Improve Your Cellular Router Signal | Top Solutions for Reliable Connectivity

How to Improve Your Cellular Router Signal

There are various ways to enjoy internet service. If Fibre, ADSL or satellite are not viable options, a cellular router might do the trick. A cellular router captures signals from your mobile network provider and allows you to use this service to connect to the internet, stream movies, and more.

Cellular routers can be an option for your main internet service at home, or even a backup if your primary source of internet has an outage. They are also perfect for those on the go, as you only need a cellular signal to operate. When you travel or are on a job site, you can also avoid public Wi-Fi systems, which can sometimes be a security risk. They are also very useful for people who live in very rural areas, where long cable runs are impractical.

There are two main types of cellular routers: integrated (with built-in modems) and modular (with USB ports for optional modems). Modems connect directly to cell towers, typically using SMA or TS9 connectors.

How fast your speed is can depend on several factors, including how close you are to the cellular tower and how strong of a signal you are able to capture. With weak cell signal, you get weak internet. If your home, office, or area where you plan to use your router has weak cellular signal, you won't be getting much out of it.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to boost the available signal.

1. Install a Cell Signal Booster for Your Cellular Router

Since your modem requires cell signal, the best solution is to boost the signal that's already there, giving you better signal for your modem and all your other cellular devices.

A cell signal booster takes existing cellular signal and enhances it. Adding an antenna to the outside of the structure or vehicle in the best place to capture a strong signal, with the booster installed between the antenna and the cellular router, will allow the signal to be increased in power numerous times over.

Boosters for cellular routers are small, fit easily in tight spaces and require a connected power source. Signal boosters can also be used on the go as there are systems designed for your vehicle as well.

There are essentially two types of booster to consider: an M2M/IoT signal booster, which connects directly to your cellular modem, and a home or vehicle signal booster, which will enhance the signal in a large indoor area. In general, we recommend an M2M booster if all you're interested in is an improved signal for your router, or if you tend to use it remotely. Otherwise, a home or vehicle signal booster is more versatile and will give you more benefits than just faster internet. Just make sure to place your cellular router near your signal booster's indoor antenna.

Learn more about our range of Cell Phone Signal Boosters.

2. Connect a High-Gain External Antenna

As mentioned, some routers have SMA or TS9 (depending on the router) ports that, with a converter, allow you to attach add-ons. While the router has an internal antenna, plugging in a more powerful external antenna may give the extra boost your system needs. Adapters are also available if the antenna chosen does not have a USB connection. This is a very easy option – just plug it in and you may instantly have a better cellular router signal. This is a cheaper method than a cell signal booster, but probably won't be enough if your outside signal is very weak.

Learn more about our range of Antennas.

3. Use Extension Cables to Improve Signal Positioning

An extension cable attached to the router’s SMA or TS9 port allows for flexible placement, enabling you to position the cellular router closer to a window or external wall for better signal reception. In some cases, you can place the adapter itself outside, bypassing obstacles and improving signal capture. This is a great solution if you’re looking to optimize your signal without investing in more equipment.

4. Move Your Router to a High-Signal Area

One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your cellular router signal is to place it in the best possible location within your home or office. In order to do this, you need to know exactly which direction your cellular signal originates from.

Walking around your house and noticing where you have the most bars helps, but installing an App on your phone called OpenSignal (for iPhones) or Network Cell Info Lite (for Android) will provide more precise information on your signal strength.

If you don’t want to install the free App, your smart phone has a field test mode as well. Signal strength as well as direction will determine whether just moving your router will help, or you need to add more technology to boost the signal.

From these results, you can move your router or your home office to the side of your house that has more signal.

5. Reduce Signal Obstructions Like Trees or Shrubs

Ok, ok. Hear us out. We know this sounds silly at first.

But cellular signal works best when you are in line-of-site of a tower. Many things can cause interference, such as buildings, hills, trees and shrubs. While it seems small, trimming some branches on your property that may be in the way of the direct signal can make a difference.

Alternately, if your home office is in the basement and a row of shrubs is outside that wall, moving your workspace to a higher floor might be an easy option.

6. Upgrade Your Router or Antenna for Better Connectivity

With technology advancing rapidly, upgrading to a new 4G or 5G-compatible router or a high-quality external antenna may yield better results. Check with your cellular provider to see if they recommend specific models that work better on their network. We also offer a wide selection of antennas that are ideal for signal enhancement in weak-signal areas.

7. Test Off-Peak Times to Avoid Network Congestion

In urban areas, cellular networks can become congested during business hours. Try logging in during off-peak times (early morning or late evening) to see if your signal improves. This approach may give you a better sense of how much signal is available without heavy network traffic.

8. Switch to a Network Provider with Stronger Coverage

If you're experiencing persistent issues with one provider, consider switching to a network with better coverage in your area. Each network has unique strengths depending on location, so moving from Vodacom to MTN, Telkom or Cell C could yield noticeable improvements. If coverage is a problem, switching networks may be more effective than additional equipment.

How Can You Help Me Get Better Internet with My Cellular Router?

We’ve outlined 8 options here that all have the potential to give you a stronger signal from your cellular router. One or more might alleviate your frustrations. Try the lower cost, easier alternatives first and move on to some more robust options. Soon, you will have a stronger cell router signal.

If you decide to try a signal booster or antenna configuration, we can help you pick the right one for your needs.

Our signal boosters work for all signals, all cell phones, and all carriers. From home, the office or your vehicle you won’t miss a single beat.

Skip the dropped calls, slow download speeds, and spotty coverage for the smooth, uninterrupted bliss of your very own boosted signal, courtesy of Bolton Technical:

• Free consultations: Our knowledgeable, SA-based support team is ready to assist. Contact us at sales@boltontechnical.co.za or call JHB 011 749 3085 or CPT 021 879 3057.
• Free shipping on orders over R750.
• Money-back guarantee: Try out our products risk-free with our 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
• Lifetime technical support and a 2-year warranty on all products.

Reach out today to discuss your options and find the best solution for your needs!