What really works to boost cell service in basement offices?

[TylerWeaver]

What really works to boost cell service in basement offices?

We have an old brick nursing facility with multiple staff officed in the basement. However, there is no cell service in the basement. We have iOS for company phones, and Verizon doesn't offer Wi-Fi Calling yet . Upstairs on the ground floor there is decent reception.

Any suggestions?

[dad_of_2 · Accepted solution]

You could try a network extender. That would pull the service from the nearest tower.  You would need to call customer service to get more information.

[Ann154]

A network extender uses the building's Internet connection to access the backbone of the Verizon Wireless network and acts like a mini cell tower. The employer would have to approve such an installation.

A cell booster amplifies the existing signal and rebroadcasts it to reach further then the existing signal would.

[TylerWeaver]

Have either of you used any of these?

I'm currently the IT Specialist where I work, so this is something that I could definitely do. I guess my next question would be if a network extender needs certain ports open or anything like that? Hoping if we did go that route our firewall wouldn't block it.

[mikeg803]

I work in a data center environment and we have several of these. They work very well and are worth the money. If we didn't have these, we would have zero signal in our data center.  I wouldn't worry about firewall restrictions as all it needs is a connection to the internet. That being said, you would want to coordinate this purchase/installation with your firewall guy just to be sure.

[TylerWeaver]

Mike, could you possibly tell me which model(s) you use and/or recommend? I'm very interested in this and love that you have first-hand seen it work.

I will definitely coordinate this with our network/firewall guy.

[mikeg803]

Our models are older and no longer available. I think VZW only has one current model for like $250.

[TylerWeaver]

Nice. It looks like I can either go with the consumer model for $250 or get the extender for business for $399. It looks like the business model has a bit more coverage and can link up. The consumer model would probably be fine, but it might be worth getting the business model for the expanded coverage just in case, and it seems a little more powerful with simultaneous connections.

[mikeg803]

You are right, go with the business one.  I forgot they had the two different models.

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