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Question

AT&T Microcell... Signal Booster or Internet Cell Tower?

Jul 1, 2013 2:32AM PDT

I have read conflicting opinions on how AT&T's Microcell works. Some say it is a signal booster requiring at least 2 bars of service to work. Others say it is a mini cell tower that works by connecting to the AT&T network via DSL thus requiring no cell tower signal at all.

Can someone who knows for sure give me the straight skinny? Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Yes. There will be conflicting opinions.
Jul 1, 2013 2:39AM PDT

Here, in my location the booster offered by my carrier fails. Just 2 blocks away it works. Does that mean it's a bad solution? No. It only means that location dictates whether it will work for you.

ATT should answer which system is needed for you. They offered both versions across the world so your location matters.
Bob

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Answer
Nope. But you do need to be able to obtain/receive GPS
Jul 1, 2013 4:32AM PDT

That is different than a cellular signal, of course. AFAIK, GPS is still required to authenticate you when you set up the device. That's why they say put in near a window. See the manual here:

http://www.att.com/media/en_US/swf/3Gmicrocell/assets/ATT3GMicroCell_UserManual.pdf

It connects to your broadband router and does not repeat like a traditional amp/repeater cellular solution, which generally uses an internal or external antenna to bring in the signal from outdoors. You would benefit from visiting the att.com user forums to learn more, especially about how it works w/ LTE.

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SIgnal boosters needs 1 or 2 bars of signal
Aug 26, 2013 6:01PM PDT

Signal boosters would need 1 or 2 bars - while AT&T microcell would need internet (but a good fast Internet link). FYI, AT&T just released and authorized a new booster (here). It is from my company Happy
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The only problem w/ cel-fi is...
Aug 27, 2013 2:35AM PDT

It's hardware I believe is currently limited to a single carrier (now, either T-Mo or ATT). Correct me if I'm wrong, if someone wanted to change to Verizon (for example), it would require different equipment. That's why a simple amp/repeater might make more sense. You could even sell it along with the house for the next owner (etc.).

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Yikes! $1K(!)
Aug 27, 2013 2:37AM PDT

The web site finally loaded where the prices were listed. A little overpriced if you ask me.

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Yup
Aug 27, 2013 4:12AM PDT

Pepe:

Yup, Cel-Fi is carrier-specific.

So one unit is for T-Mobile, one unit is for AT&T - it is a different philosophy than analog traditional repeaters: because it is specific, it can deconstruct/reconstruct digitally the carrier's signal and definitively eliminate all noise and echo in a way that makes it authorized by the carriers (for now, the only signal booster to be authorized by AT&T and T-Mobile), and plug and play (ie no antenna to install, see here) - but the inconvenience is the specificity: if you need to boost other carriers, you need to go with the analog amp/repeaters/antenna and they work well also.

As always, it all depends what the issue is.

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There's another inconvenience of Cel-Fi
Aug 27, 2013 4:25AM PDT

The whole 'need to be near a window' thing. For most folks not as saavy about how you go about maximizing reception of various radio waves inside a structure, they miss out on that very important detail vs an antenna solution when is not blocked/may enjoy nearly clear LOS (line of sight) to a cellular site.

The carriers win too, since they basically outsource the solution, and probably recoup a portion of each sale Wink.

cheers

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ah, but you can still get an outside antenna :)
Aug 27, 2013 6:30AM PDT

Pepe,

Very good point! That's why we also have units with an outdoor antenna plug - and some clients (almost all in rural areas, in the US and in Australia) use that when necessary.

Here is why this is cool: Cel-Fi has a Smart Antenna technology: the latest generation has 4 internal directional antennas (inside the window unit), and an option to plug an external antenna. Our processor detects in real time which of these antennas gets the best signal and automatically switches from one to another as it detects the best signal to repeat. Also, whenever the carrier changes its tower configuration (that happens a lot unfortunately), the system will detect it and choose the best configuration again. That's one of the reason why Cel-Fi is carrier-authorized (especially AT&T).

For now, almost 95% of Cel-Fi users do not need an outside antenna, which makes the install easier.

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You seem to be implying that...
Aug 27, 2013 7:08AM PDT

...ATT is turning off the closest cellular site frequently? I fear you have been sold a bill of goods by the marketing people in your firm Wink.

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Answer
Signal Booster or Internet Cell Tower..
May 7, 2014 7:44PM PDT

The outside signal strength of the carriers you need to support determines how strong of an amplifier you need to provide adequate coverage for the area you need covered. The weaker the outside signal is, the stronger the cell phone signal booster needs to be in order to boost the signal and provide adequate coverage

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Answer
PS. This old post is now out dated.
May 7, 2014 11:24PM PDT

The carriers have newer offerings so let's start a new conversation if need be.