Business I.T. Services

Cellular Amplification Explained:

• Dropped Calls, Poor Quality, Slow Data and Delayed Messaging - Does this describe your experience when using your mobile device in some areas? Poor user experience is caused by poor signal strength and "how many bars" you have is not a true indication of how your mobile device will perform in a given area. It is far more complicated that that. Years ago the mindset for cellular was that you are sacrificing quality for coverage and that most users tolerated a certain degree of difficulty. Today, most users (especially ones that grew up with this technology) think of their mobile device in a completely different way. The expectation level is that their mobile device will work anywhere, at any time. That mentality is forcing many to look for permanent, reliable solutions to increase productivity and user experience.
• What Is Cellular Amplification and How Does It Work? - Cellular amplification could also be referred to as "signal boosting" or "signal repeaters". Those terms are used interchangeable. The technology was developed to address the two factors that cause poor cell phone reception. They are designed to amplify a weak outside signal and bypass any obstructions to provide a strong, inside signal to an area that was originally lacking in coverage.
  
  The system works by mounting an outside antenna in a location that currently has signal, which is typically on the roof. The signal is passed from the outside antenna, by a cable to a signal amplifier inside the building. Once the signal is amplified, it is then sent to an inside antenna, where it is broadcast out to the area which needs better reception. The system also works in reverse, with the signal from your phone being amplified and broadcast back to the tower, ensuring strong, two-way communication.
  
  If, at this point you are thinking, "Sweet! Thank you, Vision. You just gave me all I need to know for a DIY project, I will simply get on the Interwebs and the Googlers, fill the ole Amazon cart and in 2 days with my prime account, I will have this issue solved."
  
  Our reply is simply this..."Sure, you can do that." However, there is a degree of difficulty to the design, installation and function of a cellular amplification solution. If done incorrectly, you will have the FCC and or the carries knocking at your door for interfering with the frequency. If that sounds like a good time to you, then proceeded as planned. Otherwise, give us a call.
• Causes of Poor Cell Phone Signal - When it comes to poor cell phone signal, there are two main contributing factors - distance from the closest cell tower and obstructions causing interference.
  • Distance from the Closest Cell Tower - Carriers provide cell coverage through a network of strategically placed cellular towers. Ideally, whenever you're within this network, your mobile device will automatically connect with the closest tower, and as you move, will continue hopping to the next closest tower. Unfortunately, as you get towards the edge of your carrier's coverage area, there won't be new towers to hop to, and your mobile device will start to experience degraded signal the further it is from the nearest tower. You'll reach a point where your mobile device is too far from the tower to maintain a consistent connection, and you'll experience dropped calls.
  • Obstructions Causing Interference - While cell signal passes through the air with minimal trouble, every object it meets between the tower and your mobile device causes some degree of interference. Geographical elements, such as hills, mountains, and trees can cause major signal issues, as well as building materials, like metal siding, concrete, and wire mesh. Additionally, the increased use of energy efficient products, such as radiant barriers and window tinting, have contributed to the degree of cell phone reception problems in new homes.
  While either one of these factors are enough to cause dropped calls and poor reception, the combination of the two all but guarantees problems. A Vision Cellular Amplification solution is designed to deal with both of these factors.
• How to Choose a Signal Booster - Simply contact us, we will come to your location to perform a site survey. We will break out our super cool technical gadgets and design the correct solution to fit your needs.