Mobile Repeater Interface

How Do Cell Phone Boosters Work?

Cell Phone boosters come in several different shapes, sizes and configurations. All active cell phone boosters have at least three components that are either all seperate and connected together by coaxial cables or built-into a single enclosure (these are typically the less expensive private boosters). These components include an outside antenna for communication with the closest cell tower available in your area. This is usually connected by a coaxial cable to the amplifier, which in turn amplifies the weak signal. This is connected typically by another coaxial cable to the indoor antenna(s) that talk back and forth between users' cell phones and data aircards and the amplifier.

Which Kinds of Interfaces are These?

There are several different interfaces used, and I highly recommend this quick article about the mobile repeater interface selection out there. There are three main types though:

FME. FME, or For Mobile Equipment, is very common among mobile repeaters (there are other mobile repeaters out there for different mobile communications devices like 2-way radios for instance). One of the main advantages of the FME connector is how slim the connector itself is. This comes in handy when you're trying to install the cable in your building or car and need to feed the cable through tight spaces.

F Connector. No doubt you've seen this connector before. It's the most common connector for coaxial cable out there; its the one you probably use to connect your TV to your cable box. This is an ideal connector for people that want to save money since these connectors are typically the cheapest. They are not designed to be weather proof, so indoor installations are most common with this connector.

TNC. The TNC connector, or the Threaded Neill-Concelman connector (named after the inventors), is designed for niche repeaters (and cell phone repeaters sometimes have these connectors too). They are designed mainly for instruments that use microwave signal patterns as this connector is best for those.

Mobile Router

As an afterthought, I'd like to raise awareness of a really cool type of device that goes perfectly with cell phone and data repeaters. If you are getting a mobile repeater for wireless data purposes (3G), you'll also want to consider a 3G router. The MBR1000 is one I'd recommend. These sweet little devices allow you to turn your local 3G signal into an 802.11n signal that everyone can share (that you allow).