The purpose of all mobile signal repeaters is to perform the same basic function they were designed for: to pick up the mobile signal at one location, and then reproduce (or “repeat”) the signal in an area or place that, for whatever reason, the mobile signal was not able to reach.
It is a well known fact that many different factors can hinder, or even prevent, the correct transmission of a mobile signal:
- The distance between your service provider’s base station or tower and the place where you are.
- Obstacles between the base station and your location (mountains, other buildings, etc.).
- The construction materials used in the place where the signal needs to be received (a house, an office, a boat, etc.).
This lack of mobile signal makes it difficult to make or receive calls, as well as causing missed calls and a slow or difficult internet connection.
Although all repeaters perform the same function, it is beneficial to know about the different types currently available. This will make it easier to select the one that best suits your needs, thus avoiding unnecessary expenditure or ending up with a repeater that does not fully solve the problem with the mobile signal.
Mobile signal repeaters for use in the home
These are the most suitable models to amplify the mobile signal and will reach about 4 standard-sized rooms.
The Stellahome and R4 models are easy to install (you can do it yourself). The Stellahome repeater can amplify only the frequency bands used by your service provider, or all frequency bands if you don’t want to overcomplicate things. The R4 model amplifies all bands, and also has an LCD touch screen that allows you to use its more advanced functions.
In both models, the system includes the amplifier, cables, an antenna to be placed outdoors (preferably on the roof), and an indoor antenna, placed in the area where the mobile signal is needed.
Mobile signal repeaters for an office building
When coverage needs to be improved in a larger area, even over several floors of a building, we will need a more powerful repeater system with more antennas to distribute the signal inside the building.
The Stellaoffice and iRepeater models are designed for this type of installation which, due to their greater complexity, must be carried out by a professional installer.
You can choose your Stellaoffice model depending on whether you need to amplify one, two, three, or all five frequencies. The iRepeater is capable of amplifying all frequencies, and you can also monitor it online; it has very advanced functions that are also accessible through its LCD touch screen.
Both the Stellaoffice and iRepeater systems include 4 indoor antennas to provide mobile coverage to 4 different areas. However, if the system needs to be scaled up, then you can install as many indoor antennas as necessary using line amplifiers.
Mobile signal repeaters for ships or boats
When ships move away from the shore, passengers lose connection to land-based telephone towers. However, special repeaters for ships can provide mobile coverage on board at a distance of up to 30 km from the coast.
The Marineboost system, as well as a version of the aforementioned iRepeater, are the best systems for use ships. The Marineboost is capable of amplifying 3 frequency bands and, like the iRepeater for boats, includes an external omni-directional antenna to pick up service provider’s signals from the shore at 360°. It also has 4 indoor antennas to distribute the signal, and, at the same time, it is scalable, which means you can install enough indoor antennas to cover even the largest of boats.
Repeaters to amplify mobile data only
Sometimes you will only need to amplify mobile data (4G/5G data) for moving platforms, such as ambulances, fleet vehicles, police, sales reps on the move etc. In these cases, you will use a repeater connected directly to a set of 4G routers, which will then be connected to your internal network devices.
The Combineramp system has MIMO antennas to pick up the signal. These are installed outdoors, and can feed up to 4 GSM/3G/4G data cards (which could be from different mobile operators). It is capable of amplifying 5 frequency bands.
Still not sure?
Choosing the right repeater system can be difficult at times. We have created this tool to make it easier for you, but If you still have questions, please contact us or our extensive network of professional dealers and installers, who will be happy to assist you in your own language.