The weBoost Home MultiRoom is a cell signal booster designed to enhance cellular reception within a home or building. This system works by capturing existing outside cellular signals, amplifying them, and then rebroadcasting the stronger signal indoors, providing improved voice quality, faster data speeds, and fewer dropped calls.
Function Description
The core function of the Home MultiRoom is to improve cellular signal strength for multiple users and devices within a designated indoor area. It consists of three main components: an Outside Antenna, a Booster unit, and an Inside Antenna.
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Outside Antenna: This antenna is mounted outdoors, typically on a pole or the side of a roof, and is responsible for capturing existing cellular signals from nearby cell towers. Its directional design allows it to be pointed towards the strongest signal source, optimizing its ability to receive weak signals. The greater the separation between the Outside and Inside Antennas, the better the overall performance of the booster system.
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Booster Unit: The central processing unit of the system, the booster receives the signal from the Outside Antenna via a coaxial cable. It then amplifies these weak signals across various frequency bands (3G/1x and 4G/LTE) to a usable level. The booster also manages potential issues like oscillation (feedback loops) and overload from strong cell tower signals through built-in safety features, automatically adjusting its gain or shutting off problematic bands to prevent interference with the cellular network. The booster unit should be placed at least 24 inches away from the Inside Antenna to ensure optimal performance and prevent feedback.
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Inside Antenna: This antenna is placed indoors where signal improvement is desired. It receives the amplified signal from the booster and broadcasts it throughout the coverage area. The Inside Antenna can be mounted horizontally, vertically, or placed on a desktop, offering flexibility in placement to best suit the user's needs.
Usage Features
The Home MultiRoom is designed for a "soft" installation process, allowing users to find optimal antenna locations before permanent mounting.
- Flexible Antenna Placement: The Inside Antenna offers multiple mounting options (horizontal, vertical, or desktop with a kickstand) to integrate seamlessly into various indoor environments. Command strips are provided for easy mounting of the bracket. The Outside Antenna can be pole-mounted or wall-mounted on a fascia, with bracket clamps included for secure attachment.
- Optimization for Best Performance: A critical step in the installation involves pointing the Outside Antenna towards the nearest cell tower. Users are encouraged to use apps like 'Open Signal' to locate towers and then rotate the Outside Antenna in small increments (1/8 turn) while observing signal levels on their cell phone indoors. This iterative process, involving unplugging and re-plugging the booster after each adjustment, helps secure the strongest possible signal.
- Cable Management: The system includes cable mounting clips to help route and secure the coaxial cables neatly. A Window Entry Cable is also provided to facilitate easier cable entry into the home without drilling, if preferred. All cable connections are designed to be finger-tightened only.
- Signal Strength Measurement: The manual provides guidance on how to measure signal strength in decibels (dBm) on both iPhone (using dot signal strength indicator) and Android devices (via Settings > About Phone > Status or Network > Signal Strength). This allows users to quantify the improvement in signal strength and verify the system's effectiveness.
- Light Patterns for Status Indication: The booster unit features indicator lights that provide immediate feedback on its operational status:
- Solid Green: Indicates normal, proper functioning with no installation issues.
- Blinking Green & Red: Suggests reduced gain due to oscillation (feedback loop). If desired signal boost is achieved, no further action is needed; otherwise, troubleshooting is recommended.
- Solid Red: Indicates a band shutoff due to oscillation, a safety feature to prevent interference. Troubleshooting is required.
- Blinking Green & Yellow: Indicates reduced gain due to overload from a nearby cell tower. If desired signal boost is achieved, no further action is needed; otherwise, troubleshooting is recommended.
- Solid Yellow: Indicates a band shutoff due to overload from a nearby cell tower. The Outside Antenna needs adjustment.
- Light Off: Indicates no power; users should verify the power supply connection.
- Troubleshooting Guidance: The manual offers clear steps to address red and yellow light issues, focusing on antenna separation, cable connections, and antenna adjustments to resolve common problems and optimize performance.
Maintenance Features
The Home MultiRoom is designed for minimal maintenance once installed and optimized.
- Self-Regulating System: The booster includes a microprocessor that continuously monitors noise power, gain, and linearity. It automatically adjusts gain or shuts off problematic bands if it detects excessive signal levels or oscillation, preventing harmful interference with cellular networks.
- Automatic Restart: In case of a temporary issue causing a band shutoff, the booster will automatically attempt to resume normal operation after a minimum of 1 minute. After five such automatic restarts, any problematic bands will remain permanently shut off until the booster is manually restarted by momentarily removing and re-applying power.
- Surge Protection Recommendation: Users are strongly recommended to use a power strip with surge protection for the booster's power supply, safeguarding the device from electrical fluctuations.
- Durable Design: The unit is designed for indoor, temperature-controlled environments (less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit), ensuring longevity and consistent performance. It is not intended for use in attics or similar locations subject to extreme temperatures.
- Customer Support: weBoost provides comprehensive support through their website (support.weboost.com) and a dedicated phone line (866.294.1660) for any installation or troubleshooting assistance.
- Warranty: The product comes with a two-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, offering peace of mind to the user. Replacement products may include refurbished units that meet original specifications.
The weBoost Home MultiRoom aims to provide a reliable and effective solution for improving cellular signal coverage within homes, ensuring a better communication experience for its users.
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