Signal Boosters - 5 Things To Understand

Having a good signal booster can not only improve weak signals, but even pick up signals in some dead spots. Signal boosters can provide up to a 3 watt boost and increase your coverage up to 50 miles or more. Though more expensive than antennas, signal boosters come with their benefits: they can enhance data connections for better Internet, fax, and text messages; reduce the number of dropped calls; and provide clearer connections and stronger signals.

Signal boosters can be necessary because performance of cell phones and data cards are often compromised in many buildings due to concrete, stucco, or metal walls that block cellular signals. In other cases, signals are lost in areas not covered by service providers. Fortunately, signal boosters help fix these problems.

Before purchasing a signal booster, there are several things to understand about them:

1) New technology: Dual band amplifiers only recently became available when the technology made it possible for signals to dynamically boost. Without the proper technology, boosters can overpower the signal coming from the tower, resulting in either a poor quality signal or damage to the phone and tower. As a result, only dual band signal boosters from companies working with the service providers are recommended; these will prevent over-amplification of the signal and therefore any possible damage.

2) Wired versus unwired amplifiers: Signal boosters can either be wired or unwired. While antennas can be used alone, signal boosters require an antenna. Wired cell phone boosters require a phone with an external antenna port and external antenna cable or car kit. This type of booster connection provides the best signal performance gain available when used with the correct antenna. Unwired signal boosters are an active repeater system. One antenna is placed in the vehicle, office, home, or boat, usually as close to the cell phone handset as possible, with the external antenna placed outside of the vehicle, office, home, or boat. Generally, the greater distance between the two antennas, the greater performance gain achieved.

3) Powering your signal booster: A variety of power options are available for signal boosters including through a USB port, cigarette lighter adapter, or AC outlet. The majority of signal boosters also allow connection to multiple phones and data cards simultaneously.

4) Vehicle signal boosters: Vehicle signal boosters are portable, and can easily be moved between vehicles or from vehicle to building. There are even signal boosters designed for large yachts, sailboats, and RVs. Additionally, many amplifiers now come in the form of cradles "" a booster and charger that holds your phone "" making it even more ideal for hands free use with a headset or Bluetooth device. The cradle can be mounted to the console, dashboard, or windshield.

5) Choosing a signal booster that works with your service provider: Almost all service providers use frequencies compatible with Dual Band/Tri-Mode signal boosters; the exception is Nextel. Dual-band signal boosters work with two frequencies, and while one of the frequencies usually supports Nextel phones, it is best to purchase a booster that is made to support just Nextel phones. This will assure more consistent, quality amplification. If the signal booster doesn"t come with an antenna, it is also important to be sure the antenna is compatible with your service provider. For instance, while the same model of phone may be offered by Verizon and AT&T, the antenna is tuned for different frequencies. Even though the Verizon one may fit in the AT&T phone (and vice versa), it will not provide any signal due to its tuning to a different set of frequencies.

Though more expensive than antennas, signal boosters provide added benefits: they can enhance coverage, improve connections for Internet and text, and decrease the number of dropped calls. Understanding how signal boosters work can be extremely beneficial. Knowing about the new technology, wired versus wireless amplifiers, powering your signal booster, vehicle signal boosters, and choosing a signal booster that works with your service provider can make all the difference in considering purchasing one.