Mobile Internet is an integral attribute of life in the private sector and in settlements where there is no wired network. However, in some regions, cellular network coverage is not strong enough and speeds are severely limited. To fix the problem, you can make a 4G signal amplifier yourself.
A 4G signal booster is a device that is used to increase Internet speed.
What is signal amplification
Signal amplification is an important stage in data processing and transmission, which allows you to improve reception from the base station and catch a 4G signal in villages remote from cell towers. To determine which amplification method is required, several calculations must be made and the equipment configured.
Owners of country houses and summer cottages use 2 options for connecting to the Internet:
- Install a satellite dish. This option provides a fast and stable connection to the network, but is quite expensive. Even if you buy equipment on the secondary market, its average cost will be 15-25 thousand rubles. For optimal reception and transmission speeds with limited traffic of 20 GB, you will need to pay approximately 3-5 thousand rubles. per month.
- Connect 3G/4G cellular communication amplifiers. The method is optimal for a private home and is superior to the previous option in terms of accessibility.
Setting up the connection
So, let's start setting up satellite Internet with our own hands. The DVB receiver needs to be properly tuned to the satellite. First of all, you need to set up a terrestrial channel according to the requirements of the provider and the technical features of the connection. For insertion, you can use any of the free slots on the computer, after which the necessary drivers are installed, which are available on the installation disk sold in the kit.
You will learn how to properly configure the driver you installed from the disk from the attached instructions. Your task is only to carefully follow it step by step. After installing the drivers, we create a network connection. It is advisable to download the GlobaX program online. If this point causes you difficulties, contact the place where you purchased the satellite equipment.
It would seem that connecting and setting up satellite Internet with your own hands is very difficult. But in fact, by following the instructions included in the kit, you can do everything quite efficiently and quickly. In addition, many sellers of equipment for such Internet now offer installation and full configuration services. This condition should be clarified when making a purchase.
What speed can you get with a repeater?
Budget repeaters, which cost approximately 5-10 thousand rubles, provide a fairly fast and stable Internet connection.
Speed indicators vary from 2-3 to 20-30 Mbit/s, which is enough for watching movies, downloading files via torrent, as well as online games. The exact speed depends on the equipment at the base station and operator tariffs.
In addition, wireless Internet is dependent on weather conditions and workload. During holidays and weekends, summer residents overload the network, which leads to a deterioration in signal and speed.
Repeaters provide a fast and stable Internet connection.
A little theory
Before you find out how to make the best Internet signal booster for your dacha, you need to understand a little what 3G and 4G are, and also what can cause a bad signal.
Not so long ago, many summer residents used satellite Internet, but this technology has almost completely outlived its usefulness, but now the vast majority of people use mobile Internet, which provides very good speed for comfortable work on the Internet. Today in Russia there are three communication formats - 2G, 3G and 4G. As reported a little earlier, in 2 years, in 2022, the most modern format – 5G – will appear.
To understand how the classification of communication formats differs, you need to know the following:
- 2G, also known as EDGE, is the slowest mobile Internet, its speed does not exceed 40 Kb/s, and today it is practically not used anywhere.
- 3G is the first high-speed Internet, thanks to which you can surf pages very comfortably. The speed of this communication format does not exceed 800 Kb/s.
- 4G is the fastest mobile Internet in Russia today, its speed is 2-5 Mb/s.
- 5G – since the implementation of this format has not yet occurred, it is quite difficult to say exact numbers, but the approximate speed should be about 1 Gb/s.
These statistics are approximate, because theoretically the speed can increase at each point, it all depends on the operator’s throughput.
Self-amplification of the signal
There are several solutions to strengthen the 4G signal at your dacha:
- The simplest is to place the router on the street or near a window using a USB extension cable and a carrying case. The method is suitable for cases where signal reception is blocked by thick reinforced concrete walls.
- You can also build an amplifier with your own hands using available materials. A saucepan lid is used as the basis for a homemade device. The metal object focuses the cellular signal like a lens, making it stable and fast.
- The manual method involves making an amplifier from a holder and reflectors. The base for the modem is made from an old plastic card, and the reflectors are made from CDs, which are connected into 1 structure. To protect the device from precipitation, you need to cover it with a plastic bottle and then move it to the roof of the house.
You can strengthen the signal by placing the router on a window.
Results
Thus, we see that connecting two-way satellite Internet from the point of view of equipment is not much more difficult than the so-called one-way - one-way (using an amplifier-converter). But the disadvantage of the latter is its lower speed compared to a symmetrical connection.
Of course, it is quite possible to install and configure any equipment by professionals, but this also has its drawbacks. We are not talking about additional costs. But sometimes you will not always be able to understand the quality of the services provided, and many of these adjusters work with the help of just a household receiver, which guarantees almost nothing.
Many people, who are not specialists at all, quite successfully set up two-way satellite Internet with their own hands and never regret it later. So the choice is yours.
Antennas for amplification
To improve the quality and speed of mobile Internet in the village, you will need to prepare an antenna. It is a special device that enhances the reception and transmission of signals to a mobile phone or modem.
There are several types of antennas on sale, which differ in operating principles and technical characteristics.
There are ready-made devices and kits for self-assembly. To make a primitive amplifier, you can use copper wire. Other solutions involve the use of related parts.
Amplifier device
Signal amplification is performed by a hardware system, which consists of antennas and additional devices. The design can be simultaneously equipped with 2 antennas - external and internal. The first one receives the cellular signal from the base station, and the second transmits it to the modem or smartphone. A coaxial cable is used to connect to an external antenna.
An integral part of the system are amplifiers that improve data processing without interfering with software and system settings.
An integral part of the system is the router.
Such devices include:
- Routers.
- Reflectors.
- Repeaters.
Test results
CINR - Signal to noise ratio. More is better. RSSI — Received signal power level. More is better.
The router is located inside the house on the 1st floor, the modem is connected directly to the router:
The modem is connected to the antenna, the antenna is located on the 2nd floor:
Repeater operating principle
A repeater is used as an additional device to strengthen the Internet signal. It is indispensable in conditions where the antenna cannot cope with its task and does not provide high-quality communication improvements.
The device consists of a 2-way receiver, 2 antennas, connectors and a cable splitter. It works on a simple principle, improving the MS-BS signal and in the reverse direction BS-MS.
Depending on the technical characteristics, repeaters are divided into 2 groups:
- Active. They consist of boosters and repeaters.
- Passive. They can amplify the signal using antennas and a passive repeater.
Speakers to enhance the signal
You can increase the stability and speed of your mobile Internet without large investments using sound speakers. The method does not require the purchase of equipment and related parts. According to user reviews, it is enough to install speakers near the modem, and signal reception will be improved by 15-20%. Considering the lack of costs and ease of implementation, the method is justified. To get positive results, you need to keep the speakers turned on, to eliminate noise from the speakers - select the minimum volume.
A speaker will help strengthen the signal.
An identical effect can be obtained from a car radio.
Copper wire amplifier
The next way to amplify the signal is to make a simple structure from copper wire and an iron can.
To do this you need:
- Prepare a piece of thin wire 5-6 m long.
- Remove the receiver housing and make several turns near the SIM card.
- Pull the other end of the wire to the window.
- Cut off the lid of an iron can so that it resembles a barrel.
- Connect the wire to the bottom of the can and secure the finished structure on the street.
The amplifier can be made from copper wire.
The method provides effective (up to 80-90%) signal improvement.
Internal amplification device
The device is sold in stores and is easily made from improvised materials. If the modem, router or other device that receives the signal has an open connector, then such an amplifier can be connected without much effort.
If there is no connector, you should contact a service center for help, and then connect the repeater.
Options for a summer residence
It is worth figuring out where the summer cottage or country house is located. Does the address fall within the coverage area of the mobile operator? If the answer is yes, we definitely select the mobile Internet of the cellular operator whose coverage area extends to the given locality. If the signal is reliable, there will be no problems with the network. If this option is not suitable, you can always choose a satellite. Satellite communications are used to organize television and Internet in suburban areas. The user needs to buy an antenna and install it on the roof. The antenna that receives the signal from the satellite will be connected to the receiving device in the house and the router. A wired connection is used in cases and under the condition that a cable is laid in a given locality. In terms of quality, a wired connection is the best option. But it is not always suitable for a country house. Wifi technologies can also be used in summer cottages. The cost of a wifi router is affordable for every user.
Advantages of the device
Homemade Internet amplifiers provide the following advantages:
- Effectively enhances cellular signal reception.
- Eliminate interference and make the Internet stable.
- Reduce negative radiation.
- Extends phone battery life.
Homemade Internet boosters make the Internet stable.
How to make an internet booster
There are no special difficulties in the manufacture of amplifiers. For the upcoming work, you need to prepare available tools and carefully study the step-by-step guide.
Materials
The following materials are used for the amplifier:
- 40 cm piece of copper wire.
- 10 meter coaxial cable.
- Fasteners.
- Polymer pipe 20 cm long.
- Plastic elements and electrical tape.
- Connection block.
Copper wire is used as materials for the amplifier.
Antenna assembly
The antenna is assembled according to the following instructions:
- Bend the wire to form a diamond shape.
- Move the ends of the wire inward and connect the block to them.
- Connect the cable to the antenna and fix the device on the roof of the building, observing the direction of the base station.
- Connect the second end of the cable to a plastic plate, and then begin testing the homemade device.
Necessary theory
Everyone can guess that the longer the wire, the more likely it is that the signal will be lost in it. Even if you use a high-quality and expensive cable when assembling a gun, signal loss is possible. The cable is a key part of the antenna, so in the process of choosing it you cannot adhere to the residual principle, otherwise the advantages of the most effective gun will be negated.
For example, if one type of wire can be used in a region with low frequency, then its use in high-frequency areas is no longer possible. To reduce cable losses, it is necessary to reduce its length and the concentration of high-frequency connections.
Note! If the 4G antenna gun will operate at high frequencies, a cable with higher performance should be used when assembling the structure
Installation location
After the amplifier has been successfully assembled, it is necessary to install it correctly. Otherwise, the system will be useless and all the work will be in vain.
Correct installation affects the speed and stability of the connection. Therefore, the device is directed towards the operator’s base station, where good signal reception is displayed.
To do this, you should explore the area, check the coverage map and evaluate the quality of communication at different points.
In addition, you cannot place the equipment at a distance of less than 1-2 m from radiators and other heating devices. Having completed the installation of the antenna, you can proceed to laying the cables.
Before testing the repeater, make sure all connections are made correctly. Do not connect to power if the repeater is damaged.
Organization of Wi-Fi network
Which router is better to choose for fiber optic Internet?
Immediately after the provision of services, a wireless network should be organized. For this you only need a router. It is capable of performing many functions:
- Connect to the Internet offline;
- Distribute a wireless signal;
- Control traffic consumption;
- Set up parental controls;
- Connect multiple devices to a wireless LAN.
Repeater setup
In order for the amplifier to perform its functions, it must be configured correctly. In this case, the signal will be stable, fast and uninterrupted.
First of all, you need to make sure the integrity of the wires and connections. The high-frequency cable is connected to the repeater and antenna. If voltage surges occur, a surge protector must be provided.
It is also important to adjust the gain. The optimal indicator is 20 dB. Configuration is performed manually or automatically. The first option involves using a potentiometer knob and manually adjusting the antenna. In the second case, the settings are changed on the repeater.
Completing the procedure
Having received a signal, you can go to the website of the provider of this satellite, register as a client and subscribe. You will have at your disposal a personal account with all the necessary technical information - IP addresses, options for connection types, payment methods, etc. By choosing the option that suits you and paying for the service, you can enjoy access to the World Wide Web using a satellite.
Practical note: When choosing a satellite, look at what it broadcasts from television programs. The optimal choice would be to get Internet and TV “in one bottle.”
