How to improve your cell phone signal. How to strengthen the cellular signal on your phone with your own hands
Let's be honest: all mobile operators love to talk about how they are improving the coverage of their networks. The operators really do this. However, for someone somewhere this work may not be enough. Often, a not-too-good signal from a base station in a particular location can be solved by replacing one operator with another - we have already learned how to easily do this, without forgetting to do this at the same time. It also happens, however, that you can’t easily change the operator, or the place is so uncrowded or inconvenient (more on that below) that you can’t get good reception by trying out different colored SIM cards.
There are solutions, and we will tell you about them soon, but first, let's remember why it is almost impossible to provide good mobile communication absolutely everywhere. We pay attention to the word “absolutely”: it happens that it doesn’t “receive” on your site, while on the road to it, and at your neighbors’ mobile phone works as it should. Most likely, the problem is not that the dark forces did not love you, but in ordinary physics: by coincidence, it is your house in the village that is blocked from the base station by some hill, or the house itself is “hidden” from it in the lowland.
Sometimes things become more prosaic: you have chosen a place for a country holiday where few people live, expecting peace and quiet from such a place. Perfect solution, but also understand telecom operators: they “spread” their networks primarily where there are people, and not where they are not.
Be that as it may, if your home has at least weak signal, then you have something to do to improve the situation. Required Devices from our review can be found in telecom operator stores or where they sell household appliances.
We limit ourselves to mobile Internet
You can get mobile Internet on a PC or gadget in several ways. If you needed cellular communication precisely as a way to access World Wide Web, then this problem is easiest and cheapest to solve. All modern smartphones and laptops support Wi-Fi connectivity, and we will take advantage of it.
An external antenna will help us. This device, compared to your mobile phone, can work with a much weaker signal cellular network. There is only one difficulty: you need to understand where in your home this weak signal is strongest. As a rule, on the second floor of the house or in the attic. Before installing the antenna, moving it, experiment with the speed of Internet access, find the most better position and fix the antenna there.
You can’t just connect a computer or smartphone to the antenna: you need an intermediary. As an intermediary, you can use a USB modem with a SIM card, which you connect to the antenna, and you will get the Internet by connecting your gadget via cable or Wi-Fi, if the antenna itself has such a function. If you use it as a modem Wi-Fi router, which also has a SIM card installed inside, then you will connect not to the antenna, but to the router.
Almost all of the antennas or antenna accessories in this review have a characteristic that reflects their ability to turn a weak signal into a strong one: gain. It is measured in decibels (dB). The larger it is, the weaker the signal from the base station you can amplify to an acceptable level. As the gain increases, as a rule, the cost of antennas also increases. Without special equipment and knowledge, it is unfortunately impossible to understand in advance what kind of gain would be enough for you.Occasionally, you come across devices on sale that support a specific radio frequency range, and by an unfortunate coincidence, this particular one may not be suitable for you. Taking into account both factors, we advise you to buy a device for improving communication only where you will be willing to take it back if it suddenly doesn’t work.
Just in case, let’s clarify: you need to install not the SIM card from your phone into your modem or router, but a separate one, with your own tariff, which you will choose based on your Internet needs. We talked a little more about choosing a tariff. We also remind you that MTS has an excellent conversation on your usual mobile number by connecting to Wi-Fi through a special free application.
Example of an external amplifying antenna: Remo Ultra 3G/4G
We invite cellular communication home
As soon as your needs cellular communications are varied, and you need conversations, SMS, and mobile Internet, your option for strengthening the signal is the so-called signal repeater. A repeater (from English repeat, repeat) consists of two modules - a receiver, which you place in a place with best welcome, and an emitter that “repeats” what was caught by the receiver and is already amplified signal from the cellular network. Thus, the repeater will provide communication exactly where you need it - in your home. A SIM card is not needed for such a device; you connect your smartphone or tablet to it in the same way as to a regular cellular network, not via Wi-Fi.
Everything seems simple, but important nuance There is. Repeaters are different, just as cellular networks are different. Modern telephone can also work with 2G networks for voice communication, and 4G networks for high-speed mobile Internet, and with 3G networks, which allow you to talk and use the Internet, albeit at a lower speed compared to 4G. The repeater, as a rule, is ready to receive and relay either a signal from 2G, 3G, or 4G in your home. And you need to choose devices for amplification based on what you are doing it for, and, of course, taking into account the availability of a particular network of your operator. In particular, remember that we can still talk through 4G, but through the 2G (GSM) network we cannot use mobile Internet at a comfortable speed. The compromise option is 3G.
Depending on the supported communication standard and signal amplification factor, repeaters can cost from several thousand to tens of thousands of rubles. If you only need mobile Internet, then it is most likely cheaper to get by with the first solution in our review, an external antenna.
A special case
When planning new holiday or cottage communities, not to mention new urban areas, houses are immediately provided with wired Internet. At the same time, at first, even in a large village there may not be a stable cellular connection: installing another base station nearby is not at all a trivial matter for the operator. In this case, cellular communications can reach your home via wired internet.
All the methods described may raise the reader’s question: how safe is it? Almost everyone has heard something somewhere about the dangers of base station radiation, but here, in fact, you are asked to drag radiating antennas into your home yourself. We hasten to disappoint lovers of exciting long stories: all proposed solutions have passed the strictest government control regarding radiation levels and are completely safe to use at home. Let us remember that in Russia this control is stricter than in many European countries and the United States. The question is about “harm” base stations We will go into detail, and now we have nothing to add: cellular communication is a story about your convenience, and not about the terrible danger of “choking” in radio waves.
We are sure that you know about the possibility of connecting a router to a wired Internet and “distributing” Wi-Fi from it to a laptop, smartphone or tablet. If you needed mobile Internet from your cellular connection at home, then this is the most convenient and, moreover, the cheapest way.
Voice communication in the conditions described above will be organized by a femtocell - a miniature low-power base station that will be connected to your wired Internet and to which you will connect via 3G Cell phones your household. Femtocell guarantees you high quality voice mobile communications even when the signal from the base station in your home is very weak, it still must be there - otherwise the device will not work.
A femtocell is not much different in size from a regular Wi-Fi router; you need to purchase it from your mobile operator. In particular, MTS in Moscow will begin selling such devices to everyone in June 2016 at a price of about 7 thousand rubles.
The problem of poor or insufficient cellular signal, unfortunately, is still relevant. Even though it is already the 21st century. Especially, lovers of country holidays, residents of villages and cottage settlements, where the quality of mobile communications often does not allow communication on the phone, suffer from this. However, you should not put up with this. After all, you can independently strengthen the cellular signal. There are several ways to do this.
The simplest (passive) method is using a GSM antenna that connects directly to the mobile phone via special connector. It helps to pick up radio waves from the operator's base station and then transmits them to the smartphone. Most a budget option for a cottage or country house - this is a GSM antenna with an SMA connector and a gain from 1 to 5 dBi. As a rule, its cost varies from 200 to 1000 rubles.
A GSM antenna is installed on the roof or facade of the house. It is desirable that there is at least a minimal signal in this place. For example, 1-2 divisions on the phone.
The operating principle of such an antenna is simple. It organizes the reception and transmission of radio signals from the base station and the phone (or router), being connected to the latter via a coaxial cable, which comes with the antenna and has a length of 1.5 to 5 m.
Naturally, this method has a number of inconveniences. First, you are limited by the length of the cable. As a result, your mobile phone essentially turns into a landline. Secondly, the RF cable that transmits signals from the GSM antenna has a rare SMA connector. You will need an adapter to connect it and modern smartphone. Thirdly, the received signal is often partially “lost” on the cable, as a result of which the quality of communication improves slightly.
You can buy professional solutions with a cellular communication amplifier in the MobileBooster online store; the company sells and installs systems.
Install a cell phone booster yourself
Continuing to talk about how to strengthen the signal on the phone, one cannot help but mention such a device as a repeater. The principle of its operation is to amplify and relay waves that come from both the phone itself and the operator’s base station. You can purchase a repeater at a specialized store and install it yourself.
To do this, you need to figure out what comes with the device:
- The repeater itself (repeater)
- Coaxial cable
- Two antennas - for indoor and outdoor placement
- Power unit.
First of all, we assemble and install external antenna. The ideal place for installation is the roof, where it can be mounted on a special mast (1.5-2 m long). True, it is necessary to clarify in advance the location of the nearest operator tower and turn the external antenna in its direction. Also make sure that there are no high obstacles nearby - trees, poles, etc.
Next, using a coaxial cable, we connect an external antenna with a gsm signal amplifier (repeater), which we install in the house. It is important that there is a sufficiently large distance between them, but there is no “line of sight”. That is, there were obstacles - windows, walls, furniture, etc. The same applies to the internal antenna. It is best to install it and the repeater closer to the “working areas,” that is, where you plan to receive or make calls. For example, a veranda, kitchen or living room.
The video below shows how to install a cellular amplifier yourself.
Make a repeater with your own hands
Previously, we talked about how you can improve the quality of cellular communications far from the city (in a village or country house) special device– a GSM and 3g repeater (or as it is also called a repeater), whose cost cannot be called low. Prices for many models of such equipment vary from 10 to 40 thousand rubles. Therefore, some people make their own cell phone booster.
This will require some components:
- Wire 30-40 cm long (for example, made of iron, but not copper);
- A piece of plastic;
- Double connection block for wires;
- Coaxial cable (about 10 m);
- A small piece of thin plastic pipe (literally 20-30 cm);
- Fasteners in the form of bolts and nuts;
- Insulating tape.
The device creation scheme is as follows:
- First, we take pliers, with the help of which we make a rhombus out of wire. Only we bend its ends inward so that they are parallel to each other. Their length is 7-8 cm.
- A block is connected to the ends of the wire so that 2 wires can then be connected to it.
- Next, take a plastic tube to which the antenna with the block is attached.
- The outer insulation is removed from one end of the cable. After which the two conductors are connected to the contacts of the connecting block. As a result, the cable becomes a continuation of the previously assembled antenna.
- The next step is installing the antenna. Which place should I choose for this? We recommend - a high pole, the roof of a house, a facade, etc. You can even hang it next to a television antenna. Just make sure that it is directed towards the operator's base station.
- Now bring the other end of the cable into the room. Also remove the outer layer of insulation from it.
- All that remains is to take a plastic plate, make a small hole in it and secure the wire. This is where electrical tape comes in handy. It is advisable to cut the plate into a shape and size that will resemble the back cover of the phone.
All that remains is to test the amplifier, made by yourself. To do this, take your phone and attach to it the plastic plate to which you connected the cable from the antenna. Now you can see how the signal quality has improved. At a minimum, 1-2 divisions will be added to the phone.
Constantly breaking 3G or WiFi connection can greatly ruin the mood of the smartphone owner. Engineers have created many devices and programs that improve the Internet signal on your phone.
How to improve signal reception on your smartphone
When your Internet connection drops frequently, you need to find the cause of the problem and then try one of these methods:
| Change of telecom operator | Instant improvement in signal gradation. | It is difficult to immediately select the right company. |
| Buying a new phone with enhanced intake signal |
| Will require serious financial costs. |
| Flashing the phone |
| It will not help with hardware problems. |
| Repair due to phone damage | New spare parts will improve your phone's Internet signal reception. | If the damage is not related to the receiver, then it will not be possible to improve the Internet. |
| Installation of special software |
| Will not help with hardware problems with reception. |
| Antenna connection | Strengthens the Internet signal by 2-3 times. |
|
| Installation of a GSM repeater or repeater | Improves the power of all types of signals. |
|
Software method
Not everyone can afford to buy a phone with enhanced signal reception. Try to improve Wi-Fi work, 3G and 4G owners of smartphones and tablets based on MediaTek processors, can with using MTK Engineering Mode. The program must be downloaded for free from Play Market. Actions after installing the software:
- Go to the Telephony tab, select Band Mode.
- Click on SIM1. In the settings, uncheck all the boxes except EGSM900, DCS1800, WCDMA-GSM-900. This disables frequencies unused in Russia. A similar setting is performed for SIM2.
- Next, you need to go to the “Select Network” item and install GSM/WCDMA auto. Then the 2G signal will not be lost when the phone is working.
- If you select GSM/WCDMA (WCDM preffered), the device will try to connect to 3G networks, but may experience interruptions in GSM operation.
InternetSpeedMaster application using ROOT rights
When web data reception on a smartphone slows down, users begin to blame the operator and the selected tariff plan. The InternetSpeedMaster application can improve the situation. The user must first root the phone, otherwise the software will not change system files. Procedure after obtaining root rights on Android:
- Log in to the program and grant superuser rights.
- Go to the ApplyPatch tab and restart your smartphone. The signal amplifier will then work.
- If you need to return the old settings, go to the main program menu and click Restore.
Many craftsmen are trying to create a 4g signal amplifier for their phone on their own. The efficiency of a homemade antenna is at the level of initial ready-made signal amplifiers. To create the device you will need an antenna from an old radio receiver, copper wire no more than 4 mm thick, screwdriver, small washer, soldering accessories. Procedure:
- The antenna is disassembled at the base.
- A wire is soldered to the washer.
- The washer is carefully screwed back to the base of the antenna.
- Some experts advise making a reflector from foil to further enhance the signal. You can use a sheet of cardboard as a base for the reflector. You need to glue foil to it. For convenience, you can purchase foil fiberglass. The reflector is placed behind the antenna.
- The finished amplifier can be connected to a phone or a 3G modem:
- You need to remove the back cover of the smartphone, find the receiver connector or to connect the antenna. Strip the wire and then connect it to the hole.
- If the modem has an input for connecting a third-party antenna, the wire is connected there. If there is no connector, the first third of the device is carefully wrapped with wire.
How to strengthen a cellular signal in an apartment or country house using a repeater
The coverage area of Tele2, MTS, Megafon, Beeline formally includes all settlements Russia, but in villages very remote from cities, GSM and 3G do not work so well. You can increase the strength of the incoming cellular signal using a repeater. The device consists of internal and external antennas and a repeater. A homemade passive repeater can be made like this:
- Take 2 wires 4-5 mm thick and make a circle out of them.
- Place homemade antennas on coaxial cable, solder them at a distance of 5 to 10 cm from each other.
- Connect the cable to the phone or simply place the structure next to it.
Top 3 3g cell signal boosters
These devices are designed to speed up the Internet. The 3g signal booster in most cases functions without a SIM card and direct connection to the modem, but the user can optionally connect some devices to the router. The most popular models devices of this type:
| Model name | Main characteristics | How to install |
|---|---|---|
| The installation is the same for all models:
|
|
| Booster TD-980 |
|
|
| GSM LOCUS MOBI-900 COUNTRY |
|
Universal compact antenna amplifier
To improve the performance of the receiver, a sticker sticker is fixed behind the battery under back cover phone. Visually antenna amplifier It is a thin plate with metal tracks. It can be replaced with foil. Installation procedure for self-adhesive antenna:
- The back cover of the smartphone is removed. It is important not to damage the phone case during manipulation.
- The battery is carefully removed.
- You need to remove the protective paper from the adhesive part of the antenna and then attach it to the place of the battery.
- The battery is placed back into the phone.
Video
The Internet is an indispensable thing in modern world. The more we need mobile Internet, the more annoying it is to discover a bad signal or even complete absence. Although the quality of cellular communications has improved over last years, it still often fails. How to fix low 3G signal quality and what to do about it?
Reasons for a bad mobile signal: can it be improved?
Problems with cellular communications and mobile Internet can be caused by completely different sources: from distance from cell towers to bad weather conditions. Let's look at the most common reasons:
- remoteness of cell towers;
- third party networks disrupting the signal;
- a large number of obstacles - high-rise buildings, metal structures, hills, mountains;
- bad weather- rains, thunderstorms, storms, etc.;
- heavy network load - common in the evening;
- hardware problems - e.g. low charge phone.
You can improve your cellular signal, and here are the most obvious and simple ways:
- be closer to a cell tower;
- go out to an open place or to a window - so that barriers do not interfere with the “travel” of radio waves from the telephone to the tower;
- recharge the device - moving away from a cell tower requires more power transmitter, which drains the battery faster.
Unexpectedly, I discovered that cases and accessories made of metal - or with metal inserts - can negatively affect the signal, just like large metal structures. I suggest that owners of such accessories test the Internet speed with and without a case. The result may pleasantly surprise you.
Other methods are more complicated and not so obvious; they are related to additional devices or programs. Let's look at them in more detail.
Strengthening Connectivity Using Apps: Pros and Cons
There are a large number of signal booster applications available on the Internet. At the same time, you do not risk damaging your phone and do not waste money. Let's see if this is really true?
I will analyze the software method for improving the signal using the example of one of the popular and easy-to-use applications - Internet Speed Master.
For Internet use Speed Master just needs to launch the program and click the “Apply Patch” button - for smartphones with Root rights or “Improve Internet Connection” for non-rooted phones. Whenever the signal is bad, just use the application again and the smartphone will find a strong and stable network signal.
Root rights or “Superuser” rights mean full access to all device data. It is thanks to Root rights that the user can get “unlimited” access to all files on the device under Android control.
Wikipedia
https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root
U Internet programs Speed Master is extremely simple and clear interface
Be careful if you want to get root rights. Careless use of “superuser” rights can easily turn a smartphone into a “brick”. It’s better to be on the safe side than to regret later about losing your device.
Let's consider all the pros and cons of this application and the method in general.
Advantages of the software method:
- simple and intuitive interface for most applications;
- the method does not require material costs;
- applications do not require your intervention - just press a couple of buttons;
- you can check the method in a couple of minutes, without even leaving your home.
Disadvantages of the software method:
- does not give a positive result on all devices;
- Many applications require Root rights.
The disadvantages are insignificant compared to the advantages. It's safe to say that trying this method with a bad signal definitely won't hurt.
Using purchased or homemade antennas to enhance communications
Cellular signal strength is measured in decibels (dB) and ranges from -50 dB (excellent signal) to -120 dB (no signal). Antennas, repeaters, repeaters and other equipment increase this level, improving communications.
Cellular signal quality varies from -50 dB to -120 dB
You can find out the signal strength on Android in the following way:
If the previous method did not improve the signal quality sufficiently, then it is worth trying to increase the communication speed using an antenna. The cost of a purchased antenna starts from 1300 rubles. The range of equipment is quite wide among both Chinese devices and Russian manufacturers.
Whip antenna - an inexpensive and simple way to strengthen the communication signal
The main difference between antennas is the radiation pattern - the most common antennas are circular (can catch a signal from all sides) and directional ( maximum effect when directed to the side cell tower) diagrams. Antennas also vary in shape. The most popular are pin and panel.
Another type of antenna is panel
If for some reason you do not want to purchase an antenna, you can build it yourself, using simple improvised means. This does not require special knowledge, so most users can do it.
Use of repeaters (repeaters)
Repeaters or repeaters are more complex and expensive devices than antennas. Prices for repeaters start at 7,000 rubles, however, they also improve the signal quality more strongly. Even the most inexpensive devices have a coverage area of 200 m² with good conditions(signal of 3-4 sticks). And expensive models (from 40,000) can easily cover several floors of an office building or shopping center.
Repeaters are one of the best devices to strengthen the signal
Installation of cellular repeaters
If you have already chosen suitable device, it must be installed correctly. Of course, you can use the services of specialists, but it is quite possible to carry out the installation yourself. To do this, just follow the instructions:
- Install an external antenna outdoors. At the same time, directional antennas must look in the direction of the cell tower.
- Place internal antennas indoors, at least five meters below the external one.
- Connect the external and internal antennas with cables and connect to the repeater.
- Connect the repeater to power and check for power supply.
If you are not sure where the cell phone station is, have someone stand at the indoor antenna while you slowly rotate the antenna until you find the best signal.
If everything is done correctly, the signal level near the internal antenna will increase significantly, approaching the maximum.
Other 3G signal boosters
On sale you can find compact amplifiers in the form of stickers located inside the smartphone case. They are a geometric pattern of several metal strips. The manufacturer claims that the amplifier reduces interference and improves the signal in places where it is almost absent. On the AliExpress website, such stickers are sold in packs of 10 for only 140 rubles, but their effectiveness, as they say, relies on chance and, according to most reviews, no increase is observed among users.
Small stickers like this can improve communication
Instead of such stickers, many ordinary users and even experts say that even an ordinary piece of foil located under the cover of the phone helps to get an increase in the signal. This method requires minimal costs, so it is quite suitable for testing.
Main reasons bad signal lies in the remoteness of cellular communication stations and remote areas, but the quality of communication is somehow improved with the help of simple and not so simple means. Simple manipulations give a significant increase in communication speed. All that remains is to wish you fast Internet!
Network coverage mobile operators not continuous. And no one will make it continuous - it is economically unprofitable. A certain contribution to this is made by the peculiarities of the propagation of radio waves, which is why zones of radio silence may arise at certain points. Poor cellular signal reception - this problem relevant for many people, especially for those who live outside the city, far from the nearest base stations. Let's try to solve this problem together.
Reception situation
There are thousands of complaints about cellular operators on the Internet - people complain that they have problems with communication. Unfortunately, no one will make sure that the signal is received everywhere and with the same strength. This is impossible due to economic reasons, this is impossible due to some physical reasons. Russian operators in general they work well, and their coverage area is decent - this is confirmed by evaluative comparisons with European operators. You're just a little unlucky with the location.
If you are complaining about bad level MTS signal in your area, nothing prevents you from interviewing your neighbors and finding out which operator they use. It is quite possible that Beeline or MegaFon will work much better for you, delighting you with stable reception. Even Tele2, which is not always distinguished by a wide coverage area, has significantly increased the coverage of its networks in recent years - you can try.
Transferring a number to another operator
You can object - they say, I don’t want to change the operator, even if the signal from another operator is picked up many times better. This is called “to spite my neighbor I will freeze my ears.” Don’t change if you don’t want to – sit in the wilderness and rejoice in the lack of communication. For others, we can offer a reasonable solution - if in your area MTS is not detected, but Beeline is caught, go to the Beeline office and write an application to port the number.
Advantages of this approach:
- In just 8-9 days your mobile phone will be working - it will be serviced in the network of another operator, and you will forget what poor network coverage is.
- You can choose a more profitable tariff plan.
- You will remain with your number - there is no need to change it at all.
This the best way combating poor cellular signal reception, but it will require preliminary research - you need to decide which operator works best in your area.
Buying another phone
This is not to say that this is the most optimal way to solve the problem of poor signal reception. All modern tubes have approximately the same sensitivity. Therefore, buying another smartphone may result in unnecessary expenses. And the talk of Apple fans that iPhones “catch anywhere” is nothing more than a myth.
Find phone with high sensitivity problematic for poor reception conditions. A few years ago they existed, but then they disappeared somewhere. People living in remote areas are advised to look for old mobile phones Nokia phones and Motorola - they were distinguished by increased sensitivity.
- DEXP Larus X2 rev.2.
- BQ Rome BQD-2051.
- Termit FixPhone v2.
Their cost does not exceed 3,000 rubles, and antennas protruding from the housings will provide increased sensitivity.
The most difficult problem to solve is the reception of 3G and 4G signals, since only modern phones work with them.
Using external antennas
External antennas will help improve the quality of voice communications and increase the speed of mobile Internet. They connect to phones equipped with appropriate sockets. Unfortunately, they are equipped with extremely limited quantity models. Let's see which handsets we can connect external antennas to to improve cellular network signal reception:
- Huawei ETS5623 is a landline cellular telephone complete with remote antenna and 10 meter roll of cable. Cost - about 4 thousand rubles. An excellent solution for poor cellular signal reception.
- Runbo H1 is a very expensive smartphone costing almost 60 thousand rubles, made in a shock-resistant and waterproof case. It is equipped with a connector for an external antenna.
- Kit MT3020B is another stationary device, equipped with a socket for an external antenna, which is supplied in the kit. The cost of the phone is about 5.5 thousand rubles.
We also recommend paying attention to the handsets of the last decade - they were often equipped with connectors for antennas (including those hidden under the back cover) for operation in bad reception cellular signal.
Cellular communications are needed not only for voice transmission, but also for access to mobile internet. And if we cannot find a smartphone with a connector for an external antenna, then there are plenty of 3G and 4G modems with them. Literally every second modem can be connected to an antenna, which will significantly improve the quality of reception.
Passive repeaters
The use of passive repeaters allows you to improve cellular signal reception without expensive electronics. Most often this homemade devices, which are a bunch of two small antennas. Beer cans, copper wire, and some other unimaginable household products are also used in the designs. All this is not serious, and it also limits freedom of movement around the house - you have to talk on the phone while directly next to such a repeater.
There is one more interesting thing technical solution. If your smartphone does not have an antenna jack, you can do the following:
- Buy one directional GSM antenna and one GSM whip antenna.
- Install a directional antenna on the roof of the house, on a tree or pole up to 10 meters high (the larger the better).
- Install a whip antenna in your home.
- Connect both antennas with a cable.