Guide to Nikrans Mobile Signal Boosters

Working principle
Signal types
Compliance of boosters and providers’ frequencies
Coverage area
Signal strength requirements
Boosters and their characteristics
Outside antennas
Inside antennas
Cables and their characteristics
Automated search

Searching for a signal booster requires from you some knowledge in signal type, coverage and other technical data. This page will help you understand everything about mobile boosters and will give you advice in finding a suitable model. Or you may simply Contact our technical specialists directly to get replies to all your questions.

1. Working principle

A cell phone signal booster is created for intensifying a mobile signal. The equipment usually includes a booster with a power supply, indoor and outdoor antennas, cables and mounting brackets. The outdoor antenna catches incoming signal from the base station of your mobile operator, the booster intensifies the received signal and the indoor antenna distributes it within the building. In the result, the incoming and outgoing signals of your cell phone become strong and you get reliable mobile communication. The device is recommended for private houses, offices, working places with deficient indoor signal.

2. Signal Types

To choose a suitable booster, you need to know what type of signal you need to improve.

GSM standard is used for voice phone calls. Works on different frequencies depending on a region;
2G network — Edge or GPRS — works on the same frequency ranges that GSM, but suits for mobile Internet (low speeds only);
3G technology includes UMTS 3G, H, H+ standards and is apt for data transfer — mobile Internet;
LTE networks, also known as 4G Internet, is used for data transmission on the highest possible speed;

To be sure what to choose, you can contact our technical specialists who will give you proper consultation.

3. Compliance of boosters and providers’ frequencies

Transmitting mobile signals your operator uses certain radio frequencies. So choosing a cell phone booster you should look up a model that supports the frequency of your provider. That’s why it’s important to know on which frequencies your local network operates. We have resolved this dilemma for you by creating automated Search form with the frequencies of your mobile operator. Using it you will find a suitable booster model in 3 steps only.

4. Coverage Area

Coverage area shows the approximate size of the territory where you want to improve a signal. It’s measured in square meters or feet. Calculate your coverage area to find an appropriate mobile booster.

Note that the manufacturer indicates coverage area in ideal signal reception conditions, which implies excellent outdoor signal, no obstacles, very thin internal walls or their absence, etc. In practice, most situations are definitely not ideal ones. That’s why we always recommend our clients choosing a more powerful model with larger coverage to compensate influence of all the possible obstacles.

If you feel unsure about the booster kit you need for your coverage area, contact technical specialists to get professional assistance.

5. Signal Strength Requirements

For effective signal improvement it’s essential to choose the booster system basing on signal strength. Using your cell phone in regular or engineering mode (Field test mode), check signal strength outside the building. If you see at least 2-3 bars (about -90dB or closer to 0), the booster will be able to catch and intensify this signal. If your signal level is lower, it’s highly possible that you simply need a more powerful model. To find the best solution for your situation, contact our support team.

6. Boosters and their characteristics

Every booster model features its power level measured in dB. Decibels measurement indicates how powerful boosters are. For small areas of about 150 m², a 10dB booster is sufficient, while for places of about 500-700 m², you will need a more powerful model with 15dB gain. The higher the gain is, the better signal amplification you will get. Check with our experts what booster model suits your needs best of all.

7. Outside antennas

Every cell phone booster comes in a full kit with outside antenna already included. But in case you want to change it, note what antennas type we offer and how they differ:

Omnidirectional. Designed to receive and send signals in all directions. It goes with basic booster models and has 3dB gain level. This antenna can be used only if your outside signal is strong and stable.
Yagi antenna. Yagi antennas are much more efficient and powerful that omni antennas, they have 9 to 13 dB gain, and can be used in places with mediocre signal reception. This antenna is able to catch and send signal in a certain direction, so mounting it, be sure to aim it correctly for better signal reception. Find out how to do this, read FAQ page, or contact us.

8. Indoor antennas

Ordering a booster you get an indoor antenna that best of all suits the chosen model. However, if the building has several floors and non-standard shape, you may need an additional indoor antenna. MyAmplifiers offers the following antennas for internal use:

Omnidirectional stick antenna. It renders signal in all directions within the coverage space. Usually goes with basic models meant for small areas. The gain level equals 2,5 dB.
Omnidirectional ceiling antenna. The best among indoor antennas, it suits for buildings with regular layout. The ceiling antenna distributes signal in all directions and has 3dB.
Directional panel antenna. This is the ideal antenna for long rectangular spaces, like corridors. Mounted on a wall, this antenna spreads signals in front of itself along the area. Panel antenna features 3dB gain.

You can choose among available antennas on Accessories page, or Contact us to understand which one will be the best for your situation.

9. Cables and their characteristics

Coaxial cables are required to connect the booster with antennas. The antenna length and type depends on a model. Each booster is supplied with cables, and you don’t need to buy them separately. Check specifications of the chosen unit to see details.

If possible, shorten the cable length to reduce signal loss. Also try not to use additional cabling; otherwise you are risking to decrease the quality of signal transmission, which will influence mobile connection.

We use only low loss coaxial cables that differ in supported frequency ranges. The full assortment is available on Accessories page.

10. Automated search

We know how many parameters are needed for choosing an appropriate booster model, so we have made the job for you to save your time — use Search form that will help you find the best booster by your needs in 3 steps only. In case you have any questions or suggestions, contact us now!