I had wave guide theory. Line of sight ,correct.

Is it also true the higher you place the Mifi the better signal you will have.

Cost is $199. for the booster

The carrier specific boosters that I know of work only with that carrier and require a good internet connection. So then your signal becomes voice over IP. The thing about VOIP is that you typically hear (download side) ok, but the person on the other end (upload side) does not hear you that well. That because of internet provisioning where download speed is usually way higher than upload speed.

In my experience the higher you place the Mifi the better coverage you get. Prior to acquiring my signal booster my Mifi ran hot to the touch .. constantly trying to pull in a weak signal. I installed my signal booster and put the Mifi in close proximity. Runs cool as a cucumber with improved data speeds.

Maybe something that has not been said .. cell phone signal boosters not only improve the quality of voice calls but improve Mifi data speeds as well.

 

[Sawdustsmb]

Without getting out a tape measure in the snow - I would estimate the area I am seeking coverage for to be a rectangular area 100' long x 50' wide. Barn on one long side, shop on 1/3 of other, and 2 story garage coming into one end. The main barn door is closer to the garage end of the rectangle. Some penetration into the barn would be nice. If we can't get service outside I'll set it up in the barn - at least I won;t have to walk up in the middle of a field to return calls.
Thanks for all your responses. I think we will start with a signal booster and see what happens.
Bob

 

[clemsonfor]

I was just at Verizon today asking about the boosters.

They say it will work only if you have internet already and can connect the booster to the cable box, and essentially re-transmit the signal. The higher you can get the transmitter, the more range you have. It's been 53 years since I had wave guide theory. Line of sight ,correct.

Is it also true the higher you place the Mifi the better signal you will have.

Cost is $199. for the booster

I know they work, are freinds that live 1 mile from us with no change in signal outside the homes, have one and have almost half to full signal inside their home. They have some sort of booster for verizon.

 

[WayneB]

We bought the Verizon booster when they first introduced it and I think they charged me $99.00, now they are like $189 dollars.
Amazon also sells this item.
Amazon.com: Verizon Wireless Samsung Network Extender SCS-26UC4: Cell Phones & Accessories

We have all gone to 3g phones and our signals at home is much better. They have also added the verizon network to the cell tower in town so this item isn稚 really needed any longer here at home.

Wayne