Smooth 4G internet and telecommunication are two aspects of daily life that make things easy for all of us, so signal interruptions and issues are rather inconvenient. Fortunately, there are ways to address the general issue. With the 4G mobile booster being one device that helps with connectivity, according to UCtel, it’s important to understand what exactly this device is and how it functions.
Understanding the devices in question begins with a look at 4G, after which the solution in topic will be looked at. Because it’s responding to improving signals in a designated place, we’ll also give you some insight into what makes a good signal and how to check it.
4G and significance of connectivity
While it’s not as fast as its 5G counterpart, 4G is by far the most used among the other network generations. It’s only second to the fifth generation in terms of speed and quality, characterized by up to 150mbps and 50mbps upload and download speeds respectively. It’s beneficial in quite several ways which are as follows:
- Faster speeds allow for better internet and cell communication
- Said speeds are also perfect for incorporating tech that needs it such as cloud computing
- It easily facilitates internet actions such as video streaming and conference calls
A look at the problem’s causes
Because most of the world uses this network, it shares in all of its signal-related issues, which isn’t fun, as slow internet and dropped calls/ dead zones tend to be. Some of the causes of these issues include the following:
- The presence of heavy rain, snow, cloud cover and similar signal-blocking weather phenomena
- Most materials used to construct buildings, such as steel, insulation and concrete, which block signals
- The topography of the area in question, specifically if it’s near tall landmarks such as mountains and hills, which also hinders signals
- The presence of surrounding buildings and foliage, which have a similar effect on signals that mountains do
- The possible underground location, which isn’t conducive to strong signals
- Too much traffic emanating from a specific area, causing network congestion
The causes of poor signal listed above will require boosters to aid those in need. However, other, simpler things may not need a 4G mobile booster but require rather simple solutions.
Signal reception: common issues and simple fixes
One prominent issue is the phone case, which, while helpful for protecting your device, can hinder signals received by its in-built antenna. Similarly, our own hands can block signals, as we may inadvertently cover the antenna during use.
The solutions to these problems are to either remove the case, or find one that isn’t as big of a hindrance, and to readjust the way we hold our devices respectively. Below are other culprits and their accompanying simple fixes:
- Moving around too much while using the network, may slow it down, so be still
- If the place you’re in has poor signal move to higher ground outside
- A low battery on power saving mode won’t spend extra energy looking for better signals, so keep it charged at all times
A look at the solution
The above issues, as you can imagine, are beyond common. That said, a 4G mobile booster can solve each of these provided that even a weak signal is in the area. Despite the anticipation of 5G technology replacing 4G, the market for 4G is expected to remain significant for an extended period. As such this tool accomplishes the tasks by being a device made of multiple pieces which are as follows:
- The external antenna, which collects all signals in an area
- The amplifier, which amplifies the signal and cleans it up
- The internal antenna, which redistributed the boosted signal throughout the place being serviced
Tailoring solutions for various locations
Dealers will fit boosters in according to what the location needs, but the way it usually goes is that the external and internal antennas are placed on a high point outside and where the signals need boosting the most, respectively.
Between them is the amplifier, which many would argue is the most important piece. In any case, this unit is so versatile that it can fit around just about anything such as the following:
- Commercial buildings
- Farms
- School
- Hospitals
- Warehouses
It should be noted that these units only work when the signal, while weak, is present, which means that if there isn’t anything that the booster can work with, it can’t function. In such cases, the likely culprit is ongoing issues at the nearest base station, being located in a place that’s too remote and incompatible with the network.
A strong signal: key metrics and DIY methods
A key aspect of figuring out whether boosters are needed is the scoping out of a place to help find problem areas. In doing so, installers can quickly find places that need the internal antennas fitted, and sometimes, multiple may need to be fitted for better coverage.
To conduct this scoping out process required knowledge of what makes a good and a bad 4G signal. One metric used is the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), which is measured in decibel-milliwatts(dBms) and categorizes anything -90dBms or higher as good to great, and anything -110dBms up to -120dBms as average to unusable. If this metric doesn’t suffice others that can be looked at include Signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ).
While experts can, and will typically, check for this during the planning phase of the process, it’s certainly something that you can do on your own. Both IOS and Android devices have a field test mode which can be accessed in varying ways but achieve the same goal.
Final thoughts
The need for signal-boosting tools such as the 4G mobile signal booster will continue to persist. The versatility of these units is what makes them useful, especially when it’s coupled with a quality unit from a reputable dealer, who will search the area for signal strength to best suit your needs.
So, as you search for a 4G booster perfect for you, always think of who will give you the unit. Without them, you might as well not have the signal-booting tool!