When choosing a gain system, it is extremely important to know two parameters: generation of a mobile network (2G, 3G or 4G), the quality of which you want to improve, and the frequency on which it functions.

The fact is that all the main components of amplification systems are antennas, repeaters, modems and routers are created under certain frequency ranges and very rarely support all the world's existing standards. In other words, you can purchase a gain "for 4G-Internet", but if it is an antenna, calculated on the frequency range in which your operator does not work, the money will be wasted.

Let us give an example. Most often 4G-Internet is provided at a frequency of 2600 MHz, and most of the sets for amplifying 4G are calculated on this frequency. Nevertheless, more and more often, domestic operators begin to use additional frequencies of 1800 and 800 MHz. If this network works in your location, the kit, calculated at the frequency of 2600 MHz, will be useless.

So, to choose a set, you need to know which technologies you want to strengthen and in what frequency bands they work. The easiest way to do this with a smartphone running Android or iOS operating system (iPhone).

Determine the generation of cellular network

Determine the generation of cellular network using a smartphone is usually very easy. In most modern operating systems, data transmission technology is indicated in the status bar next to the level of the cellular signal. The technology can be indicated directly (2G, 3G or 4G) or using one of the abbreviations. Most often are the following notation:

• 2G, GPRS (G), EDGE (E) - the traditional 2G technology on which the standard voice GSM communications and slow mobile Internet are working;
• 3G, UMTS, HSDPA (H), HSPA + (H +) - the third generation of cellular communication used for calls and access to broadband mobile Internet;
• 4G, LTE (L) is the fourth generation of cellular communication, at the moment used by domestic operators only to access high-speed mobile Internet.

For example, on Xiaomi smartphones with two SIM cards, the status bar is as follows:

How easy it is to determine the first SIM card of the MTS operator at the moment works in 4G mode, and the second SIM card Tele2 is in 3G.

What frequencies operators in Russia work

It would seem to know what communication standards are available at your location, you can proceed to the choice of the gain. Nevertheless, there is one significant problem: the same communication technology can work at different frequencies.

Each communication standard (2G, 3G and 4G) contains many submersions. In order for the gain system to work correctly and strengthened exactly the frequency range on which your operator works, this frequency range must be found.

Currently, the following cellular standards are found in Russia:

Generation	Frequency ranges	Name standard
		GSM-900, EGSM, GSM-E900
		GSM-1800, DCS-1800

Unfortunately, find out what frequency your operator works, is not so easy. The developers of Android and IOS operating systems considered that this information is not useful to normal users, and hid it into a special service menu. Below we will tell you how to call the hidden menu and find out the frequency used by the operator. But before that - one more important step!

If your smartphone defaults the network that you want to strengthen, additional actions are required. But there are situations where you need to determine the frequency range of another network. For example, you want to know the frequency of 2G, and the smartphone is automatically connected to 3G. Another example is: you need to strengthen voice communication, and your phone is connected to a 4G network, which is only available mobile Internet. To measure the necessary standard, forcibly translate your smartphone to the appropriate mode.

To do this, on Android devices, go to Settings\u003e Other networks > Mobile networks > Network mode and select the required communication standard. Depending on the model of the smartphone and the version of the operating system, the path to the section Network mode May differ slightly.

Apple smartphones, unfortunately, do not support manual mode switching. Thus, iPhone users can determine the frequency of just the standard in which the smartphone works automatically.

How to find out a cellular frequency

As we have already told above, to get the frequency information on which your smartphone is connected to the base station, you need to go to a special service menu. On Android devices, it is commonly called Service Mode, on Apple Smartphones - Field Test. To call the appropriate screen, it is enough to dial a certain number from the phone.

Important! Depending on the device model and the operating system version, the instructions may not work in this article. In this case, entering the code will not lead to anything. Also on some smartphones, the menu may look different, and network information is in one of the submenu. You may have to search in the menu subsections before you find the right page with information about the mobile connection!

Before performing frequency test, disconnect the WiFi connection. In the event that two SIM cards are installed on your phone, it is recommended to extract an unnecessary card and leave only the one you want to test. So you can avoid unnecessary confusion and accurately get information about the current connection.

How to call a service menu on Android

Depending on the version of the Android, the service menu opens with one of the following codes:

• *#0011#
• *#*#4636#*#*
• *#*#197328640#*#*

After entering the last symbol, the hidden menu must open automatically, you do not need to press the call button. On Samsung smartphones you will immediately get on the screen with information about the status of the network. On devices of other manufacturers, you may need to go to the "Phone Information" or other subsection containing mobile connection information. Unfortunately, on some Android-smartphones models, this menu may not be available at all.

SAMSUNG smartphones for network information is enough to dial the number * # 0011

For information about the network on Xiaomi smartphones, you must dial the number * # * # 4636 # * # *, go to the "Phone Information" section and scroll down the page down. On devices with two SIM-card sections "Phone Information" will be two.

As you can see, the hidden menu provides a lot of technical data. We will not need much of this information, and what exactly should be paid attention to, we will tell you just below.

How to call a service menu on the iPhone

On Apple smartphones, the service menu is called in the same way, but using another code. After entering, you must click the call button:

• *3001#12345#*

To get information about cellular connection, you will need to find the right submenu item. Depending on the current communication standard, go through:

• for 2G: GSM Cell Environment > GSM Cell Info. > Neighboring Cells. > 0

• for 3G: Umts Cell Environment > NEIGHBOR CELLS. > UMTS SET. > 0

• for 4G: Serving Cell Info.

We define the frequency of the 2G network (GSM)

To determine the frequency on which the GSM network operates is used, the special radio frequency channel number is used - ArFCN. In fact, this identifier indicating that your smartphone is currently working in what radio frequency range. On the service menu page, the identifier is usually indicated after the designation ArfCN., RX., RX CH., Freq., BCCH or other similar abbreviation.

Less often smartphones in 2G mode show the name of the standard (for example, GSM-900) or operating frequency. If your smartphone displays the name of the standard in the finished form, consider what you are lucky. Otherwise, determine which standard specified ARFCN is related to the table below.

	2G standard	frequency range
0–124 975–1023

For example, it looks like a GSM frequency determination on Samsung smartphones (left) and iPhone (right):

If the smartphone shows several ARFCN values \u200b\u200blisted by the column, then the active network is usually the first in the list.

Determine the frequency of the 3G network

Similarly, the case is with the definition of frequency in 3G networks. Here the channel identifier is called differently - UARFCN. In contrast to 2G-networks, the UARFCN values \u200b\u200bcan be specified two: one to determine the data reception channel (DL), and the other indicating the sending channel (UL). The name of the standard or its special sequence number is indicated - the so-called "Band" (from English Band).

			3G standard	frequency range

Thus, in the service menu, you can detect either the value of UARFCN, or the BED's sequence number: for example, Band 1. UARFCN is usually indicated after such an abbreviation as RX., CH DL And others. On the iPhone, the 3G frequency identifier is called Downlink Frequency. or dL_FREQ..

If the smartphone shows several UARFCN values \u200b\u200blisted by the Stage, the active network is usually the first in the list.

We give an example of the definition of UARFCN on modern Xiaomi smartphones (left) and Samsung (right). In this case, the frequency is 2100 MHz:

We define the frequency of the 4G network

Similarly, the case is also with 4G-networks. Here, "Band" or channel identifier - EARFCN can be specified. On the iPhone, determine the frequency 4G is the easiest of the "Band" specified in paragraph Freq Band Indicatoror freq_band_ind.If the smartphone shows several EarFCN values \u200b\u200blisted by a column, then the active network is usually the first in the list.

			4G standard	frequency range

Please note that the latest above standard does not contain different EARFCN values \u200b\u200bfor sending and receiving. This is not at all by chance. The fact is that in the LTE Band 38 standard, the reception and data transfer occurs in the same frequency range, but alternately (TDD technology). To strengthen this standard, a special repeater may be required.

The following is an example of the definition of EARFCN on Xiaomi smartphones (left) and the latest iPhone versions (right).

On Android devices, it is possible to determine the 4G frequency and easier by using the free Cellmapper application. Cellmapper displays information about the cellular network, including the current "Band". Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine the frequency of 2G- or 3G networks.

Always define the frequency at that point in which you plan to install an external antenna of the amplification system. If the operator uses several frequency ranges at the same time, the smartphone can use one standard on the street, and the room is different. This is due to the fact that lower frequencies penetrate the premises better and, as a rule, it is their electronic devices to prefer.

For example, if your operator provides 4G-Internet simultaneously in frequency bands 800 and 2600 MHz, then the smartphone can choose a slower LTE800 standard, and on the street switch to faster LTE2600.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that the simultaneous use of two 4G-bands opens the possibility of frequency aggregation before the operator. Aggregation - LTE-Advanced network function, in which subscriber devices use several frequency ranges to achieve maximum speed. Today, this technology is just beginning to be introduced by cellular operators, but in the foreseeable future it can significantly increase the productivity of the mobile Internet.

If you have determined that in your location, the telecom operator works simultaneously in two "bandages", it makes sense to think about the acquisition of a dual-band gain system.

In Ukraine, a new connection type will soon earn - 4G (LTE). The other day already on frequencies necessary for such networks. Operators promise that the first LTE icons on smartphones' screens will appear very soon. At the same time, only about 15% of smartphones on networks are ready to work with 4G. The editors tells how to check if your smartphone supports this technology.

You can choose a phone with 4G support from the partner of this material Moyo.ua.

#one. What happened?

There is an active preparation for the implementation of 4G. Troika frequency operators in the range of 2600 MHz, in line - a tender for 1800 MHz. According to the statements of mobile companies, in large cities of 4G in the coming months. However, it is necessary to prepare for 4G not only by operators, but also to subscribers, since not all smartphones support a new standard of communication.

# 2. What do you need to know about it?

First of all, you need to remember that the frequencies of the ranges of 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz, on which technology will operate in Ukraine, in the international classification correspond to the names of Band 3 and Band 7, respectively (sometimes they are denoted as B3 and B7).

This is important, since in the documentation, this terminology is used in many online stores and official sites. Ideally, the smartphone must maintain the frequencies of both bands. Then in Ukraine 4G will work everywhere where there is a coating.

# 3. And how to understand whether my smartphone is supported by 4G?

The easiest way to learn about LTE support is to look in the smartphone settings. If in the "network mode" tab (or similar to it) is in the options of selection 4G, your smartphone supports technology. But this is not a reliable way - not all phones in this section displays 4G, although they support this type of communication.

The next thing to do is to check the information in online stores and on the official website. It is better to look at the official website, because often there is information about the same ranges. You will learn whether your LTE smartphone supports, and if so, what exactly "Benda".

#four. Nowhere can I find information. Where else can you see?

In the extreme case, go to the site gsmarena. Find your smartphone by searching from above and look at the Network section. If, opposite the LTE graphs specify the necessary "Bendes", then \u003d the phone supports the communication standard. Important: Pay attention to the model of your smartphone (depending on this, the supported frequencies may differ), as well as the region - you need Europe or the EMEA region.

#five. It was understood. And what about SIM cards? They will also need to change?

Yes, those who have ordinary SIM. To support 4G, you need new USIM cards on which 4G works. Kyivstar subscribers can learn about Simok compatibility with 4G by number specified. If SIM card is not suitable, then the operator offers it to change it for free in any compartment.

Vodafone reported that the "convenient way to check" the compatibility of the card with 4G will also appear soon. Change "SIM card" will have to those clients of the operator who did not buy or did not change the map from the beginning of 2017. This can be done for free in the nearest service center.

# 6. My smartphone does not support 4G. What to do?

Output one - buy new. The benefit now there is a lot of budgetary smartphones that support this type of communication. For example, an inexpensive smartphone with LTE can be chosen on the Moyo website, our partners in the preparation of these cards. You can see available options.

If you are planning to use the local SIM card with LTE support in someone else's country or buy a smartphone in overseas parts, our cheat sheet will help determine if you have problems with the device compatibility with the LTE network. After all, the LTE is a bit more complicated than with 3G - different countries use different ranges, and only devices support any standards of the world. Usually, when sellers say that the model is designed to the US, Europe, India, China, Russia, this is not only about the firmware, but also about what frequency range and even what communication standards (the same 4G-Internet is not Everywhere) she supports.

1. We learn which standards supports smartphone.

For this you do not need third-party applications and services. Usually all the necessary information is on the box with the device. But if it is just not, you can find it on the case or in the smartphone interface.

If you have Android

Android smartphones have too many different variants of the case of the case, respectively, and places where the inscription needs can be. One of the options is at the bottom of the rear of the device, on the lid. Other - under the battery, next to IMEI, if the case is collapsible. If you do not remove the lid, look at the bottom of the rear panel. If there is nothing, you need to search in the menu.

To do this, go to Settings-About Phone(Maybe more called "On the Device" or somehow different, but with the same logic, it all depends on the manufacturer and antiquity of the model). Next, you need to find item " Model number"(It can also hide in the additional menu item" general information"). The model number and we need. Remember.

If you have an iPhone

Look at the rear panel of the smartphone (yes, alas, the case will need to be removed) - there is this code. This is the letter A and four digits. For example, A1634, A1687, A1699.

What to do with the model index

For example, you have iPhone 6. Model version - A1586. Next go to the GSMarena site, enter the model name in the search bar (iPhone 6) or immediately index (A1586). We fall on the device page. From above we see Network (sorry, the site in English, you can look at others, but here usually least all errors), press the Expand button and get a list of supported networks depending on the device version.

2. We will find out what standards the operator works

Now it remains to be found on the Internet, at what frequencies operator works: there, LTE 700, 800, 850, 1800, 2500, etc. - List long. The correct query will look something like this: communication standard + frequency - country - operator (preferably in English). If you know English, then deal with the search for the necessary information will not be difficult. The most important thing is that the characteristics of the device and the standards of the operator coincided. We know how to choose an external battery or customize the power consumption of the smartphone so that it worked longer and remains useful.

Although all the advantages of mobile communications have recently seemed fantastic, today it is no longer surprising. Therefore, communication and exchange of a huge amount of data requires new information transfer standards. Now such possibilities exist. They are called 4G, that is, the fourth generation of cellular communication.

4G allows you to transmit in mobile networks both voice data and multimedia information at high speed, up to 100 Mbps with subscribers in motion. The data transfer rate in stationary subscribers is an order of magnitude higher. MegaFon is actively implementing 4G and 4G + technology. Therefore, today 4G Internet MegaFon is one of the most sought-after offers.

What is 4G internet from megaphone?

Cellular communication MegaFon today offers data transfer service in mobile networks with a huge speed, it is called 4G + from megaphone. By connecting 4G +, especially with the support of LTE-Advanced technology, you can watch any photos and videos, listen to music on your mobile device without delay. Even the video in FullHD will be downloaded in a few minutes. This becomes possible due to high speed - up to 300 Mbps.

You can take advantage of the quick mobile Internet in 77 regions of the Russian Federation if you connect 4G +. When using 4G + with LTE coverage, the coverage area is less than 23 regions. Although 4G + with support for LTE gives a greater speed, in some cases 4G + preferably, since the number of devices capable of working stably in the networks 2G, 3G and 4G, yet more.

If you live in Moscow or Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Rostov, Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Ufa, Perm, Yakutsk, Lipetsk, Sochi, Sakhalin, Vladivostok, Tula, Ivanovo, Rostov, then you can connect 4G Internet from megaphone With support for LTE-Advansed technology. A complete list of cities in which this service is available can be found on the official website of the company MegaFon. There is also a coating map.

How do you know if you have 4G Internet megaphone?

To do this, make sure that your mobile device is operating in the network megaphone 4G +. You can do this with a smartphone by typing a combination of numbers: * 507 # and pressing the call button. You can also go to the megaphone site, at http://moscow.megafon.ru/internet/4g/#check4g

In the check form you need to enter your phone number and click the "Check" button. After that, the message in which will be specified on your phone number will be indicated whether your mobile phone and sim card standard 4G + Internet from megaphone supports.

If the SIM card does not work with the fourth generation of mobile communications, it can be replaced with another, capable of working in 4G +. This can be done by visiting any salon of MegaFon. The replacement service is completely free. If the 4G + standard is not supported by a smartphone, the output is only one - to purchase a new mobile phone.

How much is 4G + internet from megaphone?

For different mobile devices, such as smartphone or tablet are available different Internet packages, as well as for modems or routers. For example, now for the smartphone there are three tariff packages: "Internet S", "Internet XS" and "Megabeslimit".

The subscription fee for "Internet S" is 350 rubles per month, and the amount of information is limited to a number of 3 GB. You can use the Internet in this package throughout Russia. Package "Internet XS" costs 7 rubles a day, with a limit of traffic at 70 MB per day. "Megabezlimit", respectively, with the title, allows not to limit yourself in the information received. The amount of subscription - depending on the tariff plan.

How to connect 4G + internet from megaphone?

You can do this in several ways. For example, directly from your smartphone. To do this, you need to enter a combination * 105 * 1153 * # and press the green challenge button. You can also order the Internet connection by sending an empty SMS to number 05001153. You can connect 4G + on the MegaFon website from your personal account available after authorization and in the form of a quick connection. To do this, you need to enter your phone number and click the "Connect" button. After that, the code will come to your number by which you can confirm the operation.

New technologies are constantly entering our life, older improves, accelerates, are more convenient. Personal gadgets are especially appreciated by developers, almost every day new applications, games and programs come out. However, for all this it is necessary to quality service from the Internet, since most utilities consume traffic. At the same time, the old standards of the 3G Internet will no longer cope, and 4G format came to replace. But not all phones and SIM cards support more modern technology, and new devices do not always include an updated network automatically. It is quite simple to correct the situation, just a few movements across the smartphone screen.

What is 4G and what is its technical characteristics

4G (from English. Fourth Generation is the fourth generation) - a generation of mobile communications with increased requirements. By the fourth generation, it was customary to include promising technologies that allow data transmission at a speed exceeding 100 Mbps - mobile (with high mobility) and 1 Gbit / C - stationary subscribers (low mobility).

Wikipedia

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/4g

The 4G standard can be divided into two standards: LTE and directly WiMAX. However, in terms of its WiMax technology, it can only serve only "static" users, as well as mobile phones that move at speeds up to 115 km / h (on high-speed trains and autobahn, you can't catch the network). At the same time, despite its "lateness" (LTE release of the fourth generation was released in 2009, and WiMAX in 2005), the LTE standard has become more popular and preferable for mobile networks.

The main characteristic that is interested in all users is the data transfer rate. According to the standard of the fourth generation, users with low mobility (speed of up to 10 km / h) should receive up to 1 Gbit / s on their devices. For high mobility (from 10 km / h or more) - speed will be up to 100 Mbps

It should not think that we receive the stated speeds, it will almost never be. There are a lot of factors that affect data transmission in wireless networks. First, 4G technology is based solely on batch data transfer, and the speed even in wired networks of such a plan can be chrome. Information from the resource to the user passes several nodes, and very often packets can be lost in the bridges of web plexus. Therefore, the missing data is requested again, and time is spent on it. Secondly, there are always physical limitations. For example, terrain relief or network load.

4G standards were patented and began to be implemented since 2012, and for 5-6 years the use of these networks I never have a cherished round numbers on the tests.

The main mobile internet mobile format comes according to LTE

How to find out if the 4G smartphone supports

If we talk about smartphones, it is quite difficult to find a working device that does not support 4G technology. Qualcomm Company, main chip manufacturers for smart phones, began production and implementation of processors that work with the LTE standard, at the end of 2012. Because if your device's models are less than six years, then you can certainly use 4G in it.

On my memory, the smartphone lived as much as possible three and a half years, while they were spoiled and two batteries were replaced, the possibility of connecting to Wi-Fi was spoiled, and the last step towards death was that the phone stopped detecting a mobile operator's network. Reanimed the device did not work. From friends and acquaintances, he also heard that with the most accurate handling of devices, they are still covered in the third year of exploitation, after which they need to be changed to new models.

There is an easy way to find out if your phone is supported to 4G or not. To do this, it is necessary to close a little in the settings of the smartphone.

1. Open the "Settings" of the device, go to the "SIM card and mobile network" item.

   Open the "Settings" of the device, go to the item "SIM cards and mobile networks"

2. Next, go on one of the SIM cards, without any difference.

   Go to the installation of any of the connected SIM cards

3. Click on the "Preferred Type of Network" item.

   Open the "Preferred Type of Network" tab

4. We rearrange the setting (if there is not yet installed) on "preferably 4G (LTE)". If there is no such item, the phone does not support such a standard.

   We rearrange the setting to the item "Preferably 4G (LTE)"

What to do if the phone does not support 4G

Unfortunately, the only guaranteed yield is only one - this is the purchase of a new phone. Smartphones were initially programmed to work in certain frequencies, 2G and 3G networks differ from LTE standards, because it is technically impossible to connect to the appropriate standard. On the Internet, you can stumble upon the possible application or firmware of smartphones, which promise changing the technical characteristics, but it is not worth deceiving: no program will make the receiver work in the frequency to which it was originally not adapted. Such applications are likely to have malicious codes that can both steal personal data and make money transfers.

How to find out if 4G SIM card supports

There are several ways to understand whether the SIM card is supported by the fourth generation:

• using the USSD command;
• instructions or a box with a SIM card;
• with the help of an official store consultant.

If your SIM card has been released for a long time, it is best to contact immediately into the mobile salon. First, consultants will give a qualified answer if you can already use 4G or need to replace the communication chip. Secondly, you can replace the SIM card immediately in place, without changing the number and completely free.

To understand whether there is 4G support from your SIM using packaging, it is enough to find the corresponding icon on it. Often, manufacturers exhibit it at the bottom, and discover the cherished two characters is not predicted.

Photo Gallery: What does 4G icon look like on plastic SIM-card containers

Manufacturers of SIM cards MegaFon indicate the container Support for the 4G SIM card technology BEELINE also contain 4G pointer on the MTS container, like other operators, indicates a container support for 4G technology manufacturers "Tele2" SIM cards are also prescribed, whether Simka 4G supports

Some operators also provide an opportunity to learn about 4G support at a working SIM card using a short USSD team:

• MegaFon - * 507 # and call button;
• "Tele2" - * 156 # and call button.

Beeline and MTS have no such opportunity.

What to do if the SIM card does not support 4G and how to replace it with another

If it suddenly finds that the SIM card does not support 4G communication standards, you need to contact the nearest mobile operator salon so that the consultants replace an obsolete chip to modern. It is better to call the operator's hot service to find out what replacement conditions are available. For example, is it necessary to the SIM card owner's passport or other documents. At the same time, the procedure is completely free and only takes a few minutes. The number of the old SIM is transferred to a new chip, and the only minus will be the fact that contacts of the old SIM card will not be transferred to the new one. Therefore, before replacing, you should save the information on the phone.

Fix the smartphone settings or replace the SIM card to the appropriate new standard is very simple. Exception is too old devices that it's time to change to more modern models.