Choosing the right cell phone antenna can make a substantial difference in your cell phone’s signal reception. In fact, some antennas can provide up to a 13 dBi gain. Understanding how the antenna will connect to your phone, the difference between directional and omni-directional antennas, and how to choose one that works with your service provider will make all the difference when purchasing a cell phone antenna.
1) How the external antenna will connect to your phone: Many phones have an external antenna port on the back that can either plug into a car kit with an external antenna connection or can be used with an external antenna adapter. When these options are available, any external antenna tuned to the frequencies the phone uses are an option (limited only by where the antenna will be used as discussed below).
The current trend with cell phone manufacturers is to not add the external antenna port as they are moving away from car kits due to Bluetooth technology. When the phone does not have an external antenna port, the only option is a wireless amplified repeater kit. Over the past few years there have been a number of products advertised as working on phones without an external antenna port. One of the most recent examples was a signal boosting sticker you attach to the back of the phone. Regrettably, none of these products have proven to provide any signal benefit at all. As a result, there is not an inexpensive way on the market at the moment to increase signal strength in these cell phones.
2) Omni-directional and directional antennas: Omni-directional antennas pick up the signal in a full 360 degree radius, and so should be installed in a vertical position in the area of strongest signal. Directional antennas, however, pick up the signal in only one direction. This type of antenna is designed for use on stationary objects such as buildings. It should be mounted above tree lines and pointed directly toward the nearest cell tower. The main benefit of a directional antenna is its ability to focus its signal in one direction. If the antenna is not aimed correctly it will lose its effectiveness.
3) Choosing an antenna that works with your service provider: When purchasing 1000 a new antenna, be sure it is compatible with your provider’s phone frequency. For instance, while the same model of phone may be offered by Verizon and AT&T, and therefore the same antenna provided, each service provider has its own frequency. Even though the Verizon antenna may fit in the AT&T phone (and vice versa), it will not provide any signal due to its tuning to a different set of frequencies.
Almost all service providers use frequencies compatible with Dual Band/Tri-Mode antennas; the exception is Nextel. Dual-band antennas work with two frequencies, and while one of the frequencies usually supports Nextel phones, it is best to purchase an antenna that is made to support just Nextel phones. This will assure more consistent, quality signal reception.
Knowing how the antenna will connect to your phone, the difference between omni-directional and directional antennas, and how to choose one that works with your service provider is essential when purchasing an external antenna. Having the right antenna can result in a gain of up to13 dBi. Understanding how antennas work will allow you to purchase the correct antenna and therefore optimize your phone’s ability to receive signals.
By: Allan King
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