Boosting the Cellular Signal, Inside? 38
Ryan Black asks: "I live in a suburban area where cellular signal strength is not what it should be. I am a Verizon customer, and while they have been courteous in addressing the issue, they have not been able to fix the situation. Is it possible to create a sort of cellular repeater to attach to the roof of my house? The signal outside is acceptable, it just cannot penetrate the walls of the building."
Comment removed (Score:5, Informative)
Re:two solutions (Score:3, Informative)
Re:two solutions (Score:2)
Timing, not. Linearity, yes. (Score:2)
On the other hand, CDMA uses some neat tricks to overlay numerous signals on one channel. The one disadvantage of this is that it requires extreme linearity for any amplifier the signal passes through, otherwise the multiple CDMA carriers will garble each other.
Not that I'm complaining, solving nonlinearity problems in power amps is what keeps my company in business and the paychecks coming.
Sure ;) (Score:3, Funny)
Similar problem. (Score:5, Informative)
whos the dumbass... (Score:1)
i know you can use calling cards, but if you have the cell phone already, might as well use those free minutes.
seriously, though, why dont they make it so that cell phones have a jack where you can plug in an external antenna in them? or are there models that have this option?
Re:whos the dumbass... (Score:3, Informative)
I am not sure if these external antenna kits are readily available in the US as I noticed the last time I was there that most people prefer to hold the phone in their hands. That's one of the differences I saw between Europe and the US. In Europe a driver is defined as the person driving the car. In the US the driver is considered to be the person who got into the seat that has the steering weel in front of it. Is there anything you guys don't do while driving ?
Re:whos the dumbass... (Score:2)
Re:whos the dumbass... (Score:1)
I can plug an external antenna to my cell, it's older (2 years or there abouts) although, I need to remove the antena on it to plug into it. never had a need to though... in the areas I travel the phone company has decent service.
Re:Dumbass (Score:2)
get an antenna outside (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:get an antenna outside (Score:1)
Re:get an antenna outside (Score:1)
Re:get an antenna outside (Score:2)
Biggest drawback is, it basically makes it a corded phone.
They're passive, but if the signal is good outside, its just like having the phone outside. And its cheap, like 15-20$
Wireless TelCos Should be Looking into this (Score:1)
If Wireless companys really want everyone using a cell phone as their primary phone, I think they'd better invest in manufacturing this type of technology.
If I were you I would be calling Verizon about that.
Re:Wireless TelCos Should be Looking into this (Score:1)
Two solutions... (Score:2)
Cheapest [cellantenna.com]
This [bellsouth.com] + Call Forwarding [tctwest.net] = Easiest.
Suggestion: You can find out more by asking the "You've got questions, we've got blank stares" salesclerks. They are actually overqualified for this question, but I'm sure they can take a moment out of this busy stereo and computer selling season to help you for a moment. Or you could simply Ask Google [google.com] next time.
Either of these should get your answer much faster than Ask Slashdot.
HTH.
gsm (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:gsm (Score:2)
Something similar (Score:1)
Solution (Score:1)
Spotwave's SpotCell (Score:4, Interesting)
Ask them for a demo!
Check the FAQ... here's a part relevant to your question:
I work in an office building where my cell phone coverage in certain areas, including my office, is non-existent or spotty at best. How can I improve my coverage?
The requirement for reliable, always-on cell phone coverage within the office environment is increasing dramatically. It is not unusual to encounter trouble spots within a building where cell phone signals are weak or non-existent. SpotCell provides affordable and clear coverage to those trouble spots. The unit can be easily deployed and provides a coverage range of 15,000 to 50,000 square feet (2,000 to 4,600 square metres). Multiple units can be easily deployed to cover office areas and working locations. SpotCell can be deployed even without access to the roof or outside.
Re:Spotwave's SpotCell (Score:1)
I'm sure you'll get a quick quote if you email them.
I suppose this is the non-technical way, but (Score:2, Interesting)
Here's how to fix it ... (Score:3, Insightful)
If VZW gets more than a few inquiries about cell signal in the same area, they'll send out one of those Test Guys (yes, they really _DO_ exist) in a car that looks like a porcupine to test the signal. Then they can adjust and/or add transmitters as appropriate.
Other things to note:
#1 - You need to convince your town council/zoning board/whomever that YES adding a cell transmitter is a good idea and NO it won't irradiate their children. Anyone with even a fundamental understanding of derivatives (any RF engineer) can explain why it is that the amount of RF output drops exponentially as you move away from the transmitter. Within a few feet, you're well within FCC limits. The NIMBY yuppies (Not In My Back Yard) folks are usually the ones screaming "YOU'RE IRRADIATING MY CHILDREN!!" at the town meetings, then b*tching up a storm in their Ford Extravagance when they can't make a cell call because they wouldn't let the cellco's put towers within 20 miles of them! Cellular towers are perfectly safe ------ just do the math!
#2 - You also need to not only let VZW know there's a problem, but get your neighbors to do so also. If there are any businesses in the area that have folks who use cells (sales forces, etc.) make them call too. We all have to remember that as important as it is to have great cell reception in your house, you also have to weigh the cost factor in. Transmitters ain't cheap. That's why you need your neighbors & businesses to call.
It's not that they're thinking "well, it's only one guy, screw him", but rather "How do we justify spending $20,000 to boost one customer's signal? We'll _never_ make a return on that!"
If you get some more people to complain, all of a sudden it's no longer a loss.....
Again, just like RF signals, it's all about the math....
--NBVB
Re:Here's how to fix it ... (Score:2)
I wouldn't trust an engineer who thinks that.
(First, output is output, and doesn't depend on where an observer is. Second, received power per unit collecting area does not decrease exponentially.)
Re:Here's how to fix it ... (Score:2)
--DM
Re:Here's how to fix it ... (Score:2)
Stay out of the cellular spectrum or go to prison (Score:1)
Here (Score:2)
and while we're at it... (Score:1)
1) find a pencil/pen you're no longer going to use.
2) jam it in the latch hole for your microwave (you'll still be able to use it after the mod)
3) put microwave on tall bookshelf
4) aim open door at chair you normally sit in
5) defrost
weak signal?!
beep beep --- whirrrrr
arrrrgh!