How to Improve Your Mobile Coverage - Mobile Booster · How to Improve Your Mobile Coverage Signal Strength – GSM & 3G/HSPA (RSSI) Applicable to GSM and 3G networks. ... How to

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How to Improve Your Mobile Coverage

Buy your carrier approved mobile repeater at mobilebooster.com.au

Cel-Fi Mobile Repeater - Australia’s only legal and carrier approved mobile repeater.

https://mobilebooster.com.au/

http://www.mobilenetworkguide.com.au/

http://hotdot.com.au/


2Buy your carrier approved mobile repeater at mobilebooster.com.au


Contents

How to Improve Your Mobile Coverage 3 Cell Phone Coverage 3Mobile Black Spots 4How Signal Affects Calls, SMS and Data 4

How to Check Your Coverage 5

How to Locate a Mobile Base Station 6Radio Frequency National Site Archive 6

How to Measure Mobile Signal 7Signal Bars 7Exact Readings 7

Field Test, Service & Engineering Modes 8Mobile Apps That Measure Signal Strength 9

Solutions to Improve Mobile Signal 10Antennas 10Smart Repeaters 11

Benefits of Cel-Fi 12

Cel-Fi Features 13

Cel-Fi Setup 13

Further Information 14

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This guide will explain the causes of poor mobile reception and the best way you can improve your signal and stay connected. The easiest way is to purchase Australia’s only approved and legal mobile phone repeater at mobilebooster.com.au*

*IMPORTANT NOTE: You can only operate a mobile phone repeater if you have been authorised by a carrier.

It is an offence under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act) to operate an unlicensed

radiocommunications device, or possess this device for the purpose of operation. A person found guilty

of this offence may be imprisoned for two years for each offence and / or fined up to $255,000.

http://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/mobile-phone-repeaters-information-for-consumers

Cell Phone Coverage

Cell coverage area is determined by the base station output power and the environment. Things such as trees, hills, buildings and land formations will have an effect on the coverage area. In city areas there is generally a larger number of users and obstructions. To help compensate you will find a lot more base stations to cover demand. Cell towers will usually have a 2-5km radius in urban areas. In country areas where there are large open spaces the base stations will be further apart and the cell radius will be around 10-32km. Using extender cell technology like that used by Telstra’s NextG™ network, a radius of 80-200km can be reached.










Mobile Black Spots

Found in both city and rural areas mobile black spots are caused by the base station not being able to transmit into a particular area. This could be due to buildings, mountains, vegetation, terrain or simply the distance is too far away.

How Signal Affects Calls, SMS and Data

When your mobile device has poor signal its ability to effectively communicate with the base station diminishes. Sometimes your phone will be connected to the network, but will not have enough signal to place a call or send an SMS.

VoiceOften voice is the first thing to go when you get down to one bar of signal or less. When you place a voice call it is converted into data. A constant stream of data is required to be maintained in order for the call to stay open. If not continuous the call can cut in and out, or even drop the connection altogether.

DataData will usually become unreliable, with requests to the base station either not being sent or received back. You may have to send multiple requests before a response is received back. Data is sent in packets, instead of being a continuous connection like voice, making it a more reliable form of communication in low signal areas.

SMSSMS will often be the last service to stop functioning. This is because like mobile data, SMS is sent using small packets. An SMS will try for quite some time to send before it times out, usually allowing the message to eventually be sent. If you are unable to receive an SMS the network will store it until a connection can be made. This form of communicating is often the most effective when your phone has very poor signal.

Your phone will use a lot more power in a low signal area, this is because the phone is operating at full power to try and receive a signal. As a result the battery will drain quicker.






How to Check Your Coverage

Each of the mobile service providers in Australia offer coverage checkers using interactive maps. They use intelligent software to predict the area on the map that will have signal. As these maps are only a prediction, they may not be exact, but come very close. The prediction is based on the location of towers, the tower hardware being used and the surrounding terrain.

Telstrahttp://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/coverage-networks/our-coverage/

Optushttp://www.optus.com.au/network/mobile/coverage

Vodafonehttp://www.vodafone.com.au/aboutvodafone/network/checker




http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/coverage-networks/our-coverage/

http://www.optus.com.au/network/mobile/coverage

http://www.vodafone.com.au/aboutvodafone/network/checker




Knowing the location of the nearest mobile base station or tower can be extremely useful in helping improving your signal. Knowing which way to point a directional antenna, which side of the building to mount an antenna, or which tree to trim can go a long way to getting the best possible signal.

Radio Frequency National Site Archive

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) is the peak industry body representing Australia’s mobile telecommunications industry. They also keep an up to date list of mobile base stations with information on the frequencies used by these sites.

Step 1Go to http://www.rfnsa.com.au/nsa/index.cgi

Step 2Enter your address

Step 3Tick the ‘Nearby Site’ checkbox

Step 4Hover over the sites on the map to see the carriers using that site.

Step 5To identify the frequency being used, click on the site and under reports, open the Environmental EME Report. This report will list the existing frequencies being used and may mention future plans.

How to Locate a Mobile Base Station




http://www.rfnsa.com.au/nsa/index.cgi

http://www.rfnsa.com.au/nsa/index.cgi



How to Measure Mobile Signal

Measuring mobile signal is done in two ways, using the signal bars on your mobile device or obtaining exact readings.

Signal Bars

The signal bars on your mobile device will offer a very basic interpretation of the mobile signal and also the signal quality. Each phone manufacturer calculates how many bars to display differently, resulting in different readings between phones in the same location. It is important to stress that signal bars do not always mean you can make a call. Users will sometimes have signal bars, but cannot place a call due to network congestion.

iPhone – iOS 7 takes into account the signal strength, signal quality and also the number of people using the base station to determine how many bars are displayed.

Other Phones – only take into account the signal strength in dBm and the signal quality in determining how many bars to display.

Exact Readings The other way to measure signal is using exact readings from your phone. To access these readings you need either to put your phone into service mode or download a signal App. There are several measurements that determine the quality of your mobile signal:






Signal Strength – GSM & 3G/HSPA (RSSI)Applicable to GSM and 3G networks. The exact signal strength, often called Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), is measured in dBm. The dBm scale is roughly between -50 and -120dBm, with -50 being perfect signal and -120 being when you fall off the network. RSSI measures both the usable signal and the noise in a single figure.

-50 to -75 dBm – High Signal-76 to -90 dBm – Medium Signal-91 to -100 dBm – Low Signal-101db to -120 dBm – Poor Signal

Signal Strength – 4G/LTE (RSRP)LTE signal strength is measured on a different scale than 3G/HSPA, it is measured in Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). RSRP does a much more accurate job of measuring signal strength than RSSI, as it excludes noise and interference on the network, measuring just the usable portion of the signal. Just because RSRP signals appear lower, it will not mean your signal is worse.

-75dBm and -88dBm is a strong signal-89dBm and -96dBm is a very good signal-97dBm and -105dBm is good-106dBm and -112dBm is fair-113dBm and -125dBm is poor

Field Test, Service & Engineering Modes

Field test mode is entered by typing a code into the phones keypad, with each phone model having it’s own unique code.

iPhonedial *3001#12345#* into the keypad and press call.






AndroidYou can view the db reading by going into Settings > About Phone. For service mode enter *#0011# into the keypad.

ZTE/Telstra PhonesFor service mode enter *983*3641# into the keypad. To exit service mode enter *983*3640#

Mobile Apps that Measure Signal Strength

One of the best ways to display this information in an easy to understand manner is by using Apps. Android has the best Apps available for measuring signal, some just display the measurements in a table, whilst others have great graphical representations. Apple unfortunately does not approve Apps that measure the phones signal strength. Android Apps

• AdvancedSignalStatus• G-NetTrack• NetworkSignalInfo• RFSignalTracker• NetworkSignalStrength• PhoneSignalNotifier• PhoneSignal






Solutions to Improve Mobile Signal

If you are one of the many people that suffer from poor mobile signal the following section is designed to help you find the ideal solution.

Legal ways to improve signal include:

- Antennas- Smart Repeaters- Changing Mobile Providers- Purchase a New Mobile Device

Antennas

The most common and cheapest way to improve your mobile signal is by using an external antenna connected to your mobile device. For mobile phones without an external antenna port a cradle style patch lead is usually available to transfer the signal using a built in passive conductor.

Antenna’s can be divided into two categories:

i) Omni-Directional Antennas - These antennas will receive a signal from all directions and are often called a whip antenna. They are useful in situations where the mobile device is constantly moving such as on a vehicle, where the location of the nearest mobile tower is not known or when there is not a clear line of site to the tower and the signal is bouncing off nearby objects.

ii) Directional Antennas - As the name suggest these antennas are designed to receive a signal from a particular direction. Sometimes called a panel or yagi antenna, they are often much higher gain. They are ideal in low to medium signal areas where there is line of site to the tower.






Smart Repeaters Smart Repeaters are very similar to a mobile phone repeater, but have built in safeguards to help protect the mobile network. This repeater will not only amplify then disburse a mobile signal in a defined area, but will also monitor the gain to ensure it is not overpowering or interfering with the external mobile network. A typical setup includes a window unit placed near a window inside the building, and an indoor unit to disburse the signal within the building.

Smart repeaters will generally have a 50-100dB gain signal amplifier, providing a 30-50m coverage area from the indoor unit.

At this point in time US manufacturer Nextivity are the only company making smart repeaters using patented Intellichip technology. Smart Repeaters are recommended for use in Australia by the ACMA.

The Cel-Fi Repeater by Nextivity was released in June 2012 and has been approved for use on the Telstra NextG Network, Optus and Vodafone 3G networks. Powertec Telecommunications are the Australian distributors.

Beware of illegal products that are either banned or do not have approval to be used on carrier networks as they can seriously interfere with the mobile network. You may incur large fines or even imprisonment. These include mobile phone boosters and mobile phone repeaters. There are many websites claiming that their products are network safe or approved for use in Australia. These claims are all false.

There is currently only one Mobile Repeater approved for use on all Australian networks, the Cel-Fi Smart Repeater.





http://www.powertec.com.au/




Benefits of Cel-Fi

Provides Indoor Mobile CoverageAll you need is somewhere in your home that gets at least 1 bar of 3G signal in your home, to enable the Cel-Fi to provide indoor coverage. Simply place the Cel-Fi boxes inside your home and enjoy having great 3G mobile reception. The indoor coverage is determined by several factors including the mobile signal strength at the Window Unit and the amount of walls in your home. No longer will you need to go outside or be in a particular room of your house to make a phone call.

Increases Mobile Data SpeedsSlow internet speeds on your mobile device are often caused by low signal. If you suffer from low signal in your home you will be able to relate to the frustration of trying to access email or the internet. The Cel-Fi will amplify the 3G mobile signal and increase your data speeds dramatically. Email, internet, video and social networking speeds will be like you never left the office. Instead of purchasing fixed home broadband services, you can now use your mobile broadband as your primary internet source and save on internet costs.

Extends Mobile Phone Battery LifeMobile phones use a lot more energy when in poor signal areas. The phone adjusts its internal power to compensate in an attempt to boost the poor signal. As a result the phone will consume a lot more battery power. Using the Cel-Fi system your indoor mobile signal should be high and the battery will last noticeably longer for you to work, talk, check Facebook and browse the internet.

Eliminate Dropped or Missed CallsNever miss or lose an important call because of coverage issues again. The Cel-Fi will provide continuous coverage throughout your home or office, so you can be contacted when required. No longer do you have to put up with calls dropping out or terminating during conversation.

Improves Voice QualityThe quality of a voice call is usually determined by the phones signal strength and nearby interference. With full signal strength inside your home and no interference, the Cel-Fi will provide crystal clear 3G voice quality for your mobiles.






Cel-Fi Features Cel-Fi Set up

A typical setup involves placing the Window unit in an area within the building that gets the best possible mobile signal. This would usually be an upstairs window or a window at one end of the house.

The Coverage Unit is then placed within the main area of the house, or in an area that provides the best indoor signal dispersion.

Amplifies and disburses the approved carrier mobile signal allowing a far superior amplification up to 100db gain.

Fully wireless, plug and play that can be set up by the end user in minutes.

Provides a coverage area up to 1200m2.

Supports up to 25 voice calls or 8 mobile data devices

Automatic Gain Control to deliver maximum signal boost, whilst protecting the mobile network.

Network-Safe protection that monitors mobile base stations in real time to ensure the Cel-Fi does not interfere with the normal function of the mobile network.

Intelligent antenna system with multiple in-built antennas to ensure maximum signal reception.

Optional external antenna port, for connecting an outdoor antenna.




14


To register your interest in a Cel-Fi Smart Repeater please visit mobilebooster.com.au

To purchase a Cel-Fi Smart Repeater please visit mobilebooster.com.au

*IMPORTANT NOTE: You can only operate a mobile phone repeater if you have been authorised by a carrier. The Cel-Fi Smart Repeater is Australia’s only legal and approved mobile repeater. Every other booster or repeater sold in Australia is illegal.

It is an offence under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act) to operate an unlicensed

radiocommunications device, or possess this device for the purpose of operation. A person found guilty

of this offence may be imprisoned for two years for each offence and / or fined up to $255,000.


The Cel-Fi Repeater by Nextivity was released in June 2012 and has been approved for use on the Telstra NextG Network, Optus and Vodafone 3G networks. Powertec Telecommunications are the Australian distributors.

Powertec Telecommunications Pty Ltd16/511 Olsen Ave, Southport Qld 4215, Australia

Ph: 07 5577 0500 Email: [email protected]

© 2014 Powertec Telecommunications Pty Ltd.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher. If you wish to have this PDF on your website please contact the publisher for permission and provide a link back to the Mobile Network Guide website.

Further Information

Australia’s only legal and approved

mobile repeater*

Be safe and buy from mobilebooster.com.au

Buy your carrier approved mobile booster at mobilebooster.com.au




http://hotdot.com.au/





mailto:[email protected]





Documents

How to Improve Your Mobile Coverage - Mobile Booster · How to Improve Your Mobile Coverage Signal Strength – GSM & 3G/HSPA (RSSI) Applicable to GSM and 3G networks. ... How to