Cellular coverage

Types of cellular coverage

The type of cellular coverage a user receives depends on their distance from the cell tower and the terrain around them. There are four primary types of cellular coverage:

• Macro Coverage

  Macro coverage is the most common type of cellular coverage. It is designed to provide wide-area coverage in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Macro cells are large and mounted on towers, rooftops, or poles. They have a high power output and can cover a range of 1 to 10 miles. However, the signal may weaken in areas with many buildings or trees as they obstruct the signal.

• Micro Coverage

  Micro coverage is a small cell network that provides additional coverage in areas with macro coverage. It helps areas with weak macro signals, such as inside buildings, urban canyons, and densely populated areas. Micro cells are small and can be mounted on light poles or utility boxes. They have a lower power output and cover a range of 1000 to 2000 feet.

• Pico Coverage

  Pico coverage is a smaller version of micro coverage. It is also a small cell network that provides additional coverage in areas with macro and micro coverage. Pico cells are even smaller than micro cells and are the size of a small pizza. They are designed to provide coverage in very small areas like inside large buildings, stadiums, and subway tunnels. They have a lower power output than micro cells and cover a range of 100 to 300 feet.

• Femtocells

  Femtocells are the smallest type of cellular coverage. They are similar in size to a home Wi-Fi router. Femtocells are designed for residential use and provide coverage for a single home. They connect to the internet to provide cellular coverage and have a range of 40 to 60 feet. Some mobile network operators offer femtocells to customers with poor cellular coverage as a free or loan device.

How to choose cellular coverages

To improve cellular signals and coverages, there are specific guidelines and factors to consider before purchasing the ideal equipment. The guidelines listed below are tailored to business buyers who want to acquire a cellular coverage solution.

• Determine the Area of Coverage Needed

  Find the square footage where users experience poor signals, whether it is a home, office, or vehicle. This information will help buyers choose a booster that provides the desired coverage. For extensive coverage, select a system with multiple antennas.

• Identify the Carrier and Frequency Bands

  Check which carrier provides the best bars or coverage maps, then visit the carrier's website to identify the specific bands used in the area. Users can also use a free app called OpenSignal to identify the carrier, which helps them determine the right booster that works with specific carriers and bands to enhance signals.

• Select the Right Booster System

  Choose a cell phone booster that meets the area needs. For a single-story home or office with 3G and LTE services, a basic indoor booster kit will work. For larger homes or offices with 4G and 5G needs, upgrade to a premium indoor booster kit. For multi-story buildings, consider purchasing an advanced indoor booster kit with an additional outdoor antenna for maximum coverage.

• Consider the Outdoor Antenna Type

  Choose a suitable outdoor antenna based on the installation location. A high-gain directional antenna provides the best signals and coverage but must face the nearest cell tower. A low-gain omnidirectional antenna receives signals from all cell towers in the area, providing decent signals and coverage. Directional antennas are ideal for single-carrier systems, while omnidirectional antennas work well for multiple carriers.

• Check Booster Specifications

  Ensure the selected booster covers all the identified bands and supports the required technology, whether 3G, 4G, or 5G. Consider the maximum gain, which should be above the outdoor gain for effective coverage. Check the connector types and ensure they match the installed antennas and cables. Consider the power requirements, especially for outdoor installations, as most systems will require the use of power adapters.

• Seek Professional Advice

  Contact the chosen booster supplier for professional advice. Most suppliers have trained experts who assist customers in choosing the right equipment. In some cases, customers will receive installation services from the supplier. Additionally, professional advice helps business buyers understand warranty details and terms of use.

How to use and product safety

A cell phone is the best source of information on how to improve its signal. It is recommended that users conduct a signal test in various locations within the house to determine where the signal is strongest. This information will be helpful in deciding where to install the booster. A single antenna system should be installed in the room with the strongest signal, while a multiple antenna system should be installed in the room where the booster will be installed.

The installation procedure is as follows:

• The exterior antenna is installed on the roof or wall and pointed toward the nearest cell tower.
• The interior antenna is installed in the area where coverage is desired.
• The amplifier and associated equipment are connected to the exterior and interior antennas.
• The system is powered on, and the signal is calibrated to ensure optimal performance.

Product safety:

It is important to consider the following factors when using a cellular booster:

• Legal Compliance: It is advisable to check the laws and regulations regarding cell phone booster use and installation in the area. In some countries, using certain boosters may be illegal.
• Professional Installation: It is recommended that the installation of the booster be done by professionals to avoid damage to the device and ensure safety.
• Antenna Placement: The external antenna should be placed in an area with the best possible signal, as it may pose the risk of interference with nearby cell towers if not correctly positioned.
• Proper Ventilation: The amplifier unit should be placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating, as some models require proper ventilation for cooling.
• Power Supply: The booster should be connected to a power supply that meets the manufacturer's requirements to avoid damage to the device.
• Regular Maintenance: The booster should be regularly maintained to ensure it works properly. The external antenna should be checked to ensure it receives the signal correctly.

Functions, features, and designs of cellular coverage

Cellular coverage refers to the geographic area where mobile phone users can access network services. It captures the quality and strength of signals transmitted through radio waves between cell towers and mobile devices. The coverage depends on the network infrastructure, including the number of cell towers, their locations, and the frequency bands they operate on. Essentially, it determines where users can make calls, send texts, and use mobile data smoothly.

• Function

  The main function of cellular coverage is to provide mobile users with voice and data services. When a person makes a call or uses the internet on their phone, the device communicates with nearby cell towers through radio waves. These waves carry signals that connect the phone to the network. Good coverage means the signals can travel far without losing quality, allowing users to stay connected even when far from towers.

• Features

  Some key features of cellular coverage include:

  • Signal Strength: This is the power of the signal received from towers. It impacts call quality and data speeds. Stronger signals mean better service.
  • Coverage Area: This refers to the geographic regions where users get network service. It includes urban areas with dense tower networks and rural zones with sparse coverage.
  • Indoor/Outdoor Coverage: Signals can weaken inside buildings due to walls. Outdoor coverage may be stronger, but indoor service varies by location.
  • Data Speeds: These are the download and upload speeds users experience on mobile data. Tower density and signal quality affect data speed.

• Design

  The design of cellular coverage networks involves strategically placing cell towers to maximize area service. In urban areas, towers are clustered closely to ensure dense coverage due to high demand. Rural coverage requires towers spaced further apart to serve larger regions with fewer people. The network design also considers the frequency bands used. Lower frequencies cover wider areas but provide less capacity, while higher frequencies offer better capacity and data speeds but cover smaller areas. Balancing these elements ensures users have reliable voice and data service across urban and rural zones.

Q&A

Q1: What affects the number of bars on a cell phone?

A1: The distance from the cell tower, physical barriers like buildings or trees, the network technology in use, and the phone's antenna quality all affect the number of bars on a cell phone.

Q2: What is the best frequency for cellular coverage?

A2: The 700 MHz frequency is considered the best and most widely used frequency for cellular coverage. It provides better penetration through walls and obstacles and offers wider coverage areas, making it more effective for rural and urban deployments.

Q3: What is a dead zone in cellular coverage?

A3: A dead zone in cellular coverage is an area where there is little to no mobile signal, preventing users from making calls, sending texts, or using mobile data. Dead zones occur due to distance from cell towers, physical obstructions, or insufficient network infrastructure.

Q4: How can dead zones be fixed?

A4: Dead zones can be fixed by using cell signal boosters, installing Wi-Fi calling apps, or using portable Wi-Fi hotspots. Additionally, contacting the mobile carrier to report the dead zone may prompt them to improve the network coverage in that area.

Q5: What is the difference between 4G and 5G coverage?

A5: The difference between 4G and 5G coverage lies in speed and capacity. 5G offers significantly faster data speeds and lower latency, supporting more devices simultaneously than 4G. This enables advanced applications like IoT, autonomous vehicles, and high-definition video streaming.