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How To Choose An LTE Signal Repeater

Not sure what LTE repeater to buy? Don't fret, we're here to help! All you need is to read on this article and follow the step-by-step procedure below.


So, if you're looking to boost your LTE signal, then you definitely need to know which frequency band you're on.

In Ireland, mobile network operators transmit LTE signals either at 800MHz or 1800Mhz. You need to know which one you receive in your area if you're buying a single-band repeater. And what is a single-band? It means, it supports only a single and specific frequency band. Example 800MHz LTE only or the 1800Mhz variant.

NOTE: If you're buying a multi-band repeater, then there's no need for you to know which frequency you are receiving, since it can support them all. Like the SD-RP1002-LGDWH model. This model can boost LTE signal on all LTE Frequency Bands (800/1800/2600). Plus, it can also boosts Calls/SMS and 3G data, all at the same time.

So, if you're buying a single-band repeater, you definitely need to know what frequency you are receiving in your area. Then match the frequency with our repeater kits.

The bottom line is, you need to match the frequency band of the repeater with the frequency you are receiving in your area. And you only need to choose between two. For instance, you're on Meteor, and the mast you're connected to is using 800MHz LTE, then you should buy a matching 800MHz LTE repeater.

How To Know What LTE Frequency You're Getting: Step-by-Step Guide

To know the frequency band you are currently on, you need to go through a process called Field Test.

Don't worry, you won't need any piece of specialized equipment for this. All you need is your mobile phone which could either be an Android or iPhone.

You can choose below based on what type of phone you have:

How To Do a Field Test On iPhone

Before starting off with this guide, make sure Cellular Data is switched on, and LTE option is selected under Voice & Data menu. Also, ensure WiFi is turned off (you can switch it on after the field test) and your phone should have at least 1 LTE signal bar.

In case you don't get any LTE signal, then you'll have to move closer to your network mast until you get a signal of at least 1-bar. This is necessary for a successful Field Test.

Reference Image: Reference Photo: How to Enable LTE Mode in iPhone

Step 1

Let's get started on the Field Test Mode.

Launch your dial pad by tapping the phone icon.

Dial *3001#12345#*, then tap the call button.

Step 2

You're phone should now be in Field Test Mode.

Find the Connected mode LTE Intra-frequency Measurement menu, and tap on it. You will be taken to another screen.

Step 3

On that screen, find E-ARFCN.

If you can't locate this menu on your phone, then look for any menu that has ARFCN on it.

Once located, look for the value and take note of it.

Reference Image:

Reference Image: Field Test Mode in iPhone

Step 4

Reference Photo: Frequency Calculator

Now go to the Frequency Calculator website. Look for the drop-down menu labeled Select Network Type.

Select 4G LTE from the drop-down menu.

Then below that, locate the E/U/ARFCN number (Downlink only) text field. Input the value you got from Step 3 above (the ARFCN value).

Then click on Calculate button.

Check on the Result. You can get the frequency band value under any of the following:

  1. Downlink Frequency (base station to phone): If the value is anywhere between 1800 and 1899, then you're on 1800MHz. If anywhere between 800 and 899, then you're on 800MHz.

  2. Band Number: If you see 3, then it's 1800MHz. If 20, then it's 800MHz.

Reference Image (Sample Result): Reference Photo: Sample Frequency Calculator Result

Step 5

Once you know what LTE frequency you're on, you can now decide which model to buy. It can be one of the following:

How To Do A Field Test On Android Phones

Field testing on Android Phones is needed so you would know what frequency you're on. Each brand/make has certain numbers to call so you can enter into Field Test Mode or Service Mode on your Android phone.

Below, you can find a specific code to call for a specific phone brand/make:

  • Samsung: *#*#197328640#*#* or *#0011#
  • Sony: *#*#*386#*#* or *#*#*585*0000#*#*
  • HTC: *#*#7262626#*#*

Before you proceed, make sure you turned off your WiFi and that LTE mode is turned on. Also, ensure that the phone is connected to an LTE network. If the signal is too weak to get an LTE signal, then we strongly recommend that you move closer to your operator's mast before carrying out this task.

Step 1

Using the code provided above, input the code on your phone.

Step 2

Your phone should now be in Service Mode.

Now, depending on how old your phone is, you should be able to locate either of the following:

  1. BAND - Look for the item that says Band 20 or Band 3. BAND 3 is 1800Mhz, BAND 20 on the other hand is 800MHz. If you see this item on your phone, then you're done. No need for Step 3 below.

    You should now be able to decide what specific model to buy. It can be one of the following:

  2. DL & UL Frequency - If BAND is not available on your phone, then look for this item and take note of the value.

    Take note, you should only get the value for DL Frequency or the Download Frequency. See encircled part on the reference image below.

    Reference Image:

    Photo Reference: Service Mode in Android Phones

    Head over to the Frequency Calculator site and proceed to Step 3 below.

Step 3

If BAND data is now showing on your phone, then follow this step.

Copy the DL Frequency Value and paste it onto the Frequency Calculator page. Click on Calculate button and check on the result.

You can get the frequency band value under any of the following (See Reference Image Here):

  • Downlink Frequency (base station to phone): If the value is anywhere between 1800 and 1899, then you're on 1800MHz. If anywhere between 800 and 899, then you're on 800MHz.

  • Band Number: If you see 3, then it's 1800MHz. If 20, then it's 800MHz.

    And you're done! You should now be able to choose which LTE repeater to buy.

    And there you have it! You're now equipped with knowledge on how you would choose between different models LTE signal booster/repeater kits.