Many people understand how frustrating it is to be unable to get a mobile signal while indoors. The feeling worsens when you know that a perfectly usable signal is available the moment you step outside the door. This situation can be caused by the building’s structure; the signals will be unable to penetrate the walls. Often this failure is caused by modern insulation materials like foil-backed insulation that prevents the entry of the signal. This makes it necessary for you to go outside just to make your calls.
Today, mobile devices are not just simple phones. They have the ability to perform a broad range of functions, and some have to rely on the GPS satellite signal’s reception. Mobile signals and GPS signals have one thing in common; they cannot reach inside a building because the strength of the signal is weakened by the journey from the satellites located up in space.
However, there is a simple solution; getting a GPS repeater. A GPS repeater relays GPS signals to an indoor location that is not usually reachable. The system comprises of several components:
- Indoor GPS repeater unit
- Outdoor GPS antenna
- Mounting bracket for the antenna
- Coaxial feeder cable
- AC Power adapter
Location must be considered when installing the outdoor antenna. It should have an excellent sky view, preferably at the rooftop, so that it can pick up signals from numerous satellites. The satellite signal will travel down the coaxial feeder cable into your repeater unit. This, in turn, enhances the signals and transfers them to the indoor space. Several repeaters can be installed depending on how big the building is. Another option would be an indoor positioning system that acts as a GPS for an indoor environment or even an indoor navigation system.
Who can gain from using GPS repeater technology?
All the equipment with GPS receivers within has to be built, calibrated, repaired or tested to specific stages of their life cycles. Some examples include:
Fire stations
The command and control equipment on-board maintains contact with satellites even when locked up safely in a station. So, it doesn’t make sense to wait to get satellite signals when exiting the station during an emergency.
Vehicle manufacturing plants
GPS systems on-board can easily be tested indoors. There is no need to wait outside for satnav systems to get a satellite fix.
Servicing hangars for aircrafts
Maybe it’s inconveniencing to take a mobile device outside so as to test the functionality of the GPS. But, it is even more difficult to push an Airbus out of the hangar.
This list is endless and ever-increasing. A repeater will undoubtedly improve indoor signals offering an easy, convenient, and a less time-consuming way to work with multiple GPS-enabled systems. To learn more, please visit Jibestream for additional information, resources and references.
