In today’s digital age, a reliable internet connection is more of a necessity than a luxury. If you’re considering ditching your traditional broadband provider for a 4G home internet box, it’s crucial to ensure that the signal strength is up to par. A weak signal can lead to a poor home internet experience, affecting everything from work to entertainment. So, how do you go about ensuring that you have a strong 4G signal at home? Let’s delve into the details.
How does a 4G home internet box work?
Before your new 4G box can emit a Wi-Fi signal within your home, it needs to connect to your mobile operator’s network. To do this, the box searches for the nearest relay antenna and attempts to connect to it. The received signal is analyzed by the box to adjust the transmission power needed to reach the relay antenna.
Importance of signal strength
As you might guess, if the 4G box receives a weak signal, your home internet connection will be of poor quality. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that a relay antenna from your chosen operator is near your home. But how can you be sure, especially when these antennas are sometimes hidden in structures like church steeples or art installations?
Measuring signal strength with your smartphone
For Android Users
The first method involves using your smartphone to measure the signal. To do this, your phone must be on the same network as your 4G box. Signal strength in GSM is always indicated by a negative value, with numbers closer to zero representing stronger signals. For instance, a signal measured at -67 dBm is stronger than one at -98 dBm.
To find this value on an Android device, go to Settings, then About, and finally Network. You’ll see the signal strength displayed on your screen.
For iPhone Users
For iPhone users, dial *3001#12345#* on the keypad and press the call button. Your phone will then display the signal strength at the top of the screen.
Using an interactive map
Another less precise but still informative method is to consult an interactive map of mobile network coverage in Belgium. The darker the green area on the map, the stronger the signal. Conversely, areas leaning towards yellow, orange, or red will have weaker signals.
Why strong signal strength matters
Work from Home
With the rise of remote work, a strong and reliable internet connection has become a necessity. A weak 4G signal can lead to disrupted video calls and slow file transfers, affecting your productivity.
Streaming and Gaming
For those who enjoy streaming movies or playing online games, a strong 4G signal ensures that your experience is smooth and lag-free.
Smart Home Devices
A strong 4G signal is also essential for running smart home devices efficiently. From smart thermostats to security systems, these devices require a stable internet connection to function correctly.
Final Thoughts
Switching to a 4G home internet box can be a great move, offering flexibility and often lower costs compared to traditional broadband. However, it’s crucial to do your homework and ensure that you’ll receive a strong signal in your area. Remember, a well-informed decision is always better than jumping in blindly.
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