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| Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2015 23:53:29 -0400
From: Fred Goldstein <fg_es@removeQRM.ionary.com>
To: telecomdigestsubmissions.remove-this@and-this-too.telecom-digest.org.
Subject: Re: Please recommend a range-extender for Verizon cell phones
Message-ID: <muss42$gkn$1@dont-email.me>
On 10/4/2015 2:24 PM, Bill Horne wrote:
> On Sat, Oct 03, 2015 at 04:27:54PM +0000, danny burstein wrote:
>> In <muonc1$2l4$2@dont-email.me> Bill Horne <bill@horneQRM.net> writes:
>>
>>> I'm living in the mountains of North Carolina now, and the cell
>>> service is sub-optimal. I've decided to install a range extender so
>>> that I can get reliable coverage under my tin roof.
>>
>>> If you use one, please tell me what it cost, where they may be
>>> obtained at the lowest price, how well it performs, and the things you
>>> would like to have known before you bought it.
>>
>> Do you have good internet service there? If so, you've
>> got a lot more options.
>>
>> - many of the "cellular" carriers offer phones that can hook
>> up via WiFi
>
> My brother gave me a new phone: a Samsung 4G LTE unit with a copy of
> Firefox on it, and applications for GMAIL, Freecell, and several dozen
> other things I never knew could be placed in a cellphone. It has WiFi
> access, but I don't know enough about it to set it up for WiFi phone
> calls, or even if the phone can do that. Hell, I don't even know how
> to find out the model number.
>
> I welcome suggestions.
Most phones will switch their data to Wi-Fi if they pick up a network
they're associated with. But phone calls come via the CMRS network,. So
I see them as complementary, not a substitute for oe another. Another
variant is the femtocell, in which you buy a box from the cellco which
uses your Internet wired connection for backhaul, and puts out a
cellular signal in your house. There may be a hack (but only on
T-Mobile, I think, and some MVNOs) where some can move calls to VoIP ia
Wi-Fi to the phone. Either way, they probably charge you for airtime
minutes even when you don't even use their airtime. ("Such a deal!")
The biggest maker of cellular extenders that I can think of is Wilson
Electronics. They make boxes that have two antennas, one that you stick
up on the roof with a coax feed which picks up the weak cellular signal,
and one that's inside your house feeding you the amplified signal.
AFAIK these are simple bandpass amps and thus handle all modes of
modulation of all carriers, and don't actually "log in" to the networks.
The FCC made some kind of ruling about their legality some time ago but
I didn't read it. (I think they were approved if the cellco didn't
object.) Nobody gets grief for using them in weak-signal places like
where you are.
|
| Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2015 10:13:12 -0400
From: Bill Horne <bill@horneQRM.net>
To: telecomdigestsubmissions.remove-this@and-this-too.telecom-digest.org.
Subject: Re: Please recommend a range-extender for Verizon cell phones
Message-ID: <20151005141312.GA13816@telecom.csail.mit.edu>
On Sun, Oct 04, 2015 at 11:53:29PM -0400, Fred Goldstein wrote:
> On 10/4/2015 2:24 PM, Bill Horne wrote:
> >On Sat, Oct 03, 2015 at 04:27:54PM +0000, danny burstein wrote:
>>
>>Do you have good internet service there? If so, you've
>>got a lot more options.
>>
>>- many of the "cellular" carriers offer phones that can hook
>>up via WiFi
>
> Most phones will switch their data to Wi-Fi if they pick up a
> network they're associated with. But phone calls come via the CMRS
> network,. So I see them as complementary, not a substitute for oe
> another. Another variant is the femtocell, in which you buy a box
> from the cellco which uses your Internet wired connection for
> backhaul, and puts out a cellular signal in your house. There may
> be a hack (but only on T-Mobile, I think, and some MVNOs) where some
> can move calls to VoIP ia Wi-Fi to the phone. Either way, they
> probably charge you for airtime minutes even when you don't even use
> their airtime. ("Such a deal!")
>
> The biggest maker of cellular extenders that I can think of is
> Wilson Electronics. They make boxes that have two antennas, one that
> you stick up on the roof with a coax feed which picks up the weak
> cellular signal, and one that's inside your house feeding you the
> amplified signal. AFAIK these are simple bandpass amps and thus
> handle all modes of modulation of all carriers, and don't actually
> "log in" to the networks.
>
> The FCC made some kind of ruling about their legality some time ago
> but I didn't read it. (I think they were approved if the cellco
> didn't object.) Nobody gets grief for using them in weak-signal
> places like where you are.
My thanks for all the suggestions: I decided to follow John Levine's
advice, and I ordered the Femtocell. I was surprised to find that the
Verizon price ($250) was the lowest one available, with Amazon
offering new units for over $400.
Counting taxes, I paid about $265 for it. It will arrive tomorrow.
Range Extenders are tempting, espeially since they're not tied to one
carrier, but I'd probably have to get the antenna up on the roof to
make it work - assuming there' a cell site visible from up there - and
I just had a roof redone after ice dams last winter, so I'm not
disposed to risk any damage to my new home.
Bless your hearts: I appreciate y'all taking time to help!
Bill
--
Bill Horne
(Remove QRM from my email address to write to me directly)
|
| Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2015 10:50:37 -0400
From: Fred Goldstein <fg_es@removeQRM.ionary.com>
To: telecomdigestsubmissions.remove-this@and-this-too.telecom-digest.org.
Subject: Re: Please recommend a range-extender for Verizon cell phones
Message-ID: <muu2k3$m46$1@dont-email.me>
On 10/5/2015 10:13 AM, Bill Horne wrote:
...
> Range Extenders are tempting, espeially since they're not tied to one
> carrier, but I'd probably have to get the antenna up on the roof to
> make it work - assuming there' a cell site visible from up there - and
> I just had a roof redone after ice dams last winter, so I'm not
> disposed to risk any damage to my new home.
>
> Bless your hearts: I appreciate y'all taking time to help!
Well, Bill, it doesn't really have to go on a roof. It would be very
happy on a 70' Rohn 25 tower!
("Why honey, of course we need the tower, we want good cellular
coverage, don't we? Oh, and I might put a few other antennas on it, so
long as I'm putting it up for your cell phone.")
-de k1io
|
| Date: 4 Oct 2015 19:12:18 -0000
From: "John Levine" <johnl@iecc.com>
To: telecomdigestsubmissions.remove-this@and-this-too.telecom-digest.org.
Subject: Re: Please recommend a range-extender for Verizon cell phones
Message-ID: <20151004191218.19133.qmail@ary.lan>
>> >I'm living in the mountains of North Carolina now, and the cell
>> >service is sub-optimal. I've decided to install a range extender so
>> >that I can get reliable coverage under my tin roof.
Assuming you have some sort of broadband at home, your Samsung phone
almost certainly runs Android, so it is easy to set up your phone to
use wifi data when available rather than mobile data. But Verizon
doesn't do wifi phone calls, so you still need a cell signal for that.
To make the phone part work, get a femtocell:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/samsung-network-extender-scs-2u01/
It's tiny cell tower that uses your broadband for backhaul. Assuming
your broadband is reliable, it's likely to work better than a range
extender, and it's a lot easier to set up, just plug it in and run an
Ethernet cable from it to your router.
R's,
John
|
| Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2015 01:16:40 -0400
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
To: telecomdigestsubmissions.remove-this@and-this-too.telecom-digest.org.
Subject: Putting Mobile Ad Blockers to the Test
Message-ID: <BDE488FD-1DCC-4090-A460-49783503BB0C@roscom.com>
To block ads or not to block ads on your mobile device? That's the
philosophical dilemma facing consumers since Apple added support for
ad blockers to its iPhone operating system a couple of weeks ago.
Two tests were carried out with ad blockers: one to measure how much
loading times were improved and the second to study battery life.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/01/technology/personaltech/ad-blockers-mobile-iphone-browsers.html
***** Moderator's Note *****
Some websites have already added feedback loops that detect
ad-blocking, and they deny content to visitors who won't download the
ads. As with spam prevention, this is another arms race.
Let the games begin.
Bill Horne
Moderator
|
| Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2015 14:17:06 -0500
From: John Schmerold <schmerold2@remove-this.gmail.com>
To: telecomdigestsubmissions.remove-this@and-this-too.telecom-digest.org.
Subject: Re: Please recommend a range-extender for Verizon cell phones
Message-ID: <56117B32.9090905@gmail.com>
Bill,
I think this is what you need a Samsung Network Extender SCS-2U01 from
Verizon's website:
Samsung
Network Extender (SCS-2U01)
SKU #SCS-2U01
Boosts your 3G voice and data coverage
Works like a miniature cell phone tower
Includes 1 year limited warranty from manufacturer
[Moderator snip]
The Network Extender enables you to make calls from indoor locations
where outdoor cellular coverage does not reach. The Network Extender
works like a miniature cell phone tower in your home providing enhanced
coverage for up to a 5,000 square foot area.The new 3G EV-DO Network
Extender will boost data coverage and speeds in the home, along with
supporting voice calls. The 3G Network Extender is ideal for customers
who want to boost their wireless signal when making voice calls, sending
text/picture/video messages, accessing Mobile Web or accessing
Smartphone/BlackBerry data in situations that could include houses with
structural barriers, in basement rooms, or in some remote, mountainous
or hilly areas.
[Moderator snip]
Simple Setup and Management
Easy to install. Plug into your high-speed Internet connection and place
near a window. Sign in to My Verizon to create your optional managed
access list.
|
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