Hi all! Recently I encountered a problem with access to the Internet in a country house. I live 15 km from the city, and the usual connection between a smartphone and a modem is very poor. In general, in such remote points there are only two options for connecting to the global network:
- Satellite Internet is very expensive, both in terms of subscription fees and equipment. There is no completely unlimited tariff (at least in my area).
- 3G/4G/5G Internet is the most popular and fairly cheap option. Plus, it is possible to connect to an unlimited tariff.
I chose the second option. And then another question arose - how to strengthen the cellular signal with your own or not with your own hands at the dacha, in a country house or village. Let me remind you that we transmit data using radio waves, which attenuate when passing through an obstacle, as well as from a great distance. Looking ahead a little, I will say that I was able to effectively strengthen cellular communications using a VEGATEL cellular amplifier. For convenience, I have divided the article into steps; if you have any questions while reading, write in the comments.
How to boost a 3g modem signal using speakers
The first option on how to strengthen the signal of a 3g modem with your own hands, which you can try at home without extra expenses and effort, is to use ordinary sound speakers. Mobile Internet users noted that if they move them closer to the modem, the signal level increases by 10-20%. This is not very much, but with poor connection quality it gives a noticeable increase. To get rid of annoying clicks from the speakers, you should turn the sound to minimum.
What speed can you get?
This question does not have an exact answer, so you need to determine the maximum speed depending on the network generation:
- 2G - 220 kbit/sec;
- 3G - 42 Mbit/s;
- 4G – 150 Mbit/s (theoretically up to 1000 Mbit/s);
- 5G is an experimental technology, up to 10 Gbps.
Since each generation uses its own data transmission frequency, the losses will be different, and therefore the exact reduction in Internet access speed can only be assessed through multiple experimental measurements. On average, a drop in signal level to “zero” is achieved at an attenuation of ~20 dBi.
Signal amplifier for 3g modem made of copper wire
Another way to easily boost the signal of a 3g modem with your own hands will require a little more action than the option with speakers. You need to make a structure from wire and a tin can that will serve as an antenna. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Take copper wire (preferably a long piece).
- Open the gadget and make 5-6 turns around the SIM card.
- Pull the other end to the window.
- Take a tin can or cut off the neck of a beer bottle to create a “glass.” It will act as a reflector that enhances communication.
- Wind the free end of the wire to the bottom of the can.
- Turn the neck in the direction where the nearest operator tower is located. The increase in Internet quality will be up to 90-95%.
Method 3: Construction of a homemade antenna
Sometimes homemade antennas turn out to be very effective, but this depends on many conditions, which include the chosen type of design and the correctness of its implementation. Some recommend using regular wire, while others talk about remaking the satellite dish. You can familiarize yourself with all the available options for manually creating antennas in other material on our website by clicking on the link below. Keep in mind that such a device is not always effective, so think carefully before you start designing.
Read more: Do-it-yourself antenna for a modem
How to strengthen a 3g modem signal using network settings
Before making antennas with your own hands, you should try another method on how to strengthen the signal reception of a 3g modem. Some mobile Internet users do not know that by default, when the connection quality is poor, the device automatically switches to 2g communication mode, which is not possible to work normally with. In this case, the transition occurs even if there are 2-3 “sticks”. To avoid such situations, you should clearly indicate through the device settings that you only need to use a 3g connection. How to change an option:
- run the network setup program;
- select the “Connection” tab (or with a similar name);
- Next, the network search mode needs to be changed from automatic to 3g.
This will force the device to work only on these frequencies, without dropping the connection to a lower speed one. Some modems do not have such an item in the application interface for the device. In this case, you should look for a combination to activate the built-in command in the device instructions or on specialized forums. Each modem model has its own programmed order for enabling the option.
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.
Boosting a 3g modem signal with a USB extender
This is not the best, but it works, how to easily boost the signal of a 3g modem with your own hands. It is well suited for people who do not want to disassemble or re-solder their device. The design works on the principle of a satellite dish. To make it, you need to buy a “reflector” (jar, bowl, CD), a 3-meter female-to-male USB cable. The creation process is as follows:
- In the middle of the disk, make a mount for a flash drive, or tape it with tape.
- Connect the cable at one end to the computer and the other to the modem.
- You can use a stick instead of a holder or simply attach the disk from the street side to the facade of the house.
- Point the flash drive in the direction where the signal is strongest.
The increase in connection quality is not very large, because the USB cable loses some of it due to its length, but still improves the connection. The mirror surface of the CD acts as an amplifier. It is recommended to use a bowl instead of a disc because its reflective surface is larger and the reception will be even better. Enameled options are not suitable; use stainless steel products.
Protection
Subscribers who decide to strengthen the signal level using structures placed outside must take care of protecting the modem. Otherwise, when exposed to precipitation, the device will get wet and burn.
It is best to use special plastic containers. It is important that they are transparent. If you don’t have anything similar on hand, you can use a plastic bag, but this is only temporary protection.
If you plan to use the structure for a long time, it is recommended to purchase rolled materials to protect the device. Ready-made containers are sold in computer stores.
Special external signal amplifier for 3g modem
Operators are aware of communication problems, so they are constantly trying to expand their coverage area. As an intermediate solution, for example, a 3g signal amplifier was created for the Megafon modem and other companies. This is an antenna that operates at the required frequencies, and you need to connect it directly to the device. When choosing a model, you should rely on the radiation pattern and gain.
For the antenna to work effectively, it must be pointed towards the mobile operator tower that is closest to your home. Attach the stand so that the pins are perpendicular to the ground. Please note that the longer the cable, the greater the signal loss along its length. A short cord will provide a sufficient increase in communication provided it is of good quality. If you bought an amplifier, then you shouldn’t skimp on the cable.
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How to boost a 3G signal with your own hands using a repeater
The most effective is amplification using a special device - a 3G repeater. Boosting is only possible if the phone receives at least a minimal 3G signal. This approach can be called completely professional, since after installing the repeater you will receive:
- maximum possible 3G signal amplification;
- the maximum speed of mobile Internet that a mobile operator can provide;
- stable reception area within the coverage radius of the internal antenna;
- getting rid of problems that arise when the signal is weak: connection interruptions, subscriber unavailability, interruptions during a conversation, and others.
A repeater is a cellular and Internet signal amplifier for a dacha, house or apartment, which itself is only part of a 3G signal amplification scheme. To create a full-fledged system, you will need an external antenna that picks up the cellular operator signal from the base station and an indoor antenna that “distributes” the cellular signal to subscribers indoors. All this is switched by coaxial cable. In difficult cases, boosters, attenuators, splitters and other equipment may be needed. In ordinary cases, for example, to strengthen the 3G signal in a country house or in a cottage, it is enough to buy a ready-made kit, for example VEGATEL VT-3G-kit. This kit is optimal in terms of price/quality, it works reliably and can be easily installed with your own hands. VEGATEL equipment is manufactured in Russia and has all the necessary certificates.
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 strengthen the signal reception of a 3g modem with an internal antenna
Another option on how to strengthen the 3g modem signal with your own hands is to use additional devices to connect to the internal antenna. Each such device has it, but in some the connector is open, you can easily connect to it, while in others it is hidden in the case, and to use it you will have to resolder part of the device. In the first case, you just need to buy an amplifier or use a television antenna as a receiver.
If the connector does not exist, then you can take the device to a service center, where for a reasonable fee the technician will make it possible for you to connect a repeater, which will improve communication with the nearest operator tower. The main disadvantage of the method is that it will no longer be possible to use the modem only with an internal antenna, so you should only take this step if you know for sure that you will no longer need it.
How to determine your data transfer speed?
Review and configuration of the D-Link Dir-320 modem
As soon as the device is connected to a computer or router, you need to check whether you have access to the Internet. You can do this by running ping 8.8.8.8 on the command line. If the answer is yes, indicating the size and lifetime of the packets, you can proceed to checking the speed of data reception and transmission.
To do this you need:
- Open your browser and go to one of the many resources found for the query “Check speed” in any search engine (or you can use https://www.speedtest.net/, https://yandex.ru/internet/).
- Click the “Check” button (or similar) and wait for the scripts to finish running.
- The resulting results form will show the maximum speed obtained both when transmitting and receiving data packets.
Method 4: Purchasing a guide antenna
For anyone who does not want to build their own antennas, or for those who are simply not satisfied with this option, we recommend that you resort to ready-made solutions, which are called guide antennas. They can be difficult to find because not all electronics stores carry them. Therefore, you may need to order online or go to a radio market. Look at the parameters and technical characteristics of available devices and choose the best one for yourself. Do not hesitate to consult with the seller to get practical advice.
