A wireless USB modem is designed to receive a Cellular signal and convert that signal into data the computer uses to access the internet. The speed at which a Wireless Broadband card (also known as a USB modem / Mobil Broadband or Aircard) operates is totally dependent on the carriers’ signal. Each carrier tries to provide a good usable signal, but unfortunately many obstacles exist that the carrier cannot overcome: valleys & hills, cement or metal buildings and
most importantly TREES!  These obstacles block or hinder the normally adequate signal which results in very slow or sporadic internet service.

Slow access in a 3G service area can be remedied with a Cellular Booster or Repeater kit.  A Repeater may be all that is needed to resume 3G speed. Repeater Kits consist of three components:

1) an outside/external antenna

2) an amplifier/repeater

3) an internal antenna that is coupled to the Wireless USB card or MiFi       

Solution: Welcome the Wilson Signalboost ! http://www.repeaterstore.com/products/repeaterkits/wilson/signalboost.html

This amplifier kit was originally designed to operate in a vehicle, but with the correct antennas, will work perfectly attached to a USB Broadband modem card in a home environment.

The kit below provides a great solution for a quick home installation or where the external antenna is mounted on a glass window. Cost is affordable at $213.

811210 Signalboost amp with internal patch antenna $169
301103 External 12″ antenna $23
859940 Home Office Kit with AC adapter $21

A more permanent installation using the same SignalBoost amplifier is listed below. This kit uses a permanent external antenna mounted on the roof of a home or building. Cost $272.

811210 Signalboost amp with internal patch antenna $169
301202 External building antenna  $65
951125 20ft RG58 cable from external antenna to amp $21
859903 AC power supply $17

This last kit can be used in a vehicle, although a separate vehicle external antenna is required. Also, a standard Home Repeater Kit starting at $599 would  provide consistent voice calls as well as a stronger and faster USB Data connection. Please contact us to discuss these other options: 800.761.3041

A Recreational Vehicle on the move can have significant cell reception problems depending on the location its traveling in. A good way to minimize dropped calls & increase reception to cellular phones / broadband data cards is to install a Cellular Repeater Kit in the coach.

A Cellular Repeater Kit will allow you to make calls when very little cell phone signal exists. This booster will also reduce dropped calls and increase internet speeds. We have had good success with Wilson Electronics Repeater kits customized for use in Motorhomes & RVs.

Wilson Electronics is well regarded in the industry because of their high quality.

Cell Phone Boosters or Repeaters are very simple to setup and they do not require expert installation. A Repeater kit consists of 3 major components; an external antenna, an amplifier or booster and an internal antenna that gives cellular coverage inside the RV.

Kits can range from $300 for a single-phone style amp to $600 for a more powerful amp that can support multiple cell phones and/or broadband data cards. A few of these kits are listed below.

Single Cell phone use:

http://www.repeaterstore.com/products/Wilson-841233-Wilson-841233-Mini-SignalBoost-RV-Kit

Multiple Cell  Phones or Data Cards:

http://www.repeaterstore.com/products/Wilson-841295-Wilson-841295-Ambulance-and-RV-Repeater-Kit

Apple has introduced the long awaited tablet, calling it the  iPad!  The iPad has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity built-in, comes with 16, 32 or 64 gigabytes of memory, has a 9.7 inch multi-touch screen yet only weighs in at 1.5 pounds. The company claims the device has a battery that can last 10 hours and can sit for a month on standby before needing a charge.

Some of the features include:

• Surfing the web with Apples Safari browser                                                            
• Sending and receiving e-mails
• Saving and sharing photos
• an electronic book store and book reading interface
• a video player
• iPod software for playing music
• a newspaper reader program

Apple will sell a version with 3G data plans and without a long term contract. For those who experience a weak signal on the AT&T service we have a range of repeaters that will greatly improve your 3G data service. We recommend a dual band repeater so you can also have improved reception on your cell phone including the iPhone.

You can find a list of dual band repeaters on the following Repeaterstore page:

http://www.repeaterstore.com/support/buyer%20guide/dual-band-repeaters.html

Which one you need depends on the area you need to cover. Here is a list of the most popular kits we have, broken down by coverage area:

Mid-Range (up to 2,500 sq ft.)
zBoost YX510: http://www.repeaterstore.com/products/repeaterkits/wi-ex/zboost-dual-band.html
Wilson SOHO 801245: http://www.repeaterstore.com/products/repeaterkits/wilson/soho.html

Large Range (5,000 to 10,000 sq ft.):
Wilson SOHO “Premium” and “Ultimate” configurations. This is the same amplifier as before, but in more powerful kit combinations. Scroll down the Wilson SOHO page: http://www.repeaterstore.com/products/repeaterkits/wilson/soho.html

Very Large Range (greater than 10,000 sq ft.):
Wilson Ultimate Repeater Kit: http://www.repeaterstore.com/products/repeaterkits/wilson/wilson-dual-band-ultimate.html

New EVDO and HSDPA services available from Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, Alltel and Cingular Wireless have made broadband mobile services a reality. But as many users are finding out, the speed of the data connection depends strongly on the signal quality. Data services are considerably more sensitive to errors in transmitting and receiving signals than traditional cellular services, so the same signal that works adequately for a voice call is often incapable of providing reliable broadband signal.

Unfortunately, if there is no EVDO/HSDPA coverage at all in your area, there’s no way of improving the signal. However, if you have at least 1 bar of signal somewhere nearby, it’s possible to use a high gain antenna and repeater to amplify the signal and provide reliable broadband access. Since all of our recommended units are dual-band, they will work with services from any of the major carriers, and will also improve voice signals if used with a normal cell phone.

Here are our recommendations:

Universal wired kit: Wilson Signalboost ($219)
For users who want a mobile solution for their broadband woes, we suggest the Wilson Signalboost Kit. The Signalboost amplifier boosts the broadband signal and channels it through a velcro patch that is stuck directly onto your data card or cell phone. Since the Signalboost uses this easy universal connection method, it can be used with cell phone and data card devices from any manufacturer. The kit comes with a 12V DC Cigarette Adapter as standard, but add a Wilson 12V AC Adapter to make the kit usable anywhere.

Direct Connect kit: SignalWide Clickitbase ($249)
For users who need an additional signal improvement, it’s possible to connect a cell phone repeater directly into the antenna port of their data card or cell phone. For these situations we recommend the SignalWide ClickItBase, which is sold with a custom connector for your phone or data card. The ClickItBase is designed specifically for 3G applications, but will improve all signals.

Wireless kit: Wi-Ex zBoost zPersonal zP ($169)
Wireless Extender’s new zP unit is a very low-cost wireless kit that can be used to cover a radius of up to 6 feet from the indoor antenna. To improve broadband coverage throughout a room or small building, we highly recommend Wireless Extender’s zBoost YX-510 repeater kit. The zBoost YX-510 comes with 35 feet of cabling that connects an outdoor antenna to an indoor unit that amplifies and rebroadcasts the signal. The standard YX-510 kit can cover up to 2,500 square feet from a strong outdoor signal.