Is your 4G booster antenna failing to deliver the promised signal? The problem might be the wrong antenna for the 4G booster you’re using. Choosing the wrong antenna can severely limit the effectiveness of your entire setup, hindering your ability to achieve a reliable cellular signals.
This tutorial helps you identify a faulty or incompatible external aerial, offering simple steps to diagnose the 4G booster antenna problems, rectify the mistake, and achieve the maximum possible signal strength.
Common signs of a faulty 4G antenna
If you’re experiencing any of the following issues after DIY antenna installation of your mobile signal booster, a mismatched or incorrect external antenna could be the culprit:
- Little to no signal improvement
Virtually no increase in signal strength, even with the signal booster turned on. The signal level stays low. - Unstable connection
Frequent dropped calls, intermittent internet access, and unreliable data speed. This can significantly affect call quality. - Slow data speeds
Much slower than expected download, making browsing and streaming frustrating. - Interference
Unusual noises or much static during phone calls, indicating interference. This can also interfere with other electronic devices. - Signal booster malfunction
The signal booster displays error messages, shuts down suddenly, or fails to turn on. - Limited coverage area
Signal improvement is only apparent in very close proximity to the internal antenna, with poor signal coverage area elsewhere.
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Why is this happening? Possible causes of antenna incompatibility
There are several reasons that can lead to antenna incompatibility and poor mobile signal booster antenna performance:
- The external antenna doesn’t feature the frequency bands your mobile network operator uses in your area. Always check your sim card.
- Applying an omnidirectional antenna when a directional antenna should be used, or vice versa.
- The external antenna isn’t sensitive enough to pick up a weak signal. The antenna gain might be too low for the 4G signals being used.
- Impedance mismatches from the external antenna, coaxial cable, and signal booster disrupt the transfer of the signal. Make sure your impedance is correct for all booster components.
- Incorrect cable connections or damaged coaxial cable lowers signal quality.
- The external antenna is pointed in the wrong direction to the nearest cell tower.
- Buildings, trees, or other obstructions block the signal path to the cell tower.
- The external antenna itself is physically damaged or has failed.
Troubleshooting: diagnosing the antenna problem
Follow these steps to diagnose whether your external antenna is the source of the issue and undertake some 4G antenna troubleshooting:
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Ensure your external antenna is compatible with the frequency bands used by your mobile network provider, such as EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three in your area. Refer to your provider’s website or use a cell tower locator app. Try using Ofcom’s network coverage checker.
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Check if a directional antenna or omnidirectional antenna will suit your situation better, based on cell towers and 4G signals.
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Utilize the external antenna with sufficient antenna gain to capture a weak signal in your location and deliver a stronger signal.
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Examine the coaxial cable for damage and ensure the connectors are tightly fixed and aren’t rusted. A faulty coaxial cable will drastically lower data speed as a result of signal loss.
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Use an online map or program to get the list of the nearest cell towers and verify that the external antenna is aimed at one of them.
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Try to remove any obstructions between the external antenna and the cell towers. Relocating the external antenna will solve reception most of the time.
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If possible, swap the external antenna with a known working external antenna to test if the issue is solved. This can help you replace 4G antenna if necessary.
How to choose the right external antenna for your 4G booster
Selecting the proper external antenna is crucial to maximize the antenna performance of your mobile signal booster, and to ensure the high quality of your internet connection:
- Find out which frequency bands your mobile network operator uses in your area. This is key for 4G antenna troubleshooting.
- Determine how close you are to the nearest cell towers.
- Bear in mind any buildings, trees, or other obstacles that may obstruct the radio waves.
- Use a directional antenna for directed radio waves reception or an omnidirectional antenna for extensive network coverage.
- Select an external antenna with the right antenna gain that is appropriate for your signal conditions.
- Make sure that the external antenna is compatible with your 4G mobile signal booster.
- Research different external antenna models and read reviews from other users.
Troubleshooting and replacing 4G antenna
According to your diagnostic results, do the following actions:
- If the problem is a frequency band mismatch, replace 4G antenna with one capable of covering the required frequency bands.
- In case the issue is an incorrect external antenna type, then switch to a directional antenna or omnidirectional antenna.
- When you experience insufficient antenna gain, upgrade to an external antenna with a higher antenna gain.
- If the problem is a faulty coaxial cable or connectors, replace 4G antenna the coaxial cable or connectors.
- When your issue is incorrect antenna direction, then properly align the external antenna towards the cell towers.
- In case the challenge is obstructions, then place the external antenna higher or employ a more powerful tool.
- If the issue is a faulty external antenna, replace 4G antenna with a new one.
Other potential causes of poor signal booster antenna performance
Keep in mind that 4G booster antenna problems aren’t the only reason behind malfunctioning of a signal booster system. Consider these other reasons:
- A defective signal booster, incorrect signal booster configuration, or an underpowered signal booster.
- A substandard coaxial cable, too long cable length, or improperly installed connectors.
- Nearby electronic devices or weather conditions that can disturb radio waves.
- Overloading of the mobile network or technical problems with the operators’ network infrastructure. The best antenna cannot solve faulty network coverage.
- The mobile device may be faulty.
Note on 5G antennas
Although this guide is focused on 4G, keep in mind that 5G is becoming more and more prevalent in urban areas. Many of the same factors can be applied to choosing a 5G external antenna. The distinctions are, however, in the fact that 5G uses different frequency bands, and your external antenna and signal booster need to accommodate these high frequencies. 5G signals can also be more prone to blockage, so careful antenna positioning is even more critical.
Conclusion
An improper external antenna is the most common reason a 4G mobile signal booster is delivering low performance. By systematically diagnosing the problem and choosing the appropriate external antenna for your application needs, you will be able to achieve the full potential of your system. Correct reception problems for better call quality and faster internet speed. Remember to also consider the future of 5G as you make your choices.
FAQs
How can I tell which frequencies my mobile network operator uses?
You can find this information on your mobile network operator’s website or by contacting their customer support. You can also use websites like Ofcom’s coverage checker.
How do I find the closest cell tower?
Utilize online cell tower maps like CellMapper or Opensignal or cell tower locator apps like Network Cell Info Lite.
What if I’ve tried everything and my 4G signal is still weak signals?
If you’ve attempted all 4G antenna debugging steps, and your 4G signal is still poor, there may be an issue with your signal booster itself or the signal in your area. In this case, you can contact a professional installer or your mobile network operator for further assistance.
What should I do if the coaxial cable connecting the external antenna to the signal booster is broken?
A broken coaxial cable can significantly impair signal quality. Replace 4G antenna the coaxial cable immediately with a high-quality solution with the right length.
Where can I buy a new 4G external antenna in the UK?
4G external antennas are available for purchase at numerous online stores, electronic device stores, and professional mobile signal booster providers across the UK.
