The type of antenna you choose plays a big role in how well your booster performs. It depends on how strong and stable your outside signal is, where the nearest cell towers are, and how much coverage you need inside. Here’s a breakdown of the three main types of antennas and when to use each one:
Omni-directional antennas pull in signals from all directions. They’re best if you have a moderate to strong signal outside that may be coming from multiple towers or fluctuating in strength. Since they don’t need to be aimed at a specific tower, they’re ideal for areas where signals are coming from different directions or where you might not have a clear line of sight to the tower.
Directional antennas focus on a single cell tower and pull in a signal from one direction. They’re best for areas with weak but consistent signals. A common type of directional antenna is the Yagi antenna, which needs to be aimed directly at the nearest cell tower. These are great for rural or remote areas where the signal is coming from one clear direction but may be weak.
High-gain antennas (like the LPDA or parabolic grid) are similar to directional antennas but even more powerful. They’re designed for areas with very weak signals and require very precise aiming. These are typically used in extreme cases where the distance to the tower is significant, or the terrain (like hills or trees) blocks most of the signal. High-gain antennas can capture and focus weak signals over long distances, but they require careful installation.
When choosing the right antenna for you, consider the strength and consistency of your outdoor signal. If your signal is strong or coming from multiple directions, an omni-directional antenna is probably your best bet. But if your signal is weak or you’re in a rural area, a directional or high-gain antenna will likely give you better performance.
If you have questions about which antenna would work best for your specific situation, feel free to contact us. We can help guide you through the options to make sure you get the best setup for your needs.