Patent ID: 8473018

Claim:
A mobile device cradle, comprising: a body; one or more docking members attached to the body and configured to removably receive a mobile device; a first connection configured to be coupled to an external antenna to communicate signals to and from a base station of the communication network; an integrated antenna in the body operable to communicate signals to and from the mobile device; an integrated bidirectional amplifier in the body, the integrated bidirectional amplifier including: a first amplifier having an input coupled to the first connection and an output coupled to the integrated antenna, the first amplifier operable to apply a first amplification factor to signals received from the base station; and a second amplifier having an input coupled to the integrated antenna and an output coupled to the first connection, the second amplifier operable to apply a second amplification factor to signals received from the mobile device; a second connection configured to be coupled to a power adapter to provide power to the bidirectional amplifier; and a base configured to enable the mobile device cradle to be mounted to a vehicle.