In the last article I reviewed the benefits of that broadband Internet access can bring to your remote property. We covered the pros and cons of dial up access, and DSL. Finally I started to describe {en:EVDO}, or cellular broadband service and how its possible extend and improve this service to remote areas.
The steps that I’ll suggest here, may not be the cheapest, but its thorough. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this option and go to a satellite Internet connection unless you have no other choice!
The key to extending service to your area is finding a location on your property where there is a hint of service. Your local wireless dealer may be able to help. They may be able to help you with the nearest cell tower locations near your site. They may also be able to tell you about the carrier’s technology. You may hear lots of funny acronyms about the technology, but what you really want to know is: 800MHz band, or 1900MHz (PCS). The Wireless Advisor site may be helpful in starting your search, but you really need to talk to your local dealer to understand where cell towers may be.
I’ve worked my day job for the last 7 years using microwave radios, and can suggest selecting or finding a carrier in your area who offers broadband service on the 800MHz band if at all possible. 800MHz radio waves are more friendly for longer connections, they go through trees and bend around obstructions much better than the 1900MHz bands!
OK, we’ll say you’re all loaded for the wireless hunt, you know where the nearest 800MHz cell tower is and there’s a view in that direction. (Nothing will work if there is a big mountain or hill between your location and the cell site.) You’ve borrowed a phone for service from that carrier. Now its time to hike around your remote location looking for any bars of service. Go on the roof, lean a ladder against a tree, whatever you can think of. This step can be a tricky task given that most newer phones do not have the little extend-able antenna.
If you didn’t have any luck in the first try and you’re serious about this project, try to purchase or borrow an external antenna for the phone. They do make small antenna’s that will plug into many phones. Now take the phone and antenna back to your location to retest every place again.
For example, in the sketch below I describe my situation. It was not the farthest fringe application of extended cellular / broadband service, but it does give a real life example.
In my case, you could make a mobile call from two places, and it was spotty in one. Downstairs by the kitchen microwave, it worked, but don’t walk anywhere! We have one upstairs room, and near the window you could make calls too. The 800Mhz band cell tower that serves me is 15 miles away. There is a ridge about a half mile away that makes it impossible to see the site from the ground, but upstairs I can see the flashing red light at night.
I tried to plug in my USB broadband adapter, and when it worked, I’d get 50-60Kbps download. After the final testing and adjustments on the amplifier system, I could get 600-800Kbps most anyplace in our small house! The cellular receive antenna is the normal low gain omnidirectional antenna that came with the amplifier. Next time I’ll share sources for the equipment and a high gain antenna that can boost the receive sensitivity by a factor of 5!
Shameless Plug: If you choose to do this, please support the blog by purchasing your equipment from the links in the next installment!
[Note: If you'd like more help in your efforts, purchase the Off Grid Internet Booster System guide! ]
Please leave your comments and questions about internet options!
Related posts:
