Guide to Nikrans Mobile Signal Boosters

1. What is a signal booster?
2. How does mobile signal booster work?
3. Network types
4. Compliance of boosters and providers’ frequencies
5. Coverage area
6. Signal strength requirements
7. What does booster gain mean?
8. Outside antennas
9. Indoor antennas
10. Cables and their characteristics
11. Automated search
12. What advantages do you get with a Nikrans booster?

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. What is a signal booster?

A cell phone signal booster is professional amplifying equipment created for intensifying low mobile signals – GSM, 4G LTE or 3G. A standard booster set includes:

1. Outdoor antenna
2. Indoor omni antenna
3. Coaxial cables for antennas
4. Power supply
5. Cell phone booster

A mobile signal booster is compact, lightweight, modern and has multiple options making its usage maximally effective. Such a booster is able to improve GSM signal for phone calls, 4G LTE and 3G signals for stable mobile Internet.

2. How does mobile signal booster work?

Every component of a booster set has its own important functions.

1. Outdoor antenna. It catches incoming signals from the base station of your mobile operator.
2. Signal booster. Its task is to intensify the received signal.
3. Indoor antenna. It distributes improved signals within the coverage area.

In the result, the incoming and outgoing signals of your cell phone become strong and you get reliable mobile communication.

The device suits for all types of indoor locations of any dimensions: from apartments, studios and small offices to large multi-story office buildings, departments stores and supermarkets.

3. Network 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;
• 4G LTE network is the latest mobile generation providing the fastest data transmission. Perfect for online games, video calls, social networks, YouTube, programming, IP TV, etc;
• 2G network — Edge or GPRS — works on the same frequency ranges as 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;
• 5G Internet is only starting its way to users’ mobile devices and promises to become the fastest network ever.

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

4. Compliance of boosters and providers’ frequencies

When transmitting mobile signals your operator uses certain radio frequencies. So while 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.

5. 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. For your convenience we have systematized all booster models into 4 categories:

• Small building. Up to 300m². Perfect for apartments, cafés, studios, small offices and even 1-floor private houses.
• Medium building. From 300m² up to 550m². This type of boosters is powerful enough to cover middle-sized offices, stores, private houses of 2-3 floors.
• Large building. From 550m² to 3000m². Popular choice for businesses. Such powerful boosters will cover a multi-storey building, parking area, supermarket, storage, large office area, etc.
• Vehicle. Compact devices for cars, RVs, buses, trucks, boats and yachts.

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.

6. 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.

7. What does booster gain mean?

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.

8. Outdoor 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:

• Panel antenna. Due to its directional design, such antenna is meant to receive and send signals in a certain direction. It has 8 dBi gain level and suits for all Nikrans boosters.
• Yagi antenna. Yagi antennas have 9.5 dB gain and suits for all Nikrans booster models. 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.

9. 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 3 dBi.
• 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 3dBi.
• 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 8dBi gain.

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

10. Cables and their characteristics

Coaxial cables are required to connect the booster with antennas. The cable 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.

11. 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!

12. What advantages do you get with a Nikrans booster?

• 100+ boosters for all signal types – GSM, 4G LTE and 3G
• 3-Year warranty and service
• Money back guarantee
• Express worldwide delivery
• Full kit with every accessory included
• Best price guarantee
• Secure online payment
• 24/7 client service