5G AND 4G LTE ROUTERS : Q & A

FAQs - 4G & 5G Routers

Q: What are Cellular Routers vs. Hotspots?

A: Individuals owning 5G and 4G LTE Routers have an assured fast and stable internet connection unlike mobile data and hotspot users. Smartphones and other digital devices can benefit from a 4G or 5G wireless router. A router can outperform a mobile hotspot in the following ways:

  • Cost-effective because with a wireless router, you do not use up your cellular data.
  • A cellular router manages power well to create a mobile Wi-Fi network.
  • Speed is much higher with a cellular router versus a mobile hotspot.
  • Internet connectivity and speed are greater with a router.

Q: Can a 4G LTE router be used for 5G?

A: You cannot attain 5G speeds by using a 5G SIM card in a 4G router. A 5G SIM card should only be placed in an approved 5G router.

Q: What is the difference between 5G and 4G routers?

A: 5G spectrum bandwidth can reach 400MHz which is far faster than the 4G.

Q:  What is the speed difference between 5G and 4G LTE Routers?

A: A 5G router is way faster than a 4G LTE router. The download speeds of 5G can go 10 gigabits per second which is 100X quicker than 4G.

Q: Can a 2.4GHz device connect to a 5GHz?

A: Any WiFi-enabled device will connect to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands at a time.

Q: Which router covers the largest area?

A: The 2.4GHz network is slower but can easily cover a greater area because the signal is far more effective at easily penetrating the walls.

Q: How do cellular booster antennas work?

A: Radio frequencies effectively carry and transmit data from receiver to emitter. They function by conducting and receiving calls, data, and texts. A cellular signal booster antenna helps to amplify and remit the radio frequency signals. Booster systems are three main components, the outdoor antenna, the booster amplifier, and the indoor antenna. The outdoor antenna pulls the signals from the cell tower. The radio frequencies then go to the booster where they get amplified and are transmitted by the indoor antenna.

Q: What is considered a good signal strength?

A: A booster improves the strength, speed, and quality of data, calls, and texts. A strong signal is ranked greater than -60 decibels per milliwatt (dBm) to -75 dBm. A signal booster can increase strength.

Q: Do boosters work in dead spaces?

A: A cellular booster antenna strengthens and improves your signal by increasing the existing frequency transmissions. It cannot work in a dead zone.

Q: What does a signal or decibel gain refer to?

A: A decibel or signal gain is the boosted power that is received via the amplifier. The gain is the added frequency rating that is added to the captured radio frequencies pulled from the outdoor antenna. Gains vary with amplifiers. Some amplifiers provide a gain of 25 dBm.

Q: Does the length of cable matter between the antenna amplifiers?

A: A cable is used to connect the antenna and the amplifier. The length of the cable can impact the efficiency of the booster system. A long cable can cause lost signal. Using the shortest possible cable is the best option to reduce the risk of signal loss while increasing the efficiency.

Q: Will a signal booster work for all cell phones and devices?

A: There are numerous variations between devices but all devices that operate with a cellular data system of 4G or LTE can operate with a cellular booster.

Q: What does antenna separation mean?

A: Antenna separation is the distance between the outdoor cell booster antenna and the indoor cell booster antenna. If the two antennas are placed too close together then they can cause interference to occur via a feedback loop.

Q: Is a permit required to have a booster antenna?
A: In many countries, a signal booster is illegal or requires special permits. In Canada and the USA, you do not need a permit to add a booster to your home or business.