
The end result is a stronger signal for your cell booster to amplify, and thus better coverage. Most cell boosters are limited to between 64 dB and 72 dB gain by the FCC, however, single-carrier devices can amplify signal by up to 100 dB.ĭirectional antennas, such as “yagi antennas,” provide higher gain by targeting signal reception in one direction. The gain of your cell phone signal booster kit comes primarily from two components: the amplifier (also called the booster) and the outdoor donor antenna. If signal is weak outside, you'll need a lot of gain to cover your entire home or office. This most common in more rural and remote areas.

If the nearest cell tower is farther away and cell phone reception outdoors is weak, the coverage area of the cell booster will depend on the amplification, or the “gain,” of the cell signal booster kit you use.

The donor antennna is usually installed outdoors, often on the roof. If you have weak outdoor signal (less than -80 dBm):Ī cellular signal booster works by amplifying signal from a “donor” antenna. If you have weak outdoor signal (less than -80 dBm), read on below.

If you have strong signal outdoors of over -70 dBm, skip down to our recommendations for users with strong outdoor signal. If you don't know the signal strength (measured in decibel-milliwatts, or dBm for short), outside your building, start by reading this part of our guide. The cell phone signal booster we recommend for homes and small offices depends on the signal strength outside your building. Cell Signal Boosters For Homes & Small Offices up to 5,000 sq ft
