How Does A Signal Booster Work?
What is A Signal Booster?
Cell phone signal boosters are a growing market that has gained popularity in the past few years, moving from rural areas to urban markets.
Every so often, we get questions regarding the ability and legal status of cell phone signal boosters. The concern is perfectly valid, especially for a device that sounds too good to be true.
A cell booster is an electronic device designed to improve existing 5G, 4G, and LTE networks. They enhance call quality, signal strength, and data speeds. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and IC (Industry Canada) certified units are 100% legal.
If you have usable signal outside your home, vehicle, or office, but weak to no signal inside, then a cell booster can help. The same applies to those who have very weak cell signal outside and inside.
Their ability to improve cell reception has man questioning how cell signal boosters work.
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How Do Cell Phone Boosters Work?
A cell booster (also known as a signal extender, signal amplifier, or cell phone repeater) works by pulling in your existing outside signal, boosting it, and rebroadcasting it into desired areas. Cellular devices automatically pick up the amplified signal. Undelivered texts, dropped calls, and unreliable data completely stop or significantly decrease.
Boosters also work in reverse. The unit receives outgoing signals from nearby cellular devices and sends them to your closest cell tower, thereby increasing the odds that the signal reaches it without failing.
There are different types of boosters available targeting different needs:
- In-Building Signal Boosters – Designed for homes, offices, and commercial buildings.
- Vehicle Signal Boosters - Designed for cars, trucks, RVs, SUVs, boats, and fleet vehicles.
For a cellular amplifier to work, there must be existing signal, even if it's weak, outside your home, office, or vehicle. These units enhance existing cellular signals, not create them.
Enhanced in-building or in-vehicle cell coverage is achieved using:
Pulls in tower Signal
Amplifies the Signal
Re-broadcasts signal
Cellular DeviceGets Boosted signal
Pulls in tower Signal
Amplifies the Signal
Re-broadcasts signal
Cellular DeviceGets Boosted signal
Pulls in Tower Signal
Amplifies the Signal
Re-broadcasts Signal
Cellular DeviceGets Boosted Signal
1) An Outdoor Antenna: Captures Existing Cell Phone Signal
The outdoor antenna (also called a donor antenna) is the first major component of cell phone boosters. It captures weak 5G/4G/LTE signals that are then sent to the amplifier for boosting.
There are two types of outdoor antennas:
Omni-Directional Antenna: This antenna pulls in signals from every direction. It has a 360-degree beam. They are best for:
- Homes and offices with medium to strong outside signal
- Homes and offices with multiple nearby cell towers to boost multiple carriers
- Vehicles in motion
Uni-Directional Antenna (the most common being the Yagi antenna): This antenna (shaped like a triangle) pulls signal from one direction. It has a 45-degree beam. They are designed to point at the nearest tower. Having a more focused signal allows the antenna to reach farther than an omni. A specialized performer used for:
- Homes and offices with poor signal
- Homes and offices that only want to boost a single carrier
- Stationary RVs
The location of donor antennas is crucial. It can affect the power of the signal the amplifier receives.
Home and Office Outdoor Antennas
Whether omni- or uni-directional, we recommend the outdoor antenna be set up on the side of your home that has the best signal. There are different methods available that can help you locate the best spot. You can use the bars on your phone (okay method), signal strength apps (good method), or field test mode (best method).
The antenna should be installed as high as possible to reduce obstructions and improved line-of-sight with nearby towers. Ideally, the roof or fascia of the house.
Best for homes and offices with decent outside signal.
Starting at $69.99
Best for homes and offices with weak outside signal.
Starting at $57.61Omnidirectional antennas are extremely easy to install. Just set them and forget them. Yagi directional antennas, on the other hand, require a little bit more work. They must point away from the house and towards your closest cell tower. Check out our blog to learn how to find your closest cell tower.
If unable to install antenna on the roof, it can be set up in the attic, on a wall, or a window facing the cell tower. If inside, the signal will be affected by obstructions between the antenna and tower.
Vehicle Outdoor Antennas
Most vehicle outdoor antennas are omni-directional. They are designed to work best while moving.
Outside antennas are easy to set up on a car, truck, and SUV. Most are magnetic. All you have to do is stick them on the roof of your car to pull in the weak signal. You can easily move them to improve their performance.
Best for cars, trucks, and SUVs needing a slightly more powerful magnet antenna.
Starting at $22.95Vehicle antennas for large vehicles, like RVs, and delivery trucks, require fixed installations. Most of these antennas come with a spring, allowing them to withstand impacts.
Units designed for stationary RVs, campers, and the like are the only vehicle cell boosters that use directional antennas. Since the antenna has to consistently point at your closest cell tower, it cannot be used while on the go.
2) An Amplifier: Boosts Cell Signal
The amplifier is the second major component of a signal booster. It receives the signal from the outside antenna and, as the name suggests, amplifies it.
To understand how amplifiers work and how to choose the best booster kit, you'll have to be familiar with different terms.
Gain
Cellular signal can only be amplified up to the signal booster's gain value, measured in dB (Decibels). The gain is applied to the captured signal, improving signal strength, which is measured in dBm (decibel-milliwatts). The closer you are to -50 dBm, the more reliable your signal is.
The actual amplification power you receive will depend on your existing signal strength. If you have weak outside signal, the booster will apply more gain. On the other hand, if you have strong outside signal, the booster will apply less gain. This prevents overloading the unit and interfering with nearby cell towers.
Typically, a good multi-carrier home amplifier should have at least +60 dB gain. The most powerful multi-carrier units top out at +72 dB gain. A good multi-carrier car amplifier should have at least +25 dB with the best units topping out at +50 dB.
To achieve desired boost, we recommend measuring your signal strength and talking to a certified signal booster expert.
Coverage Area
All amplifier kits vary in how many square feet they can blanket with enhanced cell reception. The coverage you receive largely depends on a variety of factors, such as:
- Signal booster type
- Indoor antenna type and quantity
- Existing signal strength
- Building layout
Kits designed for small homes and offices can cover up to 2,500 sq ft. Those for medium to large homes and offices range from 5,000 to 7,500 sq ft. Commercial amplifiers can cover areas up to 100,000 sq ft. The above numbers are based on optimal conditions, and are unlikely to reflect reality.
If your signal is on the weaker end, coverage will be significantly reduced. Buildings with closed floor plans will also receive less coverage, even with strong outside signal. Walls and furniture can prevent the broadcasted signal from reaching every necessary corner. To really maximize coverage, multiple antennas may be needed.
3) An Indoor Antenna: Rebroadcasts Enhances Signal Inside
The inside antenna is the third major component of a cell booster. Once the amplifier has done its thing, the boosted signal is sent to the inside antenna(s) for rebroadcasting into the desired areas.
Home and Office Indoor Antennas
There are two types of in-building antennas:
A panel antenna is directional and generally wall-mounted. Its signal beam ranges from 45-70 degrees. The strongest signal will be available in the areas closest to it before reaching lower-priority areas.
On the other hand, a dome antenna is omnidirectional and generally ceiling-mounted. It distributes signal equally in all directions. They work best in large, open areas.
The majority of weBoost signal boosters by Wilson Electronics use panel antennas. But, depending on your cell phone booster system kit, some manufacturers prefer one style of indoor antenna over the other.
For best signal boost, there must be at least 20 feet vertical or 50 feet horizontal between the outside and inside antennas.
Vehicle Indoor Antennas
There are two main types of in-vehicle antennas:
A cradle antenna is directional and best for a single user. The cradle antenna is attached to the amplifier. Thus, they are not sold separately. The boosted signal directly reaches any cellular device sitting on it.
The most commonly used in-vehicle signal booster antenna is the low-profile antenna. It’s directional and capable of covering an entire car’s cabin under perfect conditions.
For optimal performance, the indoor and outdoor antennas should be about 5 ft apart.
4) Coaxial Cable: Relays Signal
The coaxial cable connects all components. It’s what carries the signal between the cellular antennas and amplifier. They're designed to deliver high-frequency electrical signals with low signal loss.
Do Signal Boosters Really Work?
Many people doubt that signal boosters work. With so many junk units out in the market, we can't blame them. As long as you have a sliver of 5G, 4G, or LTE signals, FCC-approved signal boosters, like those from weBoost and WilsonPro, really do work as claimed. They’ll improve your signal strength for reliable calls and faster data.
Need proof? Watch this short video to view the results of a signal booster installation in a rural East Texas home.
Before installing the weBoost Home Complete, our customer’s signal strength ranged from -116 to -119 dBm. After the installation, signal strength significantly improved to -75 dBm. The booster transformed our customer’s home from a near-dead zone to one with above-average cell reception. For the full story, check out our weBoost Installed Home Complete review.
A test conducted on the Colorado Mountains with the weBoost Drive Reach by a user also shows major improvements. Here are the results:
| Without Drive Reach | With Drive Reach |
| 1 Bar of Service | 3 Bars of Service |
| 2.37 Mbps Download & 0.03 Mbps Upload Speeds | 22.6 Mbps Download & 1.74 Mbps Upload Speeds |
For the full video review, click here.
The only time a signal booster will not work is if there is no existing cellular signal. They amplify cell signals, not create them. They also don’t boost landline WiFi signal (the U-verse, Time Warner kind).
Will Signal Boosters Work in Rural Areas?
Cell phone boosters are designed for weak signal environments. Thus, they will definitely work in rural areas where cell signal is present. Both tests featured above were conducted in rural locations. Here are the best cell phone signal boosters for rural areas.
How Do I Know if a Signal Booster Will Work for Me?
Cell phone signal booster will work for anybody who:
- Has existing 5G, 4G, and LTE signals outside, even if weak.
- Has poor to non-existent cell reception inside their home, office, or vehicle.
- Wants to boost cell service indoors for all cellular-enabled devices.
When Will a Signal Booster NOT Work?
Cell phone boosters will not work for you if:
- There is no cell signal outside your home, office, or vehicle.
- You’re trying to improve outdoor cell reception as they’re not designed for that.
- You’re trying to enhance your broadband internet connectivity.
Recommended Signal Boosters for Home that Actually Work
Popular Signal Booster for Midsize Homes
For midsize homes and offices with a strong outside signal or small homes with weak outside signal.
Buy Now at $569.99- Complete coverage for multiple rooms or midsize homes for all carriers across multiple devices – 5G ready
- Up to 5,000 sq ft of coverage under best conditions
- Up to +65 dB of gain, with up to 21 dBm uplink and 12 dBm downlink
- Outdoor Yagi antenna and indoor panel antenna configuration, with stylish fabric front
- Multiple accessories available for maximum coverage and customization (sold separately)
The weBoost Home MultiRoom is the most popular signal amplifier, and for good reason. It lies at the sweet spot of price, aesthetics, and efficiency, with a coverage range that usually works for most people.
Kit includes a Yagi antenna, panel antenna, and a powerful amplifier. Featuring up to 65 dB gain and high output powers, it can reach distant towers and cover several rooms or an entire home. It’s a good option for people in the city, as well as those who live in rural areas where tower distance is the biggest problem. Under perfect conditions, it offers up to 5,000 sq ft of coverage. Though, most people get between 2,000 – 3,000 sq ft. Areas with extremely poor cellular reception can expect much less.
This is the lowest grade booster that should be considered for weak signal environments. For those extreme cases and larger homes, consider the weBoost Home Complete.
Professional Installed Signal Booster for Large Homes
Whole-home coverage for large homes with strong outside signal or midsize homes with weak outside signal.
Buy Now at $1,299.99- Superior cell service for your entire home for all carriers across multiple devices - 5G ready
- Up to 7,500 sq. ft. of coverage under best conditions
- Up to +72 dB gain, with up to 24 dBm uplink and 12 dBm downlink
- Outdoor Yagi antenna and indoor panel antenna, with stylish fabric front
- Multiple accessories available for maximum coverage and customization (sold separately)
The weBoost Installed Home Complete is the most powerful home booster you can get. It’s capable of providing whole-home coverage for large homes with strong outside signal or midsize homes with weak outside signal.
It features a maximum gain of +72 dB, which is the highest of any multi-carrier home unit. It’s roughly a shade over 3x more powerful than the weBoost Home MultiRoom. With its powerful uplink and downlink outputs, this unit has more reach to deliver superior service indoors. While it can cover up to 7,500 sq ft, most people get between 4,000 – 6,000 sq ft. That’s still more than enough for mid to large homes. Though fringe zones can expect a little less. To maximize coverage, additional antennas are required, especially if you’re trying to cover multiple floors.
The best part is that it includes a professional residential installation. If you rather install the booster yourself, we also offer a Do-It-Yourself weBoost Home Complete.
Best Signal Booster for One to Two Rooms
For small homes, apartments, and office spaces with decent outside signal.
Buy Now at $349.99- Complete coverage for one to two for all carriers across multiple devices - 5G ready
- Up to 2,000 sq ft of coverage under best conditions
- Up to +60 dB of gain, with up to 23 dBm uplink and 13 dBm downlink
- Outdoor Yagi antenna and indoor whip antenna configuration
- Compact design fits on any flat surface
The weBoost Home Studio is the most affordable home signal booster. Perfect for people on a budget wanting to improve their cellular reception in small areas.
Kit includes a Yagi antenna for more reach and an amplifier with an attached whip antenna. Its compact design allows for a quick and easy installation. Under optimal conditions, it can cover 2,000 sq ft with enhanced cell reception. Realistically, it tends to provide enough coverage for one large room or two small ones.
It’s a great kit for those who have decent outside signal but struggle with a reliable connection in the rooms where it matters. If you live in a weak signal area, you won’t see the results you want and should consider the weBoost Home MultiRoom.
Recommended Signal Boosters for Vehicles that Actually Work
Most Popular Multi-User Signal Booster for Vehicles
- Boosts talk, text, and data - 5G ready
- Amplifies multiple cellular devices across all carriers
- Up to +50 dB gain, with up to 26.9 dBm uplink and 4.8 dBm downlink
- Works in extremely rural and remote areas
- Extremely customizable, with variants for any type of vehicle and situation
The weBoost Drive Reach is the most powerful multi-carrier vehicle cell signal repeater. It’s the booster we highly recommend for most situations.
It features the highest uplink output power of any multi-carrier vehicle booster. This allows it to reach cell towers that are 2x further for twice the signal strength. It's much more powerful than its competitors and a great performer on the most rural of roads and highways.
A mini magnet mount outside antenna picks up the signals, and a low-profile interior antenna broadcasts the signal inside your vehicle. There is a Drive Reach variation for any vehicle type. It’s great for sedans, pickup trucks, SUVs, RVs, boats, and semis.
Best Value Vehicle Signal Booster
- Boosts talk, text, and data - 5G ready
- For a single device
- Works with all carriers
- Up to +23 dB gain
- Cradle signal booster
The weBoost Drive Sleek is the most economical vehicle cellular amplifier for a single device.
Kit includes a magnet mount antenna and an adjustable cradle vent mount designed to hold any size smartphone. To receive boosted signal, your cellular device must be nested in the cradle. When paired with a Bluetooth headset, it really shines for regular talk, text, and hands-free navigation.
However, it’s not the strongest performer in weak signal areas. For those situations, consider the weBoost Drive Reach. If you are looking for a signal user signal booster for semis, go with the weBoost Drive Sleek OTR.
Powerful Signal Boosters for RVs, Trailers, and Campers
- Boosts talk, text, and data - 5G ready
- Amplifies multiple cellular devices across all carriers
- Up to +50 dB gain, with up to 24.8 dBm uplink and 2.8 dBm downlink
- Works in weak and strong signal areas
- Extremely customizable, with variants for any type of vehicle and situation
The weBoost Drive X RV is a great multi-user vehicle booster for RVs, trailers, and campers. It can be used while driving and while stationary, so it only requires one easy installation.
This kit includes best-in-class indoor and outdoor OTR (over-the-road) antennas for improved coverage while moving. On average, the Drive X RV can deliver reliable signal up to 10 ft from the inside antenna. Perfect for Class Bs as it should cover most of the interior space. Though, it can also be used in Class A and Class C RVs. With various Drive X variations, you also have the option to install it in a car, truck, SUV, or boat.
If you spend most of your time parked, consider the weBoost Destination RV. It's much more powerful than the Drive X as it’s designed for stationary use only.
Cell Phone Booster FAQs
What are the Benefits of a Signal Booster?
For a more in-depth description, check out our full article on the benefits of a signal booster, but in a nutshell:
Benefits:
- With "enough" poor 5G & 4G signal, cell phone boosters can absolutely rock. Read some independent reviews about our services and products .
- Eliminate dropped calls, undelivered texts, sluggish internet connections, and poor reception.
- Improved cellular coverage
- Work with all cellular devices (iPhones, Android, tablets, hotspots, notebooks, etc.)
- Work with all major and local carriers in the US and Canada (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Bell, Rogers, Telus, etc.).
- One-time purchase, no monthly fees.
- Standard two-to-three-year warranty on most signal boosters from reputable manufacturers.
- Lifetime tech support.
- 30-day better signal or money-back guarantee.
Drawbacks:
- Installation takes a certain level of handiness. Not much, but some.
- If you live in a near-dead zone, you might have to get a more powerful and expensive model.
What Type of Cell Signal Boosters are There?
There are two types:
- Analog Signal Boosters - The most common cellular signal boosters today are analog ones. These amplify all types of cellular signals across all bands, allowing them to work with all major cell service providers. These are also known as wideband cellular repeaters, cellular amplifiers, bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs), and, of course, signal boosters. weBoost signal boosters are all analog.
- Smart Signal Boosters - These are newer types of boosters attuned to specific frequencies. These are programmable, and generally quite advanced. Some smart boosters can improve signal up to 100 dB. Certain WilsonPro signal boosters are considered "smart."
Are Signal Boosters Legal?
All signal boosters sold on Wilson Amplifiers are certified by the FCC, meaning they are pre-approved and perfectly legal. There are a lot of non-legal, junk signal boosters out on the market that can disrupt the cellular network. Many of which you might find on Amazon or eBay.
Will a Signal Booster Work on My Network Carrier?
Cell phone boosters certified by the FCC and IC work with ALL major and local carriers in USA and Canada.
Do I Need to Have an Internet Connection for a Signal Booster to Work?
No, they do not need WiFi or a landline internet connection to work. They simply boost cellular signal.
Do Signal Boosters Have Monthly or Recurring Fees?
Nope! Signal boosters are a one time purchase. Once you’ve got it set up, it just works.
Will a Signal Booster Improve Data Speed?
By improving your cellular connection, signal boosters can help improve data speeds.
Will a Signal Booster Cause an Increase in Data Rates?
Signal boosters do not use data. Though, by improving your cellular data connection, you may end up using more data.
Do I Need to Pair My Phone to a Cell Phone Booster for it to Work?
Nope! Your phone will automatically pick up on the boosted signal. You don’t have to go through your settings to connect to the booster. Even better, there is no password required (that’s one less password you need to remember). Any device within the signal booster's coverage area will see an improvement in signal strength.
Can I Use a Signal Booster While Hiking?
Unfortunately, no current amplifiers are equipped with a battery per FCC regulations. Even if they were, since boosters are designed to be used in a confined space, you would not see much difference.
Do Signal Boosters Work with Solar Panels?
A signal booster cannot be used directly with a solar panel, as it uses a specific power and voltage. However, you can use it with power DERIVED from a solar panel if it's the main source of power.
A Cell Tower Signal is Received by the Booster, Amplified, and Rebroadcasted. How Does the Phone Know Which Signal (Tower or Booster) to Respond To?
It will latch on to the strongest source. Since the booster is in closer proximity, it will pull signal from the booster.
Why are Cell Phone Signal Boosters Sold as Complete Kits?
In 2013, the FCC passed a rule mandating that cell boosters be certified with improved designs to avoid interference with carrier networks.
Back in the wild west days of cell boosters, some unregulated third-party units caused serious network interference issues.
Because of those bad eggs, cell carriers and reputable signal booster manufacturers requested tougher regulations and accountability. Thus, creating a standard for signal boosters. This lead to better performing and carrier-compliant boosters.
So beginning in 2013 and moving forward, all cell phone signal boosters have been and must be FCC-certified.
As a result, amplifiers cannot be sold separately. Parts also cant be swapped in and out, or mixed and matched. All three major components are considered one unit.
This is why it is impossible for retailers and online sellers to only sell you an amplifier. The FCC considers the complete kit as approved and not individual parts, especially the amplifier.
However, this doesn't limit customers from purchasing additional antennas, splitters, and other parts to tailor their coverage.
Are the Boosters Waterproof?
The outdoor antennas are waterproof. The amplifiers and indoor antennas must be placed in a moisture-controlled environment. So, unfortunately, boosters units are not waterproof.
Will a Signal Booster be Compatible with My Device?
Cell phone repeaters are designed for use with all cellular devices, so, yes. Your hotspots and the like are covered as well.
Do Signal Boosters Boost WiFi?
Not directly, but if you buy a 4G booster you should see considerably faster data speeds. It will not boost WiFi on any other devices, but can indirectly via a jetpack or hotspot.
Do Signal Boosters Boost 5G?
Yes, but only low-band 5G. Read more about it here.
How Can We Help You?
Wilson Amplifiers is the leading provider of FCC-certified cellular amplifiers. Our home, office, vehicle, and enterprise units work with all North American carriers and devices. They're also 5G ready. Once installed, poor cell reception and slow data won’t plague your home, business, or vehicle anymore.
Now that you know how signal boosters work, and that they actually work, we can help find the right one for you. Please call us (1-800-568-2723), email us (sales@wilsonamplifiers.com), or chat with us, for a free consultation. Ask us anything, we’re happy to help!
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