Tom's Hardware Forums » Mobility Networks » Cingular » Improving cell phone reception in house?
 

Improving cell phone reception in house?

Add a reply



 Word :   Username :  
 
Bottom
Author
 Thread : Improving cell phone reception in house?
 
More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

The cell phone reception in my house is not very reliable and I was  
wondering if there is anything that I can do to improve it.  If we go out on  
the patio to use our phones we have a very good signal with no dropped calls  
so it seems that it's the house structure itself that's the problem.  Would  
it be practical to put some kind of antenna outside and run a cable to a  
repeater inside?  Is there a reasonably inexpensive way to do something like  
this?  TIA
 
 
--  
Gary Vocks
www.under-1-roof.com

Related Pr oduct
Register or log in to remove.

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

I had the same problem and found a solution that worked great. I went out  
and bought a product by Wireless Extender.  You have to mount a small  
antenna outside and then run cable inside to a very small repeater.  My  
signal consistently is 2 to 3 bars outside.  I used to get a signal of one  
bar inside, if I was lucky.  Now I get a signal of 3 bars (-75db to -85db)  
all of the time.  Now I get such a strong signal inside my home that my next  
door neighbor even gets a greatly improved signal.
 
Note:  The current unit only works with a 1900 mh signal.    Additionally,  
it is not cheap.  The unit runs approximately $300, but it is the best  
investment that I have made. I own a small business and my cellphone is my  
link to new sales so spending money on an improved signal is not a question.
 
You can find the Wireless Extender at www.wireless extenders.com .
 
Bruce D. Brown
 
"pv" <pawneev@nonspamaol.com> wrote in message  
news:6e856$42c71fbc$c9c7841$8080@CTITECH.COM...
> The cell phone reception in my house is not very reliable and I was  
> wondering if there is anything that I can do to improve it.  If we go out  
> on the patio to use our phones we have a very good signal with no dropped  
> calls so it seems that it's the house structure itself that's the problem.  
> Would it be practical to put some kind of antenna outside and run a cable  
> to a repeater inside?  Is there a reasonably inexpensive way to do  
> something like this?  TIA
>
>
> --  
> Gary Vocks
> www.under-1-roof.com
>
>

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

Sorry, I made a mistake on the link to the web site.  The correct link is:  
www.wirelessextenders.com
 
Bruce D. Brown
 
"Bruce D. Brown" <bdbrown@socal.rr.com> wrote in message  
news:UFFxe.1173$rF5.285@tornado.socal.rr.com...
>I had the same problem and found a solution that worked great. I went out  
>and bought a product by Wireless Extender.  You have to mount a small  
>antenna outside and then run cable inside to a very small repeater.  My  
>signal consistently is 2 to 3 bars outside.  I used to get a signal of one  
>bar inside, if I was lucky.  Now I get a signal of 3 bars (-75db to -85db)  
>all of the time.  Now I get such a strong signal inside my home that my  
>next door neighbor even gets a greatly improved signal.
>
> Note:  The current unit only works with a 1900 mh signal.    Additionally,  
> it is not cheap.  The unit runs approximately $300, but it is the best  
> investment that I have made. I own a small business and my cellphone is my  
> link to new sales so spending money on an improved signal is not a  
> question.
>
> You can find the Wireless Extender at www.wireless extenders.com .
>
> Bruce D. Brown
>
> "pv" <pawneev@nonspamaol.com> wrote in message  
> news:6e856$42c71fbc$c9c7841$8080@CTITECH.COM...
>> The cell phone reception in my house is not very reliable and I was  
>> wondering if there is anything that I can do to improve it.  If we go out  
>> on the patio to use our phones we have a very good signal with no dropped  
>> calls so it seems that it's the house structure itself that's the  
>> problem. Would it be practical to put some kind of antenna outside and  
>> run a cable to a repeater inside?  Is there a reasonably inexpensive way  
>> to do something like this?  TIA
>>
>>
>> --  
>> Gary Vocks
>> www.under-1-roof.com
>>
>>
>
>

Profile: stranger
More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

On Sat, 2 Jul 2005 18:14:00 -0500, "pv" <pawneev@nonspamaol.com>
wrote:
 
>The cell phone reception in my house is not very reliable and I was  
>wondering if there is anything that I can do to improve it.  If we go out on  
>the patio to use our phones we have a very good signal with no dropped calls  
>so it seems that it's the house structure itself that's the problem.  Would  
>it be practical to put some kind of antenna outside and run a cable to a  
>repeater inside?  Is there a reasonably inexpensive way to do something like  
>this?  TIA
 
You could buy a repeater for your house but it will cost you upwards
of $700 (from companies such as Wilson Cellular.)
 
- -

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

It doesn't have to cost $700.  I spent less than 1/2 and got the same  
results.
 
Bruce D. Brown
 
"Joseph" <JoeOfSeattle@yahoo.com> wrote in message  
news:ppcec15k9hkjiv2t8t2id55e5cbd16tlcu@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 2 Jul 2005 18:14:00 -0500, "pv" <pawneev@nonspamaol.com>
> wrote:
>
>>The cell phone reception in my house is not very reliable and I was
>>wondering if there is anything that I can do to improve it.  If we go out  
>>on
>>the patio to use our phones we have a very good signal with no dropped  
>>calls
>>so it seems that it's the house structure itself that's the problem.  
>>Would
>>it be practical to put some kind of antenna outside and run a cable to a
>>repeater inside?  Is there a reasonably inexpensive way to do something  
>>like
>>this?  TIA
>
> You could buy a repeater for your house but it will cost you upwards
> of $700 (from companies such as Wilson Cellular.)
>
> - -
>

Profile: stranger
More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

According to the web page, it only works on PCS phones for now.  Does
this product work with Cingular GSM phones?
 
 
 
On Sat, 02 Jul 2005 23:44:52 GMT, "Bruce D. Brown"
<bdbrown@socal.rr.com> wrote:
 
>I had the same problem and found a solution that worked great. I went out  
>and bought a product by Wireless Extender.  You have to mount a small  
>antenna outside and then run cable inside to a very small repeater.  My  
>signal consistently is 2 to 3 bars outside.  I used to get a signal of one  
>bar inside, if I was lucky.  Now I get a signal of 3 bars (-75db to -85db)  
>all of the time.  Now I get such a strong signal inside my home that my next  
>door neighbor even gets a greatly improved signal.
>
>Note:  The current unit only works with a 1900 mh signal.    Additionally,  
>it is not cheap.  The unit runs approximately $300, but it is the best  
>investment that I have made. I own a small business and my cellphone is my  
>link to new sales so spending money on an improved signal is not a question.
>
>You can find the Wireless Extender at www.wireless extenders.com .
>
>Bruce D. Brown
>
>"pv" <pawneev@nonspamaol.com> wrote in message  
>news:6e856$42c71fbc$c9c7841$8080@CTITECH.COM...
>> The cell phone reception in my house is not very reliable and I was  
>> wondering if there is anything that I can do to improve it.  If we go out  
>> on the patio to use our phones we have a very good signal with no dropped  
>> calls so it seems that it's the house structure itself that's the problem.  
>> Would it be practical to put some kind of antenna outside and run a cable  
>> to a repeater inside?  Is there a reasonably inexpensive way to do  
>> something like this?  TIA
>>
>>
>> --  
>> Gary Vocks
>> www.under-1-roof.com
>>
>>  
>

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

Scott wrote:
 
> According to the web page, it only works on PCS phones for now.  Does
> this product work with Cingular GSM phones?
 
PCS is the frequency at 1900 mHz.  If Cingular uses a GSM 1900 signal in your
area, it it will work, but if Cingular only uses a GSM 850 signal, it will have
no effect.
 
What city do you live in?
 
TH

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

"Bruce D. Brown" wrote:
 
> It doesn't have to cost $700.  I spent less than 1/2 and got the same
> results.
>
> Bruce D. Brown
 
Depending on the area...there are hundreds of markets in which a cellular
carrier does not have PCS coverage, and roaming while in the home market is not
permitted.
 
TH

Sfb
Profile: stranger
More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

GSM in the USA primarily uses the PCS spectrum... 1900 mhz... albeit  
there is some 850 mhz now spreading around the USA.
 
Therefore it should work ????
 
SFB
 
Scott wrote:
> According to the web page, it only works on PCS phones for now.  Does
> this product work with Cingular GSM phones?
>  
>  
>  
> On Sat, 02 Jul 2005 23:44:52 GMT, "Bruce D. Brown"
> <bdbrown@socal.rr.com> wrote:
>  
>  
>>I had the same problem and found a solution that worked great. I went out  
>>and bought a product by Wireless Extender.  You have to mount a small  
>>antenna outside and then run cable inside to a very small repeater.  My  
>>signal consistently is 2 to 3 bars outside.  I used to get a signal of one  
>>bar inside, if I was lucky.  Now I get a signal of 3 bars (-75db to -85db)  
>>all of the time.  Now I get such a strong signal inside my home that my next  
>>door neighbor even gets a greatly improved signal.
>>
>>Note:  The current unit only works with a 1900 mh signal.    Additionally,  
>>it is not cheap.  The unit runs approximately $300, but it is the best  
>>investment that I have made. I own a small business and my cellphone is my  
>>link to new sales so spending money on an improved signal is not a question.
>>
>>You can find the Wireless Extender at www.wireless extenders.com .
>>
>>Bruce D. Brown
>>
>>"pv" <pawneev@nonspamaol.com> wrote in message  
>>news:6e856$42c71fbc$c9c7841$8080@CTITECH.COM...
>>
>>>The cell phone reception in my house is not very reliable and I was  
>>>wondering if there is anything that I can do to improve it.  If we go out  
>>>on the patio to use our phones we have a very good signal with no dropped  
>>>calls so it seems that it's the house structure itself that's the problem.  
>>>Would it be practical to put some kind of antenna outside and run a cable  
>>>to a repeater inside?  Is there a reasonably inexpensive way to do  
>>>something like this?  TIA
>>>
>>>
>>>--  
>>>Gary Vocks
>>>www.under-1-roof.com
>>>
>>>
>>
>

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

I have a Blackberry 7100G and use Cingular.  At home (Orange County, CA)  
Cingular uses 1900mh.  It will work with any phone that uses 1900mh.  
Additionally, there is a return period (I think it is 30 days) where if the  
unit does not work for you, it can be returned.
 
Bruce D. Brown
 
"Scott" <refused@refused.com> wrote in message  
news:32mec1d9m86jop5vjm37pouqur7rle1v00@4ax.com...
> According to the web page, it only works on PCS phones for now.  Does
> this product work with Cingular GSM phones?
>
>
>
> On Sat, 02 Jul 2005 23:44:52 GMT, "Bruce D. Brown"
> <bdbrown@socal.rr.com> wrote:
>
>>I had the same problem and found a solution that worked great. I went out
>>and bought a product by Wireless Extender.  You have to mount a small
>>antenna outside and then run cable inside to a very small repeater.  My
>>signal consistently is 2 to 3 bars outside.  I used to get a signal of one
>>bar inside, if I was lucky.  Now I get a signal of 3 bars (-75db to -85db)
>>all of the time.  Now I get such a strong signal inside my home that my  
>>next
>>door neighbor even gets a greatly improved signal.
>>
>>Note:  The current unit only works with a 1900 mh signal.    Additionally,
>>it is not cheap.  The unit runs approximately $300, but it is the best
>>investment that I have made. I own a small business and my cellphone is my
>>link to new sales so spending money on an improved signal is not a  
>>question.
>>
>>You can find the Wireless Extender at www.wireless extenders.com .
>>
>>Bruce D. Brown
>>
>>"pv" <pawneev@nonspamaol.com> wrote in message
>>news:6e856$42c71fbc$c9c7841$8080@CTITECH.COM...
>>> The cell phone reception in my house is not very reliable and I was
>>> wondering if there is anything that I can do to improve it.  If we go  
>>> out
>>> on the patio to use our phones we have a very good signal with no  
>>> dropped
>>> calls so it seems that it's the house structure itself that's the  
>>> problem.
>>> Would it be practical to put some kind of antenna outside and run a  
>>> cable
>>> to a repeater inside?  Is there a reasonably inexpensive way to do
>>> something like this?  TIA
>>>
>>>
>>> --  
>>> Gary Vocks
>>> www.under-1-roof.com
>>>
>>>
>>
>

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

I live in Fountain Valley, CA and the Wireless Extender works perfectly as  
it should.
 
Bruce D. Brown
 
"Tropical Haven" <email@example.net> wrote in message  
news:42C762D5.564E276@example.net...
>
>
> Scott wrote:
>
>> According to the web page, it only works on PCS phones for now.  Does
>> this product work with Cingular GSM phones?
>
> PCS is the frequency at 1900 mHz.  If Cingular uses a GSM 1900 signal in  
> your
> area, it it will work, but if Cingular only uses a GSM 850 signal, it will  
> have
> no effect.
>
> What city do you live in?
>
> TH
>

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

I agree with your statement but if your phone uses the 1900 mh band, the  
Wireless Extender costs much less than 1/2 the cost of a repeater.  If your  
phone only works on the 850mh band, this will not work.
 
Bruce D. Brown
 
"Tropical Haven" <email@example.net> wrote in message  
news:42C76329.C78D68A8@example.net...
>
>
> "Bruce D. Brown" wrote:
>
>> It doesn't have to cost $700.  I spent less than 1/2 and got the same
>> results.
>>
>> Bruce D. Brown
>
> Depending on the area...there are hundreds of markets in which a cellular
> carrier does not have PCS coverage, and roaming while in the home market  
> is not
> permitted.
>
> TH
>

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

You'll probably have 1900 in California. If you take the Wireless Extender to
some other areas, rural Florida or Rural Minnesota or North Dakota, where GSM is
only present in 850 mHz, it'll be a pretty "metal vine".
 
TH
 
"Bruce D. Brown" wrote:
 
> I live in Fountain Valley, CA and the Wireless Extender works perfectly as
> it should.
>
> Bruce D. Brown
>
> "Tropical Haven" <email@example.net> wrote in message
> news:42C762D5.564E276@example.net...
> >
> >
> > Scott wrote:
> >
> >> According to the web page, it only works on PCS phones for now.  Does
> >> this product work with Cingular GSM phones?
> >
> > PCS is the frequency at 1900 mHz.  If Cingular uses a GSM 1900 signal in
> > your
> > area, it it will work, but if Cingular only uses a GSM 850 signal, it will
> > have
> > no effect.
> >
> > What city do you live in?
> >
> > TH
> >

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

How can you tell if your area is covered by 850 or 1900?

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

> How can you tell if your area is covered by 850 or 1900?
 
If you are really technically oriented, you can take a handset with Test
Mode and read/interpret the data from screen.
 
If you are not, there are a couple of other things you can try:
 
- Take two phones, one with 850 and 1900 capability (at least), and
another that does NOT have 850.  If both phones function in your market,
you at least have 1900 mHz (however, in most areas where Cingular 850
mHz is present, 1900 is also present, but there are many markets where
Cingular 1900 is present and 850 is not).
 
- There are some websites that publish what carriers are *using* what
frequencies in what markets, and what markets the carriers hold licenses
which are not being used.  I do not recall any URLs.
 
- Post your location, and other users will be able to tell you.
 
There are other options, but these are the easiest three that I could
think of.
 
TH

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

"Tropical Haven" <email@example.net> wrote in message  
news:42C76329.C78D68A8@example.net...
>
>
> "Bruce D. Brown" wrote:
>
>> It doesn't have to cost $700.  I spent less than 1/2 and got the same
>> results.
>>
>> Bruce D. Brown
>
> Depending on the area...there are hundreds of markets in which a cellular
> carrier does not have PCS coverage, and roaming while in the home market  
> is not
> permitted.
>
> TH
And what does that have to do with this subject??
 
Steve

Profile: stranger
More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

Per Tropical Haven:
>If you are really technically oriented, you can take a handset with Test
>Mode and read/interpret the data from screen.
 
Dunno how technically-competant I am, but I'm technically-oriented.
Can this be done with GSM phones too?  Specifically Moto v180.
--  
PeteCresswell

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

> Per Tropical Haven:
> >If you are really technically oriented, you can take a handset with Test
> >Mode and read/interpret the data from screen.
>
> Dunno how technically-competant I am, but I'm technically-oriented.
> Can this be done with GSM phones too?  Specifically Moto v180.
> --
> PeteCresswell
 
I don't know too much about the Motorola handsets, but I know the Nokia ones
are easy to use.
 
TH

More Information

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.cingular (More info?)

 

> >> It doesn't have to cost $700.  I spent less than 1/2 and got the same
> >> results.
> >
> > Depending on the area...there are hundreds of markets in which a cellular
> > carrier does not have PCS coverage, and roaming while in the home market
> > is not
> > permitted.
> >
> > TH
> And what does that have to do with this subject??
>
> Steve
 
This means that if you buy a PCS antenna, and you are in a cellular market and
you don't have access, to, for example, T-Mobile's network, the antenna will do
you no good, because the antenna will only work with 1900 mHz and your service
will only work 850 mHz.
 
TH

More Information
n°19552
07-12-2005 at 03:17:06 PM