Description
CEL-FI FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Cel-fi is a 3G/4G/LTE cellular signal amplifier that is approved for use on Australian networks.
Cel-fi Mobile versions are suitable for vehicles, trucks, boats, caravans that are on the move etc. This version allows for the Cel-fi unit to move or switch between towers during transit. Cel-fi Mobile versions: G31 (some models), G32
Cel-fi Stationary versions are suitable for buildings, homes or situations where the Cel-fi repeater and donor antenna will not move. Stationary mode allows for the unit to function with higher gain.
Stationary versions: G31 (some models), G32, G41, Pro, Solo
Cel-fi G31 series are available in mobile and stationary versions. The G31 mobile version will be the most common Cel-fi for a vehicle, truck, caravan.
Cel-fi G32 series may be switched between Optus or Vodafone for support of a singular network once registered. You may change the network registration of the repeater at any time should your requirements change.
Cel-fi G41 series may be switched between Telstra or Optus or Vodafone for support of a singular network once registered. You may change the network registration of the repeater at any time should your requirements change.
No Cel-fi product will support the simultaneous “repeating” of more than one network.
Cel-fi G31 series are locked into specific networks off the shelf.
Cel-fi G32 series may be switched between Optus or Vodafone for support of a singular network once registered. You may change the network registration of the repeater at any time should your requirements change.
Cel-fi G41 series may be switched between Telstra or Optus or Vodafone for support of a singular network once registered. You may change the network registration of the repeater at any time should your requirements change.
This is possible, however, it cannot be facilitated with one Cel-fi repeater.
A Cel-fi repeater and dedicated donor antenna will be required for each network that you wish to support. In some cases, a single donor may be utilised when all suitable carrier signals are located on the same cellular tower. With the addition of the right combining hardware and service antennas – we can design a kit and solution to meet your requirements.
All Cel-fi units are registered and configured via the Cel-fi WAVE app for Andriod and Apple (iOS).
Stationary/Building/Home:
Whilst we highly recommend a professional installation and configuration, many users choose to self-install. The Cel-fi app will display real-time signal settings that can be used to fine tune your installation (for example, the direction/aspect of a donor antenna for a stationary/building can be fine-tuned by interpreting signal values in the app as the direction of the antenna is rotated etc.)
Mobile/Vehicle (on the GO):
We recommend setting your Cel-fi to “Automatic” via the WAVE app. This will let the Cel-fi handle all settings and function automatically.
Alternatively, you may set your Cel-fi to “3G” or “4G” or even specific bands. For example, rural areas may benefit from locking the Cel-fi to 3G only.
Most Cel-fi kits readily available online will feature one or two service antennas. As a rough guide, one service antenna will provide signal to one room (approx 200 square metres). Performance is also entirely dependent on the quality and power of the source (donor) signal that the Cel-fi is repeating.
Larger projects with greater coverage areas and antennas will require design, hardware and balancing considerations. Contact us to talk you through the options available for low-power, off-air repeaters and DAS solutions.
We recommend Cel-fi G41 or Solo for all stationary, home and building solutions as they are multi-band repeaters – providing for increased coverage and channel support over G31 stationary versions. If you only need to repeat one good quality signal such as 700 or 1800 (4G) then you can consider the G31 stationary series.
Sure, we can help you! However, an off-the-shelf kit will not suffice for your requirement. We will be able to design and recommend the appropriate hardware and DAS (distributed antenna system) for your needs including installation and commissioning.
Multiple individual instances of Cel-fi systems will not solve your coverage issues – leading to hand over issues, interference and noise. In some case, the units will not function at all.
As a guide, you should be noting the following variables…
Power (RSRP)
Measured in negative (-) dBm where the closer to zero the value, the stronger the signal. The range is typically -60 (Stronger) to -130 (Very weak to unusable).
Quality (RSRQ)
Measured in negative (-) dB where the closer to zero the value, the stronger the signal. The range is typically -5 (Stronger) to -20 (Very weak to unusable).
Noise (SINR)
Measured in negative dB where a positive number is a better quality signal. The range can vary from -20 to +20 whereby positive values are always better.
Omni or Omni-Directional antennas receive signals equally from all directions, providing consistent coverage over a broad area where cellular signals are considered good. The disadvantage is they cover a smaller range and may not be able to pick-up signals from far cellular towers.
Directional antennas are recommended over omni, particularly for stationary installations. They are generally more powerful with a higher gain, meaning a narrower beamwidth. Further distance and less noise are key factors as to why directional antennas (or yagi) are preferable for Cel-fi stationary.
