With the advent of improved technology, it is increasingly important to have reliable cell reception in your California home. There are many factors to consider when setting up cell reception in your house, including the strength of a cell tower and the position of your home for better signal reception. If you’re looking to maximize your cell reception in your California house, here are 10 helpful tips to get you started.
1. Evaluate Your Surroundings
First off, it’s important to assess the environment around your home. Check the landscape and terrain near your home, as well as potential obstacles that could be blocking signal, such as trees, buildings, or hills. If possible, identify any areas around your home where the signal reception is strongest and aim to place your antenna or cell tower in that location.
Elevation
In order to maximize signal reception, it helps to evaluate the elevation of your home. If the surrounding terrain is higher than your house, your cell reception could be blocked by the incline. However, if your home is higher than the surrounding terrain, you may be able to pick up a stronger signal from a cellular tower that’s farther away.
Obstructions
In addition to thinking about terrain, it’s important to look for any physical obstructions that could block signal from reaching your home. Consider the placement of trees and buildings in relation to the location of your home. If there are any obstacles in the path of your signal, it may be worth considering trimming trees or rearranging furniture in order to get better coverage.
2. Choose the Right Antenna
The type of antenna you choose will make a big difference in the strength and quality of signal you are able to achieve. The common types of antennas include dipole, bi-directional, and omni-directional. Dipole antennas are good at receiving signals with a single polarization, while bi-directional antennas are good at receiving signals with two polarizations, and omni-directional antennas good at receiving all directions of signal.
Dipole
Dipole antennas are very popular and are good for picking up cell phone signals from a single direction. They are typically used for outdoor antennas and are very reliable for strong signal reception.
Bi-directional
Bi-directional antennas are able to receive signals in two directions, making them ideal for indoor use. They are usually erected in the attic or on the roof of your home, which can help maximize signal reception from cell towers.
Omni-directional
An omni-directional antenna can pick up signals from all directions and is best suited for those looking to pick up all signals from the vicinity. The omni-directional antenna is a good choice for those in rural or suburban areas.
3. Find the Nearest Cell Tower
Once you assess your surroundings and choose the right antenna, the next step is to locate the nearest cell tower. Generally speaking, the closer you are to a cell tower, the better your cell reception will be. Fortunately, there are online tools which can help you locate the nearest cell tower.
Locating Cell Towers
There are many websites and apps that can help you locate the nearest cell tower. These tools are especially helpful for those living in rural or suburban areas. All you have to do is type in your zip code or address and the sites will be able to exactly locate the nearest cell tower.
Signal Measurement
Some apps are also capable of measuring signal strength. This is helpful for determining if a particular cell tower will provide you with an adequate signal. The strength of the signal is usually measured in dB or decibel-milliwatts.
4. Place Your Antenna Strategically
Placing your antenna in the right location can make a big difference in the quality of the signal you receive. The best spot to place your antenna will vary depending on the type of antenna you have.
Mounting
For outdoor antennas, try to mount the antenna in an elevated position. This could be on the roof of your home or on a fence or post. You’ll want to make sure the antenna is in a spot that has an unobstructed line-of-sight to the cell tower.
Indoor Antenna
For indoor antennas, it’s best to place the antenna in an elevated spot, such as in the attic or on the top floor of your home. You’ll also want to make sure there are no obstructions near the antenna, such as furniture that could potentially block the signal.
5. Boost Your Signal
If your attempts to maximize cell reception in your house are unsuccessful, you may want to consider getting a signal booster. A signal booster is a device that amplifies the signal coming into your home so that you can get better reception.
Types of Signal Boosters
Signal boosters come in two main types: cell phone boosters and Wi-Fi boosters. Cell phone boosters are designed to boost the signal coming from a cell tower. Wi-Fi boosters are designed to boost the signal from a Wi-Fi router.
Installation
Installing a signal booster is relatively simple. First, you’ll have to find the best spot in your house to install the amplifier. Generally speaking, the best spot is somewhere high up and with an unobstructed line-of-sight to the cell tower or Wi-Fi router.
6. Find a Provider
If you want to maximize cell reception in your California home, you’ll want to find a reliable provider with a good network coverage. Generally speaking, the major carriers in the U.S. such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint will be your best bet.
Coverage Map
When looking for a provider, you’ll want to pay close attention to their coverage map. This will give you an indication of the areas in which the provider offers satisfactory cell reception.
Network Type
You’ll also want to consider the type of network your provider offers. For example, 3G and 4G networks differ in terms of data speeds, so if you’re looking for the quickest speeds possible, a 4G network may be the best option.
7. Set Up a Cell Phone Repeater
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you may want to consider setting up a cell phone repeater. A cell phone repeater is an electronic device that amplifies cell signals and helps provide a better connection to your home.
Installation
Most cell phone repeaters are fairly easy to install and require minimal assembly. All you have to do is mount the device in a spot with an unobstructed line-of-sight to the cell tower and plug it into a power outlet.
Performance
Cell phone repeaters are typically capable of boosting signal strength by up to 20-30 dB. This can provide significant improvement in signal reception and could help to maximize cell reception in your home.
8. Change Your Phone Plan
If you’re unable to get better cell reception in your home, you may want to consider changing your phone plan. Many carriers offer plans that are tailored to those living in rural or suburban areas. These plans generally include more minutes, larger data caps, and increased signal strength.
Unlimited Calling and Data
Most rural and suburban plans offer unlimited calling and data, which can be helpful for those who need to stay connected. It’s worth making sure that the plan you choose is right for your needs and budget.
Network Coverage
It’s also important to check whether the plan you’re considering is compatible with your area