How To Amplify Your Cellular Internet Range Onboard To The Max

One of the best ways to have internet access on your boat is through your cell phone service provider. Even better, is to add an amplifier and external antenna to your cellular device to extend your internet coverage area to its max. Whether your cellular service provider is 3G 4G EVDO or HSDPA etc, this guide will show you what you need and how to boost you're coverage.
USB Cell modem
EXPRESS Cell modem
Cell modem antenna adapter

Digital antenna cell adapters
Cell amplifier

Digital antenna DA4000
Cell modem wifi router

Cradlepoint MBR1000
External marine antenna

Digital Antenna marine cell antennas
Shakespeare marine cell antennas
RG8x coaxial cable
1. Step one, getting a cellular modem.

Probably the most important step is choosing the right cellular modem. You'll most likely obtain your cell modem from your existing cell phone provider such as Verizon, T-Mobile, ATT, Sprint, etc. You will want to take a look at the models they offer and make certian they are compatible with the cellular amplifier and cellular router you get.

The type of external antenna jack on the modem is what makes it compatible with the amplifier. Most modems have an external antenna jack, but not all of them. Among the ones with jacks, there is quite a variety of jack types. So, it is important to choose a cell modem that has a jack that you will be able to easily find an adapter for. The adapter allows the modem to connect to the amplifier. Here is a list of adapters for the DA4000 amplifier Digital adapters. If your cell modem was listed there, then you are all set.

Next you will want to see if your cell modem is also supported by the router. Click on the support tab on this page to see Cradlepoint MBR1000. You should note that using a router is optional. Although, keep in mind that without the wireless router, you won't be able to move your laptop or computer around your boat easily as it will be connected with a wire. Also, a wireless router makes it easy for multiple computers to have simultaneous connections to the internet.

2. Step two, installing an external antenna and amplifier.

You will want an external antenna and amplifier that operate on the same frequency as your cellular service. For North America, that is 850 or 1900MHz. For Europe and Asia, that is 900 or 1800MHz. You will be able to find antennas that can do both such as the Multi-band antennas here Digital marine cell antennas. For the amplifier, you will have to choose one that works in your area.
Digital DA4000
Digital DA4000E
The antenna connects directly to the amplifier using and rg8x coaxial cable.
rg8x cable

3. Step three, connecting your modem to the amplifier and your router or computer

Your modem will connect directly to your amplifier using the adapter that you found for your modem earlier here. Digital cell adapters
Now your modem an either plug directly into your computer or cradlepoint router.
Power it all up and you're online!