CEL-FI PRO - User Manual

For more information, videos, & support,
please visit cel-fi.com.
Step 1
Step 3
Step 2
Cel-Fi PRO Set-up
NETWORK UNIT COVERAGE UNIT
User Interface
LCD Screen
On/Off Button
for LCD Backlighting
Optimal Coverage
from CU to NU
For Cel-Fi PRO to work correctly, use
your phone to find the best 3G, 4G or
LTE signal. Typically, you will get the
best signal upstairs near a window.
The NU and CU communicate with each other wirelessly to provide the best signal improvement possible. As the
distance between the units is increased, the CU adjusts its coverage bubble to provide the ideal amount of coverage.
Place the NU in the location where you
get the best cellular signal.
Place the CU in the location where
you need improved coverage.
Congratulations! Your Cel-Fi Smart
Signal Booster is now working.
Find the best cellular signal.
Optimize Coverage by moving the Coverage Unit.
Place the Network Unit (NU). Place the Coverage Unit (CU).
NOTE:
Your device may require REGISTRATION
prior to use. If so, please refer to the
included Device Registration sheet
included with the unit.
NETWORK UNIT
Too Far Too Close Modest Coverage Good Coverage Best Coverage
COVERAGE UNIT COVERAGE UNIT COVERAGE UNIT COVERAGE UNIT
Signal Strength
BEST
4-5 BARS
BETTER
2-3 BARS
OK
1 BAR

Summary

Cel-Fi PRO Setup Guide

Finding Best Cellular Signal

Locate the area with the strongest 3G, 4G, or LTE signal for optimal device performance.

Placing the Network Unit (NU)

Position the Network Unit in the location identified as having the best cellular signal.

Placing the Coverage Unit (CU)

Install the Coverage Unit where improved signal coverage is needed.

Cel-Fi Mounting Instructions

Determine Cel-Fi Device Location

Identify suitable indoor locations for both the Network and Coverage Units.

Determine Mounting Hole Locations

Mark positions for mounting brackets on walls or ceilings.

Drill & Install Anchors (Drywall)

Drill guide holes and insert drywall anchors for secure bracket installation.

Install Mounting Bracket

Securely attach the mounting bracket to the prepared wall surface.

Attach Cel-Fi Unit to Wall Bracket

Mount the Network or Coverage Unit onto the installed wall bracket.

Optional Ceiling Mounting

Securely attach the Coverage Unit to a ceiling using provided mounting posts.

Get More from Cel-Fi WAVE

Cel-Fi WAVE Dashboard

View glance-able information on your Cel-Fi environment's status.

Cel-Fi WAVE Settings

Customize operator, external antenna, and booster naming.

Cel-Fi WAVE Advanced Mode

Access real-time technical details of your Cel-Fi Booster installation.

Cel-Fi WAVE Booster Updates

Keep your Cel-Fi Booster updated with the latest software versions.

Cel-Fi WAVE Registration

Register your Cel-Fi Booster easily through the application.

Cel-Fi PRO Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting: Not Receiving Signal

Relocate the Network Unit to an area with better cellular coverage.

Troubleshooting: CU Hardware Error

Reset the Coverage Unit by unplugging and replugging it.

Troubleshooting: CU Overheating

Ensure unit vents are clear and move to a cooler area.

Troubleshooting: NU Overheating

Ensure unit vents are clear and move to a cooler area.

Troubleshooting: NU Hardware Error

Reset the Network Unit by unplugging and replugging it.

Troubleshooting: Unit Disabled by Network

Contact your cellular service provider for assistance.

Troubleshooting: Input Signal Too Strong

Move the Network Unit away from the cellular tower.

Troubleshooting: Units Too Close

Increase the distance between the Network and Coverage Units.

Troubleshooting: Units Too Far

Decrease the distance between the Network and Coverage Units.

Troubleshooting: Registration Required

Register your unit via the phone app or website.

Troubleshooting: Waiting for Registration

Complete registration process using the phone app or website.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Setup Process
4. Optimizing Coverage
5. Mounting Options
6. User Interface and Indicators
7. Cel-Fi WAVE Application
8. Maintenance Features
9. Troubleshooting
10. Environmental Considerations

The Cel-Fi PRO is a smart signal booster designed to improve cellular coverage indoors. It consists of two main units: the Network Unit (NU) and the Coverage Unit (CU). These units communicate wirelessly to optimize signal strength and provide an extended coverage area within a home or office environment.

Function Description

The primary function of the Cel-Fi PRO is to enhance 3G, 4G, and LTE cellular signals. It works by capturing the existing cellular signal from a location where it is strongest (typically near a window or upstairs) using the Network Unit, amplifying it, and then retransmitting the boosted signal throughout the desired coverage area via the Coverage Unit. This process creates a "coverage bubble" that significantly improves call quality, data speeds, and overall cellular reliability.

The system is designed for ease of setup and operation. Users begin by identifying the location with the best existing cellular signal using their mobile phone. This is where the Network Unit (NU) should be placed. Once the NU is positioned, the Coverage Unit (CU) is then placed in the area where improved coverage is needed. The two units automatically communicate and adjust their performance to deliver optimal signal enhancement.

A key feature of the Cel-Fi PRO is its ability to dynamically optimize coverage. The distance between the NU and CU plays a crucial role in the size and quality of the coverage bubble. The system is designed to provide the best signal improvement when the units are placed at an optimal distance from each other. For instance, a distance of 50 feet or more between the NU and CU can yield 100 feet or more of coverage, demonstrating the system's capacity to adapt and maximize its reach.

Usage Features

Setup Process:

1. Find the best cellular signal: Use your phone to locate the strongest 3G, 4G, or LTE signal. This is typically near a window or upstairs.
2. Place the Network Unit (NU): Position the NU in the location identified in step 1, where the best cellular signal is received.
3. Place the Coverage Unit (CU): Position the CU in the area where you need improved coverage. Once both units are placed, the system automatically begins working to boost the signal.

Optimizing Coverage:

The Cel-Fi PRO's performance can be further optimized by adjusting the distance between the NU and CU.

• Too Close: If the units are too close, the coverage may be limited.
• Modest Coverage: A slight increase in distance can lead to modest coverage improvement.
• Good Coverage: Further separation can result in good coverage.
• Best Coverage: An optimal distance between the units (e.g., 50 feet or more) provides the best and most extensive coverage.
• Too Far: If the units are too far apart, the signal strength between them may diminish, reducing the effectiveness of the booster.

Mounting Options:

Both the Network Unit and Coverage Unit can be mounted for a more permanent and discreet installation. Mounting brackets and hardware (screws, drywall anchors) are provided.

• Wall Mounting: Both units can be wall-mounted. The Network Unit has mounting holes on its back, while the Coverage Unit has mounting holes on both its back and bottom.
• Ceiling Mounting: The Coverage Unit can also be ceiling-mounted using the holes on its bottom. This is achieved by sliding the unit onto the mounting bracket posts until secure.

User Interface and Indicators:

The Network Unit features a user interface LCD screen and an On/Off button for LCD backlighting. This screen provides visual feedback on the system's status and signal strength. Signal strength is indicated by bars:

• BEST: 4-5 BARS
• BETTER: 2-3 BARS
• OK: 1 BAR

Cel-Fi WAVE Application:

For advanced control and monitoring, the Cel-Fi WAVE application is available for smartphones and desktop computers. This application offers several features:

• Dashboard: Provides a quick overview of the Cel-Fi environment's status.
• Settings: Allows users to change the default operator, set up an external antenna, and name their booster.
• Advanced Mode: Offers a real-time technical overview of the booster's installation.
• Booster Updates: Enables users to keep their Cel-Fi Booster up-to-date with new software versions.
• Register: Facilitates the registration of the Cel-Fi Booster when required.

Maintenance Features

Troubleshooting:

The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues, emphasizing that proper placement of the two units is key to better performance.

• Not receiving signal (Error 1): Relocate the Network Unit to an area with better cellular coverage.
• CU Hardware Error (Error 2): Reset the Coverage Unit by unplugging and re-plugging it. If the problem persists, the system may require service.
• CU is overheating (Error 3): Ensure the vents on the Coverage Unit are not blocked and move it to a cooler area.
• NU is overheating (Error 4): Similar to the CU, ensure the Network Unit's vents are clear and move it to a cooler area.
• NU Hardware Error (Error 6): Reset the Network Unit by unplugging and re-plugging it. If the problem persists, the system may require service.
• Unit disabled by network (Error 7): Contact your cell phone provider.
• Input signal too strong (Error 8): The Network Unit may be too close to a cellular tower. Relocate the Network Unit to a different location, possibly on the opposite side of your home/office.
• Units too close together: Move the units farther apart to optimize coverage.
• Units too far apart: Move the units closer together to ensure proper communication and signal boosting.
• New registration required (Error 9): Register the unit using the Cel-Fi WAVE app or the provided registration guide.

Environmental Considerations:

The Cel-Fi PRO is electronic equipment and must be kept indoors in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating, as indicated in the troubleshooting section. When mounting, users are advised to ensure no wires, other objects, or metal plates interfere with the installation behind the drywall.

CEL-FI PRO Specifications

General

Model	CEL-FI PRO
Category	Extender
Max Gain	100 dB
Connectivity	Wireless
Humidity Range	5% to 95% non-condensing
Frequency Bands	700 MHz, 850 MHz, 1900 MHz
Coverage Area	Up to 13, 000 sq ft
Network Compatibility	4G LTE
Certifications	FCC, IC
Operating Temperature	0°C to 40°C