Signal Booster News
Silicon Photonics (SiPh) and Integrated Photonics (InPh)
May 04, 2016
SiPh involves data that is transferred between computer chips by using optical rays. Although this might sound simple, it can be difficult to understand. It might therefore help to compare it to electrical circuits. The first electrical circuits used discrete components e.g. resistors, capacitors and transistors that were interconnected with tracks on a printed circuit board. Discrete components were later formed adjacently on a single silicon substrate and interconnected to reduce cost and size. This was the start of integrated circuits (ICs or chips). The type of components that could be manufactured this way expanded while their power consumption and size...
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Increases Network Capacity
May 03, 2016
WDM is a method of separating or combining multiple wavelengths out of or into a single fiber strand with each wavelength carrying a different signal. Using optical filters lets a certain range of wavelengths pass through, while another range is allowed. Thin-film filter technology (TFF) is often used to achieve this effect. Multiple thin layers are stacked and interference effects are created by sequential reflections on the interface between the layers. This lets light reflect for certain wavelengths and pass through for others. The capacity of a network can be increased cost effectively by using WDM. Two types of WDM...
Internal Smart Bias Tee Capability of Base Station Antennas
May 02, 2016
Remote electrical tilt (RET) is a base station antenna capability that enables RET operators to alter the direction of their antenna beams remotely. This allows them to adjust their networks without having to move the antennas physically or climb up a cell tower. It is done using electrical equipment, and standards have been established by the Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG). An AISG controller is connected to antenna line devices (ALDs) with a smart bias tee and the signal is transmitted up the tower using the feeder line. Normally, the AISG controller is located near or at the base station. It...
What is strong and weak signal in dBm for 3G vs. 4G?
Apr 29, 2016
Having an accurate measurement of signal strength in decibels (dBm) is crucial when installing your cell phone signal booster system. Decibels accurately measure the signal strength you are receiving. How do you measure it? How to measure signal strength in dBm on iPhone: Dial *3001#12345#* then press Call. Hold down power button until you see, "Slide to Power Off". Then release the power button. Hold the Home button until your main screen appears. If you want to check 3G/1x network signal strength but your iPhone is picking up 4G/ LTE signal, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options...
Blown Fiber and Jetted Fiber DAS Installations
Apr 13, 2016
Blown Fiber and Jetted Fiber are two new terms we're hearing in wireless networking industry regarding DAS installations. These terms are used to describe the use of compressed air when placing microfiber cable. Both these terms suggest that the microfiber is being pushed or propelled by air through a microduct; However, "air lubrication" would possibly be a more appropriate phrase. Jetted Fibers and Blown Fibers in distributed antenna systems (DAS) help push fiber deeper into the network to increase bandwidth and keep construction costs down to allow for future expansion. Air is used as a means of reducing friction between...