The phone has poor signal reception. Weak antenna signal on android

Is it necessary to purchase an expensive gadget when it is possible to get by with a device assembled from improvised means?

Those who have at least an initial level of knowledge in the field of cellular communications will be able to cope on their own. This requires components and tools, as well as a device diagram.

And you can assemble the simplest cellular amplifier on your own. What is required for this will be discussed below.

Antennas to enhance cellular communications

They are one of the simplest devices that allow you to achieve a high-quality signal on any object.

There are two main groups of antennas:

1. external;
2. Internal.

The former are usually installed on the roof of a building and are capable of providing coverage over large areas. The signal received from the base station is transmitted by the antenna through the cable to the amplifier. This guarantees good communication quality even in areas where it was previously impossible.

What elements does the signal amplification system consist of

It is possible to provide reliable communication in hard-to-reach places for a radio signal, but this will require special equipment. Various devices assembled into a single system make it possible to achieve high signal quality and forget about its sudden disappearance forever. It is often referred to as a cell phone booster. However, in fact, it is a complex consisting of the following elements:

• Repeater or two-way amplifier, which is an intermediate link;
• External and internal antennas that pick up the station signal and distribute it indoors;
• Power divider or wire splitter;
• N-connectors;
• 50 ohm coaxial cable.

All devices included in the system are divided into two groups:

1. Active;
2. Passive.

The first includes devices for which operation requires a connection to a power source - this is a repeater, connectors. Antennas, a divider and a cable are called passive. Each system is calculated for a specific object and therefore may have a different number of amplifiers and internal antennas. The best option is one that uses a minimum cable length, since each extra meter of it is a loss in signal quality. This must be taken into account when assembling a cellular signal amplifier with your own hands.

Since all elements are interconnected, it is recommended to install the equipment before finishing, so as not to spoil the interior.

The principle of the repeater

The equipment of this class is in some way a repeater. It processes the received signals and sends them to the base station tower if it is an outgoing call. When a subscriber is dialed, the repeater performs the same function, only the connection is made with the user's gadget.

Watch the video, the simplest way to amplify the signal:

The signal is received and transmitted by antennas. The simplest cell phone signal booster can be assembled by hand. The outdoor antenna receives or sends it to the station, while the indoor antenna is responsible for expanding the coverage area in the room.

How to make a cellular amplifier with your own hands

The use of such a device allows you to achieve high-quality communication in almost any corner of the object. A repeater is especially needed in areas with a poor signal or where it is absent. The advantages of using the system include such features as:

1. Strengthening the signal in places where there are frequent interruptions in mobile communications;
2. Elimination of interference;
3. Improving the clarity of the message;
4. Reduced radiation level;
5. Longer phone battery life.

But since such equipment is not cheap, many decide to make it on their own.

Watch the video, do-it-yourself manufacturing steps:

In order to assemble a cellular amplifier on your own, you will need components that need to be connected into a single system. How to do this will be discussed next.

What is needed for assembly

If you decide to make the simplest device, namely an antenna, then you will need:

• Wire, but not copper (length 30-40 cm);
• Connection block;
• Cable (up to 10 m);
• Fasteners (for mounting connecting blocks);
• Polymer pipe (20 cm);
• Plastic.

Since in the process of work you will have to connect individual elements, it is worth having electrical tape on hand. After all the components are found and prepared, you can start assembling the cellular signal amplifier with your own hands.

A piece of wire must be bent in the middle by 90 °, so that the result is a rhombus. To do this, retreat from the center by 9 cm in both directions. Then, at the mark, the wire is again bent at the same angle. As a result of the manipulations, you get a rhombus. The ends are bent inward and a block is connected to them. Install it so that in the future you can connect through it. For this, a polymer pipe is cut along one side and a hole is made opposite.

We watch the video, we make an amplifier from cans:

After the antenna assembly stage has been completed, they begin to connect the coaxial cable. At one of its ends, the outer insulation is removed and the outer and inner conductors are connected to the contacts of the connecting block. As a result, the cable becomes a continuation of the antenna.

After that, it remains to install the device on the roof of the house or attach it to a pole and direct it towards the base station of the mobile operator. The last step in making the simplest amplifier with your own hands is to connect the other end of the cable to a plastic plate. And you can start testing.

If everything was done correctly, then as soon as you bring the mobile phone to the amplifier, the signal indicator will increase by 2 or 3 divisions.

Choosing a place to install the repeater

But it’s not enough just to assemble a cellular amplifier, you also need to correctly install it. The efficiency of such equipment is directly dependent on its location, as well as the antennas included in the system. Therefore, before proceeding with the installation, you must make sure that the signal level is sufficient. The easiest way to find out is by making a call from the phone where the antenna is planned to be installed. You can also determine the signal level by the indicator on the gadget's display.

Antenna Installation

But besides this, there are other limitations. For example, the place for installing the amplifier should not be closer than a meter to the heaters.

After planning the location of all components, they begin to lay the coaxial cable. But before turning on the repeater, you need to make sure that all connectors are intact and clean. Do not turn on the device if it is not connected to an external antenna, as it may be damaged. If you need to disconnect the RF cables, be sure to turn off the power.

There are also temperature restrictions. If for an external antenna it is from -40 to +50°C, then for the repeater itself it is limited only to positive temperatures. In addition, the repeater can only be installed in a heated room.

Need to remember! An incorrectly assembled system is capable of emitting interference, which affects the operation of nearby stations. Therefore, you should not install it without surveying the object and determining the location for placing all the blocks.

Amplifier setting

In order to obtain a stable and sufficient communication signal at a particular facility, it is necessary to correctly perform all commissioning work. They consist in setting the quality of voice messages and excluding self-excitation of the device.

We watch the video, what to do if the signal is bad, we watch the solutions:

The first thing to start with is to make sure that all connections are intact. The power adapter and antennas are connected to the high-frequency connectors. If power surges occur frequently in the network, then a surge protector must be used.

The next step is to adjust the gain. It must be at least 15 dB. The repeater can be configured manually or automatically. In the first case, the adjustment is carried out using the potentiometer knob and changing the position of the external and internal antennas.

Auto tuning involves setting the gain level so that maximum output power is obtained. In this case, the device will independently adjust to the traffic of the operator's base station.

The Internet is an indispensable thing in the modern world. The more we need mobile Internet, the more annoying it is to detect a bad signal or even its complete absence. Although the quality of cellular communication has improved in recent years, it still often fails. How to fix the poor quality of the 3G signal and what to do about it?

Causes of a poor mobile signal: can it be improved

Problems with cellular communications and mobile Internet can be caused by completely different sources: from remoteness from cell towers to bad weather conditions. Let's look at the most common reasons:

• remoteness of cell towers;
• third-party networks that disrupt the signal;
• a large number of obstacles - high-rise buildings, metal structures, hills, mountains;
• bad weather conditions - rains, thunderstorms, storms, etc.;
• high network congestion - common in the evening;
• hardware problems - for example, low phone charging.

It is possible to improve the cellular signal, and here are the most obvious and simple ways:

• be closer to a cell tower;
• go to an open place or to a window - so that the barriers do not interfere with the "journey" of radio waves from the phone to the tower;
• recharge the device - moving away from the cell tower requires more transmitter power, which drains the battery faster.

Unexpectedly, I found that cases and accessories made of metal - or having metal inserts - can negatively affect the signal, just like large metal structures. I suggest that the owners of such accessories try out the speed of the Internet with and without a case. The result may pleasantly surprise you.

Other methods are more complicated and not so obvious, they are associated with additional devices or programs. Let's analyze them in more detail.

Strengthening communication with applications: pros and cons

There are many signal amplification apps available on the internet. In this case, you do not risk damaging the phone and do not spend money. Let's see if this is true, shall we?

I will analyze the software way to improve the signal using the example of one of the most popular and easy-to-use applications - Internet Speed ​​Master.

To use Internet Speed ​​Master, you just need to launch the program and click the "Apply Patch" button - for rooted smartphones or "Improve Internet Connection" for non-rooted phones. Whenever the signal is bad, it is enough to use the application again and the smartphone will find a strong and stable network signal.

Root rights or "Superuser" rights are full access to all device data. It is thanks to Root-rights that the user can get "unlimited" access to all files on an Android device.

Wikipedia

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root

The program Internet Speed ​​Master has an extremely simple and intuitive interface

Be careful if you want to get root rights. Careless use of the rights of the "superuser" can easily turn a smartphone into a "brick". It is better to be safe once again than to regret later on the loss of the device.

Consider all the pros and cons of this application and the method as a whole.

Advantages of the software method:

• simple and intuitive interface for most applications;
• the method does not require material costs;
• applications do not require your intervention - just press a couple of buttons;
• the method can be checked in a couple of minutes, without even leaving home.

Cons of the software method:

• not on all devices gives a positive result;
• many applications require Root rights.

The disadvantages compared to the advantages are minor. It's safe to say that trying this method with a bad signal definitely won't hurt.

Using purchased or homemade antennas to enhance communications

Cellular signal strength is measured in decibels (dB) and ranges from -50 dB (great signal) to -120 dB (no signal). Antennas, repeaters, repeaters and other equipment increase this level, improving communication.

Cellular network signal quality varies from -50 dB to -120 dB

You can find out the signal strength on Android in the following way:

If the previous method did not improve the signal quality enough, then you should try to increase the communication speed using an antenna. The cost of a purchased antenna starts from 1300 rubles. The range of equipment is quite wide both among Chinese devices and among Russian manufacturers.

Whip antenna - an inexpensive and easy way to amplify a communication signal

The main difference between the antennas is the radiation pattern - the most common antennas are circular (can catch a signal from all sides) and directional (maximum effect when directed towards the cell tower) diagrams. Antennas also differ in shape. The most popular are pin and panel.

Another type of antenna - panel

If for some reason you do not want to purchase an antenna, you can build it yourself using simple tools at hand. It does not require special knowledge, so most users can do it.

Using repeaters (repeaters)

Repeaters or repeaters are more complex and expensive devices than antennas. Prices for repeaters start at 7,000 rubles, however, they increase the signal quality even more. Even with the most inexpensive devices, the coverage area reaches 200m² under good conditions (a signal of 3-4 sticks). And expensive models (from 40,000) may well cover several floors of an office building or a shopping center.

Repeaters are one of the best signal amplification devices.

Installation of cellular repeaters

If you have already selected a suitable device, you need to install it correctly. Of course, you can use the services of masters, but it is quite possible to carry out the installation yourself. To do this, just use the instructions:

1. Install an outdoor antenna outdoors. At the same time, directional antennas must necessarily look in the direction of the cell tower.
2. Place indoor antennas indoors, at least five meters below the outdoor one.
3. Connect the external and internal antennas with cables, connect to the repeater.
4. Connect the repeater to power and check the power supply.

In case you are not sure where the cellular station is, ask someone to be at the indoor antenna, and slowly turn the antenna yourself until you find the best signal.

If everything is done correctly, then the signal level near the internal antenna will increase significantly, approaching the maximum.

Other 3G Signal Boosters

On sale you can find compact amplifiers in the form of sticker stickers located inside the smartphone case. They are a geometric pattern of several metal strips. The manufacturer claims that the amplifier reduces the amount of interference and improves the signal in places where it is almost absent. On the AliExpress website, such stickers are sold in packs of 10 for only 140 rubles, but their effectiveness, as they say, relies on chance and, according to most reviews, there is no increase among users.

Small stickers like these can improve communication

Instead of such stickers, many ordinary users and even experts claim that even an ordinary piece of foil located under the phone cover helps to get an increase in the signal. This method requires minimal costs, so it is quite suitable for verification.

The main reasons for a poor signal lie in the remoteness of cellular stations and remote areas, but the quality of communication is somehow improved with the help of simple and not very means. Simple manipulations give a solid increase in communication speed. It remains only to wish a fast Internet!

The problem of poor coverage of GSM-operators is relevant not only in the outback, where technical progress has not yet arrived. This is a common problem in big cities as well. Take at least the basement: cafes, gyms, offices, shops - often the network in these places is extremely weak or non-existent. In order for people to stay connected in such places, coverage can be artificially improved. Below are a few ways to boost your cell phone signal. As we will see, this can also be done at home.

Strengthening the cellular signal in different ways

Installing an additional antenna

The advantage of this method is its simplicity and ease of installation. That is, the signal will be good wherever you are. The success of this method depends on the power of the external GSM antenna. But there are many shortcomings. Firstly, the antenna is connected to the receiving device (phone, modem) through a special connector, which may not be in your model. Secondly, the second antenna causes inconvenience when using the phone. This technique can be recommended to sailors who often stay in the roadstead, not far from a large city, due to the lack of the ability to solve the problem on the ship in other ways.

Installing a GSM amplifier

This method is much more efficient than the previous one, since the additional device works as a repeater or repeater. The advantage of this method is that it works really well, providing decent coverage. There is no need to connect each phone with a cable to an analog antenna. You can also boost your 3G or 4G signal with this device, but you should pay attention to the specifications of the equipment before buying.

How to strengthen the cellular signal with your own hands?

Strengthening the cellular signal can be done by hand. The following are instructions for properly installing the optional antenna and signal booster:

• Mounting an additional antenna
• This is done extremely simply. What is needed for this:
• GSM antenna.
• Coaxial cable.
• Phone adapter.

1. If everything is there, you can proceed to installation. You just need to choose a suitable place for the purchased antenna and point it towards the nearest base station.

2. Connect the coaxial cable to the antenna. Using an adapter, connect the phone or modem to the cable. This is all. If the signal is still insufficient for comfortable use, raise the antenna higher (you will need a long board or mast).

Installation of a GSM amplifier

In many ways, this process is similar to installing Wi-Fi hotspots. Those who have had the experience of installing them can easily do this with the "GSM-booster". Usually amplifiers are equipped with the following components:

• the repeater itself;
• a pair of antennas: external and internal;
• coaxial cable.

GSM-amplifier installation diagram

If everything is there, you can start the installation. First you need to choose a location and direction for an external antenna that will pick up a weak signal. This is a very important step in setting up the repeater. It is necessary to determine the place where the signal is as stable as possible. If there are no obstacles for the signal to pass near this place, you can fix the antenna. Direct it to the nearest tower of your operator. If there are objects nearby that interfere with the signal, the antenna can be raised to the mast.

We choose a place for the GSM-amplifier itself. In this case, you need to choose a place so that it is not in direct line of sight with an external antenna. The repeater should provide a good signal in all corners of the room, and especially near workplaces. That is, it should be installed closer to the center of the office or apartment, or closer to the manager's office. You also need unhindered access to the outlet.

We connect the external antenna to the repeater using the supplied cable

We install an internal antenna and turn on the repeater in the network. If there are several internal antennas included with the amplifier, then they can be distributed throughout the room, for example, one for each floor. As you can see, you can improve the mobile signal yourself, with minimal experience in installing antennas. It also does not require any special knowledge.

Now we will discuss what amplification of a cellular signal is. We will indicate the main ways that allow us to achieve it. A few words will also be said about the specifics of the operation of third-generation networks. But first things first.

How does a cellular signal system work?

The scheme of operation of this type of mobile radio communication, which works on the basis of and is to create a high-frequency radio channel of your phone with the operator's station, which provides mobile communications in the range from 450 to 2700 megahertz. With the help of this system, calls, text messages, and even access of network users to the Internet are carried out.

In addition, there are several standards for cellular network communication, which are determined by the frequency and method of organizing the radio signal. The standard for mobile radio networks GSM, for example, is built in such a way that regardless of the location of your mobile (city, forest or on the move), it will most likely receive a signal from radio base stations.

"Holes in the coating", or "dead zones"

Why, in this case, amplification of the cellular signal is required? The reason is simple - there are obstacles in the way of the signal, like multi-storey buildings, wooded areas and other obstacles that reflect the radio signal. Often, it is because of this that you cannot use your mobile communication services, and the GSM signal disappears.

As a result, it turns out that the maximum allowable distance for receiving a GSM-900 standard phone, which will allow you to use the signal of a mobile operator, is seven kilometers within the city and less than thirty-five kilometers from it. For the 3G standard, it is half as much. The CDMA standard, in turn, has twice the coverage distance of the GSM standard from one side. completely disappears).

There are such places in every city and outside it: indoor premises in residential or office buildings, underground premises (basements, underground parking lots, zero floors, etc.), warehouse and industrial buildings, high-rise buildings (more than 10 floors high), huge commercial and entertainment centers, settlements and houses outside the city limits (which are far enough from the base stations). The reasons for the occurrence of such dead zones are also quite diverse: thick walls of buildings, a large number of metal and reinforced concrete structures (which are a strong obstacle to the radio signal), rooms at a certain depth (the signal may simply not break through), high altitude (usually above 30-35 meters, the network disappears or, in other words, an interference effect occurs) or distance from the signal source of the cellular network. It is at such moments that you need to amplify the GSM signal of cellular communications.

How to deal with the weak signal problem?

To fix this problem, you will need an intermediate signal amplifier between the base radio tower of the carrier and the room that does not receive a signal. This cellular signal amplification tool is built around an interconnected system of equipment: donor and serving antennas that receive and transmit signals between your carrier and mobile phone, power distributors and cables.

How to strengthen the cellular signal with your own hands?

Work on amplifying the signal should take place gradually, in several steps, to achieve the maximum effect. To do this, you need to determine where your antenna-amplifier will be located, and find out its power. The easiest way to do this is with your own mobile device, which indicates the level of signal reception (often in the upper right corner of the screen). Places where signal reception is usually better are on the roof of the house or outside the window of your high-rise building (in urban areas). Having determined the place where it catches the signal best, you can proceed to fixing the external antenna.

The next step is to place the amplifier. Everything is simple here - you need a free surface and a close location of a 220-volt outlet.

The last step will be the placement of internal communication antennas. The principle of their placement is the possible allowable distance from the external antenna, as this will provide the most effective amplification of the cellular signal.

The final stage will be commissioning - connecting the antennas to the amplifier. Once you have laid the cable, crimp the ends with N-type connectors and connect. You can start the system.

A note about 3G networks

The amplification of the 3G cellular signal occurs almost according to the same principle, but with one important detail: outdoors, the intensity and continuity of the 3G signal are several times higher than indoors. In this case, the signal is hindered by wall coverings and a competent location of the internal antenna in the room is required.

Cellular network coverage is not continuous. And no one will make it continuous - it is economically unprofitable. A certain contribution is made here by the features of the propagation of radio waves, due to which zones of radio silence may appear at certain points. Poor cellular signal reception - this problem is relevant for many people, especially for those who live outside the city, away from the nearest base stations. Let's try to solve this problem together.

Admission Situation

There are thousands of complaints about mobile operators on the Internet - people complain that they are experiencing communication problems. Unfortunately, no one will make sure that the signal is received everywhere and with the same strength. This is impossible due to economic reasons, it is impossible due to some physical reasons. Russian operators generally perform well, and their coverage area is decent - this is confirmed by evaluative comparisons with European operators. You just got a little unlucky with the location.

If you complain about the poor signal level of MTS in your area, nothing prevents you from interviewing your neighbors and finding out which operator they use. It is quite possible that Beeline or MegaFon will work much better for you, pleasing you with a stable reception. Even Tele2, which does not always have a wide coverage area, has significantly increased the coverage of its networks in recent years - you can try.

Porting a number to another operator

You can object - they say, I do not want to change the operator, even if the signal of another operator is caught many times better. This is called "to spite my neighbor, I will freeze my ears." Do not change if you do not want to - sit in the middle of nowhere and rejoice at the lack of communication. For others, we can offer a reasonable solution - if MTS is not caught in your area, but Beeline is caught, go to the Beeline office and write an application for porting the number.

The advantages of this approach:

• In 8-9 days you will have a mobile phone working - it will be serviced in the network of another operator, and you will forget what poor network coverage is.
• You can choose a more favorable tariff plan.
• You will stay with your number - it is not necessary to change it at all.

This is the best way to deal with poor cell signal reception, but it will require some preliminary research to determine which operator works best in your area.

Buying another phone

This is not to say that this is the most optimal way to solve the problem with poor signal reception. All modern tubes have approximately the same sensitivity. Therefore, buying another smartphone can result in extra costs. And the talk of Apple fans that iPhones are “caught anywhere” is nothing more than a myth.

Finding a phone with high sensitivity for poor reception conditions is problematic. A few years ago they were, but then disappeared somewhere. People living in remote areas are advised to look for old Nokia and Motorola mobile phones - they were very sensitive.

• DEXP Larus X2 rev.2.
• BQ Rome BQD-2051.
• Termit Fix Phone v2.

Their cost does not exceed 3,000 rubles, and the antennas sticking out of the housings will provide increased sensitivity.

The most difficult problem to solve is the reception of 3G and 4G signals, since only modern phones work with them.

Using external antennas

External antennas will help improve the quality of voice communication and increase the speed of mobile Internet. They connect to phones equipped with the appropriate sockets. Unfortunately, they are equipped with an extremely limited number of models. Let's see which tubes we can connect external antennas to improve cellular signal reception:

• Huawei ETS5623 is a stationary cell phone complete with an external antenna and a 10-meter coil of cable. The cost is about 4 thousand rubles. An excellent solution for poor cell signal reception.
• Runbo H1 is a very expensive smartphone worth almost 60 thousand rubles, made in a shockproof and waterproof case. It is equipped with a connector for an external antenna.
• Kit MT3020B is another stationary device equipped with a socket for an external antenna, which is supplied in the kit. The cost of the phone is about 5.5 thousand rubles.

We also recommend paying attention to the tubes of the last decade - they were often equipped with antenna connectors (including those hidden under the back cover) to work in conditions of poor cellular signal reception.

Cellular communication is needed not only for voice transmission, but also for access to mobile Internet. And if we cannot find a smartphone with a connector for an external antenna, then there are plenty of 3G and 4G modems with them. Literally, you can connect an antenna to every second modem, which will significantly improve the reception quality.

Passive repeaters

The use of passive repeaters allows you to improve the reception of a cellular signal without expensive electronics. Most often, these are home-made devices, which are a bunch of two small antennas. Also, beer cans, copper wire, and some other unthinkable household products are involved in the designs. All this is not serious, and even limits the freedom of movement around the house - you have to talk on the phone when you are directly located next to such a repeater.

There is one more interesting technical solution. If your smartphone does not have an antenna jack, you can do the following:

• Buy one directional GSM antenna and one GSM whip antenna.
• Install a directional antenna on the roof of the house, on a tree or pole up to 10 meters high (the more the better).
• Install a whip antenna in your home.
• Connect both antennas with a cable.