The cell enhancer

A cell enhancer or (reradiation system) has been in service along a six mile section of the Schuylkill Expressway near Philadelphia since October, 1984. Its 20 db improvement in radio signal levels has changed the service quality from one of noise, interference and dropped calls to that of good quality communications. Since its initial installation, the performance of this system has been monitored closely with signal levels recorded on numerous occasions. A cell enhancer consists of a broadband class A RF amplifier preceded by two 10 MHZ wide filters. The single amplifier is used to retransmit mobile signals to the cell site and cell site signals to mobiles. A directional antenna is aimed at the serving cell and another antenna is aimed at the coverage problem area. The intent of this paper is to share the experiences of a cellular service provider who has utilized this new technology and concluded that cell enhancers can improve system performance in a cost effective manner.