A 4G LTE indoor antenna can be the perfect solution to poor signal reception for small business offices and home Internet broadband users.

If the distance to the transmitting tower is causing problems with the signal received by your router, or trees and other obstacles are interfering with the signal quality, a 4G LTE antenna will improve the reception of the signal.

Sometimes it can be the position of the router that causes poor signal quality. Being situated behind a thick wall, or new building materials such as foil backed insulated plasterboard, can reduce the signal quality. If the router can’t be moved an antenna can be connected to the router and positioned in a better location for signal reception.

Indoor 4G LTE antenna or external 4G LTE antenna

An external 4G LTE antenna will give you the best increase in signal quality. There are usually more options for positioning an external antenna and finding the most effective spot to fix it to the building. External antennas can be mounted on the roof in a high position above obstacles that interfere with the signal.

But having an antenna fixed externally is not always an option. The building, restrictions by landlords, and many other reasons can mean prevent an external antenna being used. This is when an indoor 4G LTE antenna can be a good option to deliver a better quality signal to your router.

Check your 4G LTE indoor antenna is compatible

Although we all talk about the services from all providers under the heading of 4G LTE, they operate on different frequencies and your indoor 4G LTE antenna needs to be compatible with the frequency available in your location from your service provider.

For example, the three main 4G LTE bands currently in use in the UK are:

• Band 20 (800MHz)
• Band 3 (1800MHz)
• Band 7 (2600MHz)

Each frequency band has certain benefits and characteristics, and these should be considered if you have a choice of service providers. Lower frequencies can transmit over larger areas, and are more efficient at penetrating walls and other physical obstacles than the higher frequencies. Higher frequencies transfer data faster over shorter distances, but walls and obstacles have a greater impact on their signal.

When selecting your internal 4G LTE antenna, make sure it is compatible with the 4G LTE service you are using by getting the specifications from your provider, and that it is also compatible with equipment you are using, for example, the connection points of routers and the frequency of signal boosters.

Installation of 4G LTE Antenna

Look for the best position for the antenna. Windows are excellent as there is less signal loss than a solid wall, especially if you have a window facing the cell tower. Keep the cable to the router as short as possible, this will help to maintain the strength of signal to the router.

Installation is always a balance between obtaining the best signal, the logistics of running cable, and the appearance caused by the antenna position. Not everyone is happy with an antenna fixed to their living room window.

Antennas are a practical solution to improve the quality of home or business broadband. Select the right one for your location in relation to a cell tower, signal frequency, and your home or office building.