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Topic: Mobility

Increase the wireless data signal for your SOHO with the zBoost DataBlast 4G Signal Booster

Summary: Some signal boosters require you to cradle or directly connect your mobile device. The zBoost DataBlast increases your signal strength and is actually quite easy to setup and use.

Matthew Miller

By for The Mobile Gadgeteer |

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Signal antenna, bracket, and 50 foot cable

I climbed up on the roof and saw where I could mount the signal antenna with the included bracket. Instead of this approach, I simply zip tied it to a vent pipe I have on my roof. I then ran the cable, white 50 feet long coax, from the roof, down the outside of my house, in through a hole in my screen, and through the windows to my office area. I then plugged the coax cable into the base unit and powered on the base unit. I had earlier installed the base unit antenna. The base unit powered on and the indicator light turned solid green.

I took signal readings on my T-Mobile Galaxy Note II and a Verizon HTC Droid DNA before setting up the antenna and booster. After the zBoost DataBlast was setup I again took signal readings. I understand that the lower the number, the better the signal and that something like -60 is great while -120 is unacceptable. As shown in the screenshots, the T-Mobile signal went from -107 dBm (you can see why I use WiFi Calling at home) to a strong -73 DBM. The Verizon signal went from a nearly non-existent -110 dBM to -75 dBm. The bars are not a very good indication and sometimes lagged behind what the dBm readings showed. This is quite an increase in signal strength.

You can pick up the zBoost YX550-VLTE-AWS for $399.99. While this may seem expensive, if you have an office with several people who need a good cellular data signal or have a need for a strong cellular data connection then you may like the flexibility and coverage of the zBoost. Keep in mind that a stronger signal will also extend your battery life since it won't be hunting for a signal all the time.

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Topics: Mobility, Android, iPhone, Reviews, Verizon

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8 comments
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  • Question

    We have terrible AT&T signal in our home but have great WiFi. Do these signal boosters only improve data access or do they improve voice too?
    bitcrazed
    Reply Vote

    • DataBlast Response

      Hi, I’m a Wi-Ex employee and wanted to answer the questions you have regarding the DataBlast. The DataBlast only boosts 4G/LTE/AWS, which is all data. It does not include voice BUT we have an entire line of signal boosters that boost voice. We offer an upgrade DataBlast kit that allows you to pair your DataBlast unit with an existing 2G/3G signal booster. For more info visit: http://www.wi-ex.com/YX550-VLTE-AWS-Upgrade.aspx
      tferenczy
      Reply Vote

  • Why

    would a typical SOHO user want to boost the wireless data signal? Isn't that what (free) WiFi is perfectly suited for?

    Boosting the voice signal makes sense.
    cHarley1200
    Reply 2 Votes

    • Wireless even faster than 4g

      I agree a Wireless Router $200.00. Enough said.
      TwistedChaos
      Reply Vote

      • Wireless router

        $200.00 is way to much for the ROI.
        charleyj98
        Reply Vote

        • Oooppss

          Not to mention $400.00 for a signal booster.
          charleyj98
          Reply Vote

  • "setup" vs "set up"

    BTW, "setup" is a noun (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/setup). When used as a verb, it's "set up"; thus "quite easy to set up and use."
    mdbest
    Reply Vote

  • Signs and Magnitudes.

    "I understand that the lower the number, the better the signal and that something like -60 is great while -120 is unacceptable."

    -60 is larger than -120.
    Beast Of Bodmin
    Reply Vote
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