Phone Signal Booster

Cell Phone Signal Boosters Vs Femtocells - Which One Is Right For You?

Ever missed a call because your phone was in and out of service and it only rang once before going to voicemail? Constantly having to go to windows or outside to make a call? Tired of playing the "Can you hear me now?" game? With more and more people opting to do away with their landline, reliable call quality and carrier service has never been more important. So what can you do to improve your reception and stop dropping calls?

The most popular options are cell phone signal boosters and Femtocells. And when I say booster, I am not talking about the cheap little stickers that you place under your battery that are somehow miraculously supposed to give you 5 bars of signal. Without going into too much detail, by the end of this article you should have enough information to decide which one is right for you.

Let us start by defining the two technologies. Most wireless cell phone signal boosters (also called amplifiers and repeaters) work by capturing the signal outside, amplifying it, and then redistributing it inside. This is done through 3 major pieces: an outside antenna (either directional or omni-directional), the amplifier, and the inside antenna (either directional or omni-directional). The outside signal can be weak or strong, but must be present in order for the booster to operate properly. In general, the weaker the signal outside, the more gain the amplifier needs to provide in order to offer adequate coverage inside. Femtocells are basically miniature cell phone towers, about the size of a wireless router, that are provided by your wireless carrier and are installed in your home to provide coverage of up to a 40' radius. They are essentially a Wi-Fi router for cellular and PCS frequencies. Information is transmitted from your phone to the femtocell, then from the femtocell to the carrier via your broadband internet connection.

Now let's get down to the purpose of this article. The easiest way to decide which product is right for you is to take a look at the comparisons below.

Connectivity

• Booster: Dual Band models work with virtually all carriers except Nextel and other iDEN push-to-talk networks, although there are boosters made specifically for Nextel.
• Femtocell: Only works with one specific service provider.  Ex. You are a Verizon Wireless subscriber. Provided there is little coverage by all carriers in your current location, installing a Verizon Network Extender will help you out but don't plan on your AT&T friends raving about excellent coverage when they stop over to watch the game.

 

Data

• Booster: Dual Band models work with data plans for all carriers using 850/1900 MHz for their data.  This is most carriers, but does not include T-Mobile 3G
• Femtocell: Supported data rates vary by carrier. Some femtocells do not support data at all.  Ex.  Verizon's Network Extender currently only supports 1X CDMA, not EVDO or 3G.  Generation 1 of Sprint's Airwave only supports 1X CDMA, not EVDO or 3G.  AT&T's microcell supports 3G data, but only works with 3G phones.

 

Multiple Users

• Booster: Most dual band wireless models support more than a handful of users so everyone can be talking or surfing at the same time.
• Femtocell: Depends on the carrier.  Sprint's AIRWAVE allows up to 3 simultaneous users. Verizon's Network Extender supports up to 3 simultaneous users. AT&T's Microcell supports up to 4 simultaneous users.

 

Bandwidth

• Booster: N/A
• Femtocell: Prepare to allot anywhere from 40Kbps to 300kbps of your upload and download bandwidth depending  on the number of active calls / data sessions.

 

Cost

• Booster: Basic Dual Band home coverage kits  can start as low as $325
• Femtocell: Anywhere ranging from free  (with a subscription to unlimited calling), to $99 with a $5/mo fee, to a $250 one time fee.

 

Installation

• Booster: Installation of most cell phone signal boosters can be completed in anywhere from 1  to 4 hrs..  Mounting the outside antenna, mounting the inside antenna and running the cabling between everything is the most time consuming.  Amplifier and internal antenna placement are completely flexible.
• Femtocell: Physically easier to install - requiring just a simple Ethernet connection to your existing router. However, most require a GPS lock in order to activate and confirm location, so it is advised to install next to a window.  However, it is also advised that they be placed in a central location for best coverage.  Raise your hand if you have windows located in the center of your home?

 

Boot Up Time

• Booster: N/A - once the amplifier is powered on you can make and receive calls.
• Femtocell: Some femtocells require up to 60 minutes to set up and stabilize for the first time.  Subsequent power cycles take 10-15 minutes to stabilize.

 

Call Hand-Off

• Booster: N/A - a cell phone signal booster is an extension of the outside tower so you are essentially already connected to it when making and receiving calls.  There is no hand-off to take place.  If you are connected to a tower as you're driving up your street, you'll be connected to the same tower once in your home (just with a stronger signal)
• Femtocell: Seamless call transfer to the tower as you leave the femtocell coverage area, but you're going to have to hang up and re-dial if you're entering the coverage area.

In summary, if you live in an area with absolutely no cell coverage, only affiliate with people who are using the same carrier as you, don't mind giving up some of your already-paid-for broadband bandwidth, will never have a need for 3 or more people to be on the phone at the same time and don't mind saying "I'll have to call you back, I just got home" then a femtocell might just be the solution for you. However, if you want to provide great cell and data coverage to just about anyone who enters your home (regardless of carrier), value your already precious bandwidth, and don't mind rolling up your sleeves for a few hours to do the installation, then an installed Cell Phone Signal Booster may be the right solution for you.

About the Author

Article provided by Ryan Jackson, owner of MyCellSignalBooster.Com, a store dedicated to providing high quality and affordable cell phone signal boosters and accessories from manufacturers such as Wi-Ex, Digital Antenna, Cellphone-Mate, and Wilson Electronics.

Cell Phone Signal Booster Repeater 850MHz - Silver $139.99 Features : Improves GSM 850MHz wireless signal reception and call quality of your cell phone especially in poor reception areas. Helps to prevent signal loss and dropped calls. Allows multiple phones to be used simultaneously. Built-in amplifier boosts signals to and from the cell site. Works with AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and Alltel, but not with T-Mobile. Easy to install. Suitable for your vehicle, RV, boat, home and office. Frequency : LB-001 � 900 MHz, 890-915 MHz (up), 935-960 MHz (down); LB-001A � 850 MHz, 824-894 MHz (up); 869-894 MHz (down) Coverage area : 20-30 square meters Color : Silver Package Includes : Signal Booster Repeater 850MHz Antenna x 2 12V DC Fused Cigarette Lighter Adapter AC Adapter for Car Charger

Cellphn Signal Booster $109.99 ZPERSONAL YX 110-PCS/CEL WIRED CELLULAR PHONE SIGNAL BOOSTER

zBoost Metro Mobile Phone Signal Booster $149.99 Increase your mobile phone signal around your home or office with this signal booster that covers up to 1500 sq. ft. for enhanced signal coverage.

Wilson Sleek Cellular Phone Signal Booster $151.74 Sleek Booster Single

zBoost SOHO Mobile Phone Signal Booster $229.99 Increase your mobile phone signal around your home or office with this signal booster that features multi-user capability and covers up to 3000 sq. ft. for enhanced signal coverage.

Wilson Electronics, Inc Wilson 801212 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $264.63 Wilson Electronics, Inc Wilson 801212 Cellular Phone Signal Booster

Wilson Electronics, Inc Wilson SignalBoost 841262 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $371.15 Wilson Electronics, Inc Wilson SignalBoost 841262 Cellular Phone Signal Booster

Wilson Electronics, Inc Wilson SignalBoost 801247 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $237.99 Wilson Electronics, Inc Wilson SignalBoost 801247 Cellular Phone Signal Booster

Super Internal Antenna Booster $13.99 This antenna booster is compatible with cell phones of different brands, including Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Samsung and LG. Simply remove the battery and adhere it to the back of your phone. It reduces static and enhances signal on your phone.

SOHO Cell Phone Signal Booster Kit - cellular phone antenna signal amplifier $385.99 Wilson Electronics SOHO Cell Phone Signal Booster Kit - Cellular phone antenna signal amplifier

Wilson 801201 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $266.99 1.50 lb 3 W 4.50" Height x 3.50" Width x 1.25" Depth 45 dB 801201 801201 Cellular Phone Signal Booster 824 MHz to 1990 MHz 801201 Cellular Phone Signal Booster DC Power Supply FCC IC Automatic shutdown on overload CDMA Cellular Phone Signal Booster FME Male Antenna GSM TDMA Wilson Wilson Electronics, Inc www.wilsonelectronics.com

Wilson 801212 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $237.99 1.50 lb 3 W 4.50" Height x 3.50" Width x 1.25" Depth 45 dB 801212 801212 Cellular Phone Signal Booster 824 MHz to 1990 MHz 801212 Cellular Phone Signal Booster High efficiency 12" exterior magnet mount antenna AMPS CDMA Cellular Phone Signal Booster EDGE EV-DO GSM HSDPA TDMA Wilson Wilson Electronics, Inc www.wilsonelectronics.com

Wilson SignalBoost 801247 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $255.99 10.24 oz 50 dB 6.20" Height x 4.20" Width x 1.50" Depth 801247 824 MHz to 1990 MHz FCC IC SignalBoost 801247 Cellular Phone Signal Booster Outdoor/Window Directional 5 dB Cradle Antenna Desktop Antenna Two lengths RG6 Cable, 20' and 30' All Mounting Hardware AC Power Supply Installation Guide CDMA Cellular Phone Signal Booster F Female Antenna GSM SignalBoost SignalBoost 801247 Cellular Phone Signal Booster TDMA TNC Female Antenna Wilson Wilson Electronics, Inc www.wilsonelectronics.com

Wilson SignalBoost 811214 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $183.99 1.03 lb 3 W 5" Height x 3.50" Width x 1.20" Depth 811214 824 MHz to 1990 MHz FCC IC AMPS CDMA Cellular Phone Signal Booster EDGE EV-DO GSM HSPA SignalBoost SignalBoost 811214 Cellular Phone Signal Booster TDMA Wilson Wilson Electronics, Inc www.wilsonelectronics.com

Wireless Extenders YX645 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $528.99 1 Year 1 x F Female 1 x TNC Female 1.38" Height x 5" Width x 7" Depth 12 oz 2 W 240 V AC 3G 70 dB 824 MHz to 894 MHz FCC IC YX645 Cell Phone Signal Booster Setup Overview Manual Base Unit Base Unit Power Supply, White 10' RG-8X extension coax 6/9 dBi Directional PCS-CEL Indoor Antenna 8 dBi Directional CEL Outdoor Antenna 13 dBi Directional PCS Outdoor Antenna Dual Band Outdoor PCS-CEL Signal Combiner Hardware Kit (anchors, feet, screws) A revolutionary cell phone signal booster for demanding professional coverage applications, the zBoost designed YX645, for custom installers, is a Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) System which captures and amplifies the cell signal to extend a Cell Zone? up to 12,000 square feet. The YX645 is designed for the professional installer and is available for the 800 MHz Cellular, the 1900 MHz PCS band or Dual Band (both 800 MHz and 1900 MHz bands). AMPS CDMA Cellular Phone Signal Booster EDGE EV-DO GPRS GSM HSPA TDMA Wireless Extenders YX645 YX645 Cell Phone Signal Booster www.wirelessextenders.com

Acco SignalBoost 811211 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $161.99 1.03 lb 12 V DC 3 W 3G 5" Height x 3.50" Width x 1.20" Depth 811211 824 MHz to 1990 MHz Connects to ALL phones and data cards with a Universal Connector using a removable adhesive backed Velcro patch No plug-in adapter needed Up to 10 times more power than your cell phone or laptop data card Significantly improves voice and data signal quality Receives and transmits better than your cell phone Extends cell phone battery life Works great in mobile, in-building, and marine applications Easy to install and use, and it's inexpensive FCC IC SignalBoost 811211 Cellular Phone Signal Booster Cigarette Lighter DC Power Supply 4" Mini Magnet-Mount Antenna Universal Connector with a removable adhesive backed Velcro patch Installation Guide Acco CDMA Cellular Phone Signal Booster GSM SignalBoost SignalBoost 811211 Cellular Phone Signal Booster TDMA Wilson Electronics, Inc www.wilsonelectronics.com

Wireless Extenders YX645 Cell Phone Signal Booster $788.93 If your cell phone is suffering from a weak signal give it a power boost with the YX645 signal booster from Zboost. A revolutionary cell phone signal booster for demanding professional coverage applications the zBoost designed YX645 for custom installers is a BiDirectional Amplifier (BDA) System which captures and amplifies the cell signal to extend a Cell Zone up to 12 000 square feet. The YX645 is designed for the professional installer and is available for the 800 MHz Cellular the 1900 MHz PCS band or Dual Band (both 800 MHz and 1900 MHz bands). Decreases Dropped Or Missed Calls. Extends Phone Battery Life (Uses Less Power When Signal Is Stronger). Works With All Phones and Us Carriers Except Nextel. Maintains Network Integrity Using PatentPending Technologies. Designed for the professional installer. Improves cell phone coverage in your home or office by amplifying and repeating the signal (Up To 12 000 Sq Ft range). Allows you to use your cell phone as your only phone cancel your landline service. Designed for the professional installer.

Wilson 801245 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $207.99 1 Year 1 x FME Male 1.50 lb 120 V AC 3.60" Height x 5" Width x 1.70" Depth 3G 50 Ohm 50 dB 801245 801245 Cellular Phone Signal Booster 824 MHz to 894 MHz 801245 Cellular Phone Signal Booster AC/DC 6 volt Power Supply 2 x N Female - FME Female Connector FCC IC Your new Wilson SOHO Wireless Dual-Band Amplifier has been carefully engineered to enhance the performance of your cell phone or cellular data card in small office/home office applications. Its advanced technology is designed to significantly improve voice and data signal quality and reduce disconnects and drop-outs. The amplifier works with two antennas (sold separately): one communicates with the cell site (the outside antenna) and the other communicates with your cell phone or laptop data card (the inside antenna). CDMA Cellular Phone Signal Booster GSM TDMA Wilson Wilson Electronics, Inc www.wilsonelectronics.com

CelLynx MD015A Cellular Phone Signal Booster $281.99 1 lb 12 V DC 45 dB 5" Height x 4.75" Width x 1.35" Depth Poor mobile phone reception and dropped calls are problems for many mobile phone users - and the problem is magnified with video downloads, cellular Internet and 3G service offerings. Introducing 5BARz Road Warrior from CelLynx promises 5BARz of coverage for all cell phones on all Carriers. With 5BARz, you live your life; we keep you connected: 5BARz Guaranteed! CelLynx CelLynx Group, Inc Cellular Phone Signal Booster MD015A MD015A 5BARz Road Warrior Cell Booster www.cellynx.com

Wilson Electronics 801247 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $370.31 Package Contents: SignalBoost 801247 Cellular Phone Signal Booster Outdoor/Window Directional 5 dB Cradle Antenna Desktop Antenna Two lengths RG6 Cable 20 and 30 All Mounting Hardware AC Power Supply Installation Guide. Interfaces/Ports: TNC Female Antenna F Female Antenna. Frequency Range: 824 MHz to 1990 MHz. Network Support: CDMA TDMA GSM. Gain: 50 dB. SignalBoost 801247 Cellular Phone Signal Booster. Outdoor/Window Directional 5 dB Cradle Antenna. Desktop Antenna. Two lengths RG6 Cable 20 and 30 . All Mounting Hardware. AC Power Supply. Installation Guide. Certifications and Standards: FCC IC. Dimensions: 6.20 H x 4.20 W x 1.50 D.

Wilson iPhone Signal Amp Booster $195.99 1 Year Limited 12 V DC 2 W 2" Height x 4.75" Width x 1" Depth 3 oz 42 dB 805201 824 MHz to 1990 MHz iPhone Signal Amp Booster Charger and cradle combo Outside vehicular magnet-mount antenna Cigarette lighter power adapter Installation guide Built-in battery charger Cellular Phone Signal Booster FCC GSM SMA Female Antenna Wilson Wilson Electronics, Inc iBooster iBooster 805201 iPhone Signal Amp Booster www.wilsonelectronics.com

Wilson SignalBoost 811210 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $124.99 1 Year 1 x FME Male 1.02 lb 12 V DC 1850 MHz to 1990 MHz 26 dB 3 W 3G 5" Height x 3.50" Width x 1.20" Depth 50 Ohm 811210 824 MHz to 894 MHz SignalBoost 811210 Cellular Signal Amplifier Cigarette Lighter DC Power Supply Ultra-Slim Antenna with a Removable Adhesive Backed Velcro Patch Installation Guide Your new Wilson SIGNALBOOST Amplifier has been carefully engineered to significantly improve the performance of your cell phone or cellular data card in both vehicle and home/office applications. Together with an antenna, the amplifier's state-of-the-art technology is designed to increase your signal up to 10-15 times, reduce disconnects and dropouts, and increase data communication rates needed for 3G technologies. The universal connector fits all cellular and PCS phones and data cards. CDMA Cellular Phone Signal Booster GSM SignalBoost SignalBoost 811210 Cellular Signal Amplifier Wilson Wilson Electronics, Inc www.wilsonelectronics.com

WI-EX YX545 CELL PHONE SIGNAL BOOSTER $399.99 Designed for consumers, the Wi-Ex Cell Phone Signal Booster extends the coverage area for single or multiple users in homes and offices. Packages include everything you need --amplifier with adjustable positioning antenna, power supply,low loss RG6 cable, outdoor rated donor antenna and mounting hardware. Handles all cellular and PCS protocols and includes multiple patent pending technologies to provide low-cost coverage while continually adapting to signals to prevent interference and remain transparent to the wireless network. Provides an indicator if the antennas are positioned improperly, but will not suffer damage or interfere with the Carrier network. Features Increases your indoor signal coverage -- up to 2500 sq. feet Maintains network integrity - decreases dropped or missed calls. Easy to install -- comes with everything you need Extends phone battery life --phone uses less power when signal is stronger Compatible with all Canadian carriers and mobile devices using 850 & 1900 MHz (CEL and PCS) frequency bands, including 4G HSPA+ (No 4G LTE or 2100MHz devices)

Wilson SignalBoost 801241 Cellular Phone Signal Booster $195.99 1 W 2" Height x 4.75" Width x 1" Depth 40 dB 8 V DC 801241 824 MHz to 1990 MHz SignalBoost MobilePro Wireless Amplifier 12" Magnet Mount Antenna 1 x Suction-cup window bracket Power Options Carrying Case FCC New for 2008 and unique to the industry, the SignalBoost Mobile Professional is an affordable, compact and portable amplifier system designed to improve cell phone and data card performance for people on the go. The slim amplifier unit incorporates a built-in interior antenna and packs up to three times the power of a typical cell phone. For added versatility, it can be powered through a computer USB port, a vehicle cigarette lighter or a standard AC wall outlet. Cellular Phone Signal Booster SMA Antenna SignalBoost SignalBoost 801241 MobilePro Wireless Amplifier Wilson Wilson Electronics, Inc www.wilsonelectronics.com

LG KT520 Mobile Phone Signal Booster. $7.99 As seen on TV and now one of the world's largest selling mobile phone accessories.Simply stick onto the chassis of your phone (or underneath your phone's battery) and it will help increase your phones signal strength in weak areas.EAN/Barcode: 5052788523689.Free delivery by post.

New-ZBOOST YX645 LARGE APPLICATION CELLULAR PHONE SIGNAL BOOSTER - WEXYX645 $569.99 ZBOOST YX645 LARGE APPLICATION CELLULAR PHONE SIGNAL BOOSTER INCREASES INDOOR CELLULAR SIGNAL COVERAGE UP TO 12,000 SQ FT; DECREASES DROPPED OR MISSED CALLS; EXTENDS PHONE BATTERY LIFE (USES LESS POWER WHEN SIGNAL IS STRONGER); WORKS WITH ALL PHONES & US CARRIERS EXCEPT NEXTEL(R); MAINTAINS NETWORK INTEGRITY USING PATENT-PENDING TECHNOLOGIES; INCLUDES AMPLIFIER BASE UNIT, POWER SUPPLY, HIGH-GAIN SIGNAL & BASE UNIT ANTENNAS, SIGNAL COMBINER & MOUNTING HARDWARE

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 9:14 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.