Why do I need a repeater?

If you have weak or spotty coverage wherever you want to use your mobile phone or mobile data connection then a repeater is one tool that you can easily set up to start enjoying improved quality of service.  A repeater is a device that captures a weak signal from far away and re-broadcasts it in your local area.  Your devices will lock on to the repeater's signal, which is strong and reliable, and ignore the faint signal from far away.

All repeaters that we sell are 100% legal to use in Australia.

What is a Smart Repeater?

The Cel-Fi Mobile Smart Repeater is a convenient solution to poor indoor phone coverage. Installing this device in your home can improve the reliability of phone calls, text messages, and increase 3G and 4G mobile broadband signal.  For areas with poor outdoor coverage this model has an external antenna connector to allow the connection of an external antenna. To achieve this the smart antenna system comprises of two units:

The Window Unit

• This is the primary receiver and transmitter - it simply receives and transmits at the power of a normal mobile phone, no amplification whatsoever.  Yes, this means those of us in low signal areas will still need to connect it to an external antenna via the small gold SMA Female connector underneath.  It then communicates this signal wirelessly to the second 'Coverage' unit.

The Coverage Unit

• When placed deep within the house or office where signal is weakest, this unit will receive the mobile phone signal (over the 5GHz band) from the Window Unit and rebroadcast it at full strength throughout the house.  This special two-hop system allows the mobile phones to pick up and transmit the signal at full strength, without the system actually broadcasting any louder to the outside world - ie. without jamming your neighbours or overloading the cell tower.

Why do I need to connect an external antenna?

Smart Repeaters transmit and receive at the same strength as a normal mobile phone.  As the old adage goes 'garbage in, garbage out' - if the repeater is receiving a poor quality signal all it will do is transmit that poor quality signal louder throughout the building.  Connecting an external aerial is a quick way to dramatically improve signal levels, allowing the repeater to boost call quality, mobile broadband speed, and reduce 3G drop-outs.

Repeater vs Antenna - Do I need a repeater or an antenna?