The best cellular and Internet signal boosters for summer cottages

The territory covered by the cellular communication network is steadily expanding. However, there are blind corners that the signal barely reaches. And even in the centers of large cities, mobile communications are not available in underground garages, workshops or warehouses, unless you take care of signal amplification in advance. 

And in remote cottage towns, estates, and even in ordinary villages, you have to look for points where the reception is confident and without interference. The range of receivers and amplifiers is growing, there is plenty to choose from, so the issue of lack of communication in remote areas is becoming less and less relevant.

Editor’s Choice

TopRepiter TR-1800/2100-23

The cellular repeater ensures the operation of cellular communications of the GSM 1800, LTE 1800 and UMTS 2000 standards in locations with a low signal level and even in its complete absence. For example, underground parking lots, warehouses, country houses and cottages. operates in two frequency bands 1800/2100 MHz and provides a gain of 75 dB and a power of 23 dBm (200 mW).

The built-in AGC and ALC functions automatically adjust the gain to protect against high signal levels. There is also a manual gain control in 1 dB steps. Negative impact on the mobile network is prevented by automatic shutdown.

Technical specifications

Advantages and disadvantages

Top 9 Best Cellular and Internet Signal Amplifiers for Home According to KP

1. S2100 KROKS RK2100-70M (with manual level control)

The repeater serves a 3G cellular signal (UMTS2100). It has a low gain, so it should be used in an area with good reception of a weak cellular signal. The device has a low noise level. It is recommended to use it in cars or rooms up to 200 sq.m. Indicators on the case signal the occurrence of overload and signal loopback. 

The circuit has an automatic gain control system, supplemented by manual adjustment up to 30 dB in 2 dB steps. Amplifier self-excitation is automatically detected and damped. Operating modes are indicated by LEDs. 

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2. Repeater Titan-900/1800 PRO (LED)

The delivery set of the device includes the repeater itself and two antennas of the MultiSet type: external and internal. Communication standards GSM-900 (2G), UMTS900 (3G), GSM-1800 (2G), LTE1800 (4G) are served. High gain with automatic signal level control up to 20 dB provides a maximum coverage area of ​​1000 sq.m. 

The “Shielding Between Antennas” indicator indicates the unacceptably close location of the receiving and internal antennas. This carries the risk of self-excitation of the amplifier, signal distortion and damage to electronic circuits. Automatic suppression of self-excitation is also provided. The package contains everything you need for installation, including antenna cables.

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3. TopRepiter TR-900/1800-30dBm(900/2100 MGc, 1000 mW)

The dual-band 2G, 3G, 4G cellular signal repeater serves GSM 900, DCS 1800 and LTE 1800 standards. High gain helps cover an area of ​​up to 1000 km. m. The gain level is controlled manually. Up to 10 internal antennas can be connected to the output connector via a splitter. 

The cooling of the device is natural, the degree of dust and moisture protection is IP40. Operating temperature range from -10 to +55 °C. The repeater picks up the signals of the base tower at a distance of up to 20 km. Negative impact on the cellular network is prevented by the automatic shutdown system.

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4. PROFIBOOST E900/1800 SX20

The dual-band ProfiBoost E900/1800 SX20 Repeater is designed to amplify 2G/3G/4G signals. The device is controlled by a microcontroller, has a fully automatic setting and is equipped with modern protection against interference in the work of operators. 

The operating modes “Network protection” and “Automatic adjustment” are indicated on the LEDs on the body of the repeater. The device supports the maximum possible number of simultaneously working subscribers for a specific base tower at a specific time. The degree of dust and moisture protection is IP40, the operating temperature range is from -10 to +55 °C. 

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5. DS-900/1800-17

The Dalsvyaz dual-band repeater provides the required signal level for all operators operating in the 2G GSM900, 2G GSM1800, 3G UMTS900, 4G LTE1800 standards. The device is equipped with the following smart functions:

1. The output signal of the amplifier is automatically turned off when self-excited or when an excessively high power signal is received at the input;
2. In the absence of active subscribers, the connection between the amplifier and the base station is turned off, saving electricity and extending the life of the device;
3. Inadmissible proximity of the external and internal antennas is indicated, creating a risk of self-excitation of the device.

The use of this device is the best solution for the normalization of cellular communication in a country house, a small cafe, service stations. Two internal antennas are allowed. The coverage area can be increased by installing linear signal amplifiers, the so-called boosters.

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6. VEGATEL VT-900E/3G (LED)

The amplifier operates simultaneously in two frequency bands 900 MHz and 2000 MHz and serves cellular networks of the following standards: EGSM/GSM-900 (2G), UMTS900 (3G) and UMTS2100 (3G). The device is able to simultaneously enhance voice communication and high-speed mobile Internet. 

The repeater is equipped with manual gain control up to 65 dB in 5 dB steps. Plus automatic gain control with a depth of 20 dB. The number of simultaneously served subscribers is limited only by the bandwidth of the base station. 

The repeater has automatic overload protection, this mode of operation is indicated by the LED on the device case. Power is possible from a network with a voltage of 90 to 264 V. This property is especially valuable in rural and suburban areas.

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7. PicoCell E900/1800 SXB+

Dual band repeater amplifies cellular network signals of EGSM900, DCS1800, UMTS900, LTE1800 standards. The device is mounted in rooms that do not have direct contact with the external environment. The use of an amplifier eliminates “dead” zones on an area of ​​up to 300 sq.m. Amplifier overload is indicated by an LED that changes color from green to red. In this case, you need to adjust the gain or change the direction of the antenna to the base station until the red signal disappears. 

Self-excitation of the amplifier may occur due to the proximity of the incoming and internal antennas or the use of poor quality cable. If the automatic gain control system fails to cope with the situation, then the protection of the communication channel with the base station turns off the amplifier, eliminating the risk of interference with the work of the operator.

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8. Tricolor TR-1800/2100-50-kit

The repeater comes with external and internal antennas and is designed to amplify mobile Internet signals and cellular voice communications 2G, 3G, 4G of LTE, UMTS and GSM standards. 

The receiving antenna is directional and is placed outside the premises on the roof, balcony or loggia. The built-in warning function monitors the signal level between the antennas and signals the risk of self-excitation of the amplifier. 

The package also includes a power adapter and the necessary fasteners. The instructions have a “Quick Start” section, which describes in detail how to install and configure the repeater without calling a specialist.

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9. Everstream ES918L

The repeater is designed to ensure the operation of cellular communications of GSM 900/1800 and UMTS 900 standards where the signal level is extremely low: in warehouses, workshops, basements, underground parking lots, country houses. The built-in AGC and FLC functions automatically adjust the gain to the level of the input signal from the base tower. 

The operating modes are shown on the color multifunction display. When the amplifier is turned on, the system automatically detects self-excitation arising from the proximity of the input and output antennas. The amplifier turns off immediately to avoid generating interference in the work of the telecom operator. After making the necessary adjustments, the connection is restored.

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What other cellular amplifiers are worth paying attention to

1. Orbit OT-GSM19, 900 MHz

The device improves cellular network coverage in places where base stations are isolated by metal ceilings, landscape irregularities, and basements. It accepts and amplifies the signal of 2G, GSM 900, UMTS 900, 3G standards, which are used by operators MTS, Megafon, Beeline, Tele2. 

The device is able to capture and amplify the signal of a cell tower at a distance of 20 km. The repeater is enclosed in a metal case. On the front side there is a liquid crystal display that displays the signal parameters. This feature makes it easy to set up the device. The package includes a 220 V power supply.

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2. Power Signal Optimal 900/1800/2100 MHz

Operating frequencies of the repeater GSM/DCS 900/1800/2100 MHz. The device amplifies the cellular signal of 2G, 3G, 4G, GSM 900/1800, UMTS 2100, GSM 1800 standards. The device is designed for use in urban and rural areas, as well as metal hangars and reinforced concrete industrial premises where reliable reception of a cellular signal is impossible. Transmission delay 0,2 seconds. The metal case has a degree of protection against moisture IP40. The delivery set includes a 12V/2A power adapter for connecting to a 220 V household network. As well as external and internal antennas and a 15 m cable for their connection. The device is switched on by an LED.

Technical specifications

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3. VEGATEL VT2-1800/3G

The repeater receives and amplifies cellular signals of the GSM-1800 (2G), LTE1800 (4G), UMTS2100 (3G) standards. The main feature of the device is digital signal processing, which is extremely important in urban environments where several operators work simultaneously. 

The maximum output power is automatically adjusted in each processed frequency range: 1800 MHz (5 – 20 MHz) and 2100 MHz (5 – 20 MHz). It is possible to operate the repeater in a communication system with several trunk booster amplifiers. 

Parameters are configured using a software interface through a computer connected to the USB connector on the repeater.

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4. Tricolor TV, DS-900-kit

Two-block cellular repeater designed to amplify the signal of the GSM900 standard. The device is able to serve the voice communication of common operators MTS, Beeline, Megafon and others. As well as mobile Internet 3G (UMTS900) on an area of ​​150 sq.m. The device consists of two modules: a receiver mounted on an elevation, such as a roof or mast, and an indoor amplifier. 

The modules are connected by a high-frequency cable up to 15 m long. All parts necessary for installation are included in the delivery, including adhesive tape. The device is equipped with automatic gain control, which ensures that there is no interference and protects the repeater from damage.

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5. Lintratek KW17L-GD

The Chinese repeater operates in the 900 and 1800 MHz signal bands and serves mobile communications of 2G, 4G, LTE standards. The gain is large enough for a coverage area of ​​up to 700 square meters. m. There is no automatic gain control, which creates the danger of self-excitation of the amplifier and interference in the work of mobile operators. 

This is fraught with fines from Roskomnadzor. The delivery set includes a 10 m cable for connecting antennas and a 5V / 2A power adapter for supplying power from a 220 V mains network. Wall mounting indoors, degree of protection IP40. Maximum humidity 90%, permissible temperatures from -10 to +55 °C.

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6. Coaxdigital White 900/1800/2100

The device receives and amplifies cellular signals of the GSM-900 (2G), UMTS900 (3G), GSM1800, LTE 1800. UMTS2100 (3G) standards at frequencies of 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz. That is, the repeater is able to provide Internet and voice communications, operating simultaneously on several frequencies. Therefore, the device is especially convenient for operation in remote cottage settlements or villages.

Power is supplied from a 220 V household network through a 12V / 2 A adapter. Installation is simple, the LCD indicator on the front panel facilitates setup. The coverage area depends on the power of the input signal and ranges from 100-250 sq.m.

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7. HDcom 70GU-900-2100

 The repeater amplifies the following signals:

• GSM 900/UMTS-900 (Downlink: 935-960MHz, Uplink: 890-915MHz);
• UMTS (HSPA, HSPA+, WCDMA) (Downlink: 1920-1980 МГц, Uplink: 2110-2170 МГц);
• 3G standard at 2100 MHz;
• 2G standard at 900 MHz. 

In a coverage area of ​​up to 800 sq.m, you can confidently use the Internet and voice communications. This is possible due to the high gain at all frequencies simultaneously. The rugged steel case has its own free-cooling system and is IP40 rated. The repeater is powered from a 220 V household network through a 12V / 2 A adapter. Installation and configuration are simple and do not require the participation of a specialist.

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8. Telestone 500mW 900/1800

Dual band repeater amplifies and processes cellular frequencies and standards:

• Frequency 900 MHz – cellular communication 2G GSM and Internet 3G UMTS;
• Frequency 1800 MHz – cellular communication 2G DCS and Internet 4G LTE.

The device supports the operation of smartphones, routers, mobile phones and computers connected to all mobile operators: MegaFon, MTS, Beeline, Tele-2, Motiv, YOTA and any others operating in the specified frequency ranges. 

When operating the repeater in underground parking lots, warehouses, office buildings, country houses, the coverage area can reach 1500 sq.m. In order to avoid interference with the base station, the device is equipped with manual power control separately for each frequency.

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How to choose a cellular and Internet signal booster for a summer residence

Tips for choosing a cell phone signal booster gives Maxim Sokolov, expert of the online store “Vseinstrumenty.ru”.

First you need to decide what exactly you want to amplify – the cellular signal, the Internet, or all at once. The choice of communication generation will depend on this – 2G, 3G or 4G. 

• 2G is voice communication in the frequency range of 900 and 1800 MHz.
• 3G – communication and the Internet in the frequencies of 900 and 2100 MHz.
• 4G or LTE is basically the Internet, but now operators are starting to use this standard for voice communications as well. Frequencies – 800, 1800, 2600 and sometimes 900 and 2100 MHz.

By default, phones connect to the most up-to-date and high-speed network, even if its signal is very poor and unusable. Therefore, if you just need to make a call, and your phone connects to unstable 4G and does not make a call, then you can simply select your preferred 2G or 3G network in the settings on your phone. But if you need to connect to a more modern network, then you need an amplifier. 

It is important to remember that you cannot amplify a signal that you simply do not have. Therefore, you need to understand what kind of signal you need to select a device to amplify. To do this, you need to measure the signal at their summer cottage. You can do this with the help of a specialist or on your own – with your smartphone.

You can determine the frequency range at your dacha and other parameters using your smartphone. You just need to download the application. Among the most popular are VEGATEL, Cellular Towers, Network Cell Info, etc.

Recommendations for measuring a cellular signal

• Update the network before measuring. To do this, you need to turn airplane mode on and off.
• signal to be measured in different network modes – switch in the network settings 2G, 3G, 4G and follow the readings. 
• After changing the network, you need every time wait 1 – 2 minutesso that the readings are correct. You can check the readings on different SIM cards to compare the signal strength of different mobile operators. 
• Make measurements at multiple locations: where the biggest communication problems and where the connection catches better. If you have not found a place with a good signal, you can look for it near the house – at a distance of up to 50 – 80 m. 

Data analysis 

You need to track what frequency range your cottage covers. In applications with measurements, pay attention to frequency indicators. They can be displayed in megahertz (MHz) or labeled Band. 

You also need to pay attention to which icon is displayed on top of the phone. 

By comparing these values, you can find the desired communication standard in the table below. 

For example, if you caught a network at a frequency of 1800 MHz in the area, and 4G is displayed on the screen, then you should choose equipment to amplify LTE-1800 (4G) at a frequency of 1800 MHz. 

Instrument selection

When you have taken measurements, you can proceed to the selection of the device:

• To strengthen only the Internet, you can use USB modem or Wi-Fi router with built-in modem. For the most noticeable result, it is better to take models with a gain of up to 20 dB. 
• Strengthening the Internet connection even more effectively can modem with antenna. Such a device will help to catch and amplify even a weak or absent signal.

Devices to enhance the Internet connection can be dispensed with even if you plan to make calls as well. You can simply call in messengers without using a cellular connection. 

• To strengthen cellular communication and / or the Internet, you should choose repeater. This system usually includes antennas that need to be installed indoors and outdoors. All equipment is connected by a special cable.

More options

In addition to the frequency and communication standard, there are several other parameters to consider when choosing this device.

1. Gain. Indicates how many times the device is able to amplify the signal. Measured in decibels (dB). The higher the indicator, the weaker the signal it can amplify. Repeaters with a high rate should be chosen for areas with a very weak signal. 
2. Power. The larger it is, the more stable the signal will be provided over a larger area. For large areas, it is better to choose high rates.

Popular questions and answers

Answered popular questions from KP readers Andrey Kontorin, CEO of Mos-GSM.