How to know that your smartphone will work on the right LTE networks. How to know if a phone supports MHL or not? Do all smartphones support 4g?

When choosing an amplification system, it is extremely important to know two parameters: the generation of the mobile network (2G, 3G or 4G) whose quality you want to improve, and the frequency at which it operates.

The fact is that all the main components of amplification systems - antennas, repeaters, modems and routers - are created for specific frequency ranges and very rarely support all existing standards in the world at once. In other words, you can buy a booster kit “for 4G Internet,” but if it includes an antenna designed for a frequency range that your operator does not operate in, the money will be wasted.

Let's give an example. Most often, 4G Internet is provided at a frequency of 2600 MHz, and most 4G booster kits are designed for this frequency. However, increasingly, domestic operators are starting to use additional frequencies of 1800 and 800 MHz. If this is the network in your location, then a kit designed for a frequency of 2600 MHz will be useless.

So, to choose a kit, you need to know which technologies you want to amplify and in which frequency ranges they operate. The easiest way to do this is using a smartphone running operating system Android or iOS (iPhone).

Determining the generation of the cellular network

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

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

For example, on Xiaomi smartphones With dual SIM cards the status bar looks like this:

It is easy to determine that the first SIM card of the MTS operator is currently operating in 4G mode, and the second SIM card of Tele2 is in 3G mode.

What frequencies do operators operate on in Russia?

It would seem that once you know what communication standards are available in your location, you can start choosing an amplification kit. However, there is one significant problem: the same communication technology can operate at different frequencies.

Each communication standard (2G, 3G and 4G) contains many substandards. In order for the amplification system to work correctly and amplify exactly the frequency range in which your operator is working, you must first know this frequency range.

The following cellular communication standards are currently available in Russia:

Unfortunately, finding out what frequency your operator operates on is no longer so easy. Operating room developers Android systems and iOS considered that this information would not be useful to ordinary users, and hid it in a special service menu. Below we will tell you how to call up the hidden menu and find out the frequency used by the operator. But before that - one more important step!

If your smartphone defaults to the network you want to strengthen, no additional action is required. But there are situations when you need to determine the frequency range of another network. For example, you want to find out the 2G frequency, but your smartphone automatically connects to 3G. Another example: you need to strengthen your voice communication, and your phone is connected to a 4G network, in which only mobile Internet is available. To measure the desired standard, force your smartphone into the appropriate mode.

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

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

How to find out the cellular frequency

As we said above, to get information about the frequency at which your smartphone is connected to the base station, you need to go to a special service menu. On Android devices it is usually called Service Mode, on Apple smartphones- Field Test. To call up the corresponding screen, just dial a specific number from your phone.

Important! Depending on your device model and operating system version, the instructions in this article may not work. In this case, entering the code will do nothing. Also, on some smartphones the menu may look different, and network information may be in one of the submenus. You may have to search through the menu subsections before you find desired page with information about your mobile connection!

Before testing the frequency, turn off your WiFi connection. If your phone has two SIM cards, it is recommended to remove the unnecessary card and leave only the one that needs to be tested. This way you can avoid unnecessary confusion and get accurate information about the current connection.

How to call the service menu on Android

Depending on version Android service The menu is opened using one of the following codes:

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

After entering the last character, the hidden menu should open automatically; you do not need to press the call button. On Samsung smartphones You will immediately be taken to a screen with information about the network status. On devices from other manufacturers, you may need to go to the “Phone Information” subsection or another that contains information about mobile connection. Unfortunately, on some Android smartphone models this menu may not be available at all.

On Samsung smartphones, to get network information, just dial *#0011#

To obtain network information on Xiaomi smartphones, you need to dial *#*#4636#*#*, go to the “Phone Information” section and scroll down the page. On devices with two SIM cards there will be two “Phone Information” sections.

As you can see, the hidden menu provides a lot of technical data. We won’t need most of this information, and we’ll tell you what exactly you should pay attention to below.

How to call the service menu on iPhone

On smartphones Apple service The menu is called in a similar way, but using different code. After entering, you must press the call button:

• *3001#12345#*

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

• 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 Information

Determining the frequency of the 2G network (GSM)

To determine the frequency at which the GSM network operates, a special radio frequency channel number is used - ARFCN. Essentially, this is an identifier that indicates which radio frequency band your smartphone is currently operating in. 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 immediately display the name of the standard (for example, GSM-900) or the operating frequency. If your smartphone displays the name of the standard ready-made, consider yourself lucky. Otherwise, determine which standard the specified ARFCN belongs to using the table below.

For example, this is what determining the GSM frequency looks like on Samsung smartphones (left) and iPhone (right):

If a smartphone shows several ARFCN values ​​listed in a column, then the active network is usually the first one in the list.

Determining the frequency of the 3G network

The situation is similar with frequency determination in 3G networks. Here the channel identifier is called differently - UARFCN. Unlike 2G networks, two UARFCN values ​​can be specified: one to identify the data channel (DL) and another to indicate the data channel (UL). The name of the standard or its special serial number may also be indicated - the so-called “band” (from the English band).

Thus, in service menu you can find either the UARFCN value or the serial number of the “band”: for example, Band 1. UARFCN is usually indicated after abbreviations such as RX, CH DL and others. On iPhone ID 3G frequencies are called Downlink Frequency or dl_freq.

If a smartphone shows several UARFCN values ​​listed in a column, then the active network is usually the first one in the list.

Let's give an example of determining UARFCN on modern Xiaomi (left) and Samsung (right) smartphones. In this case, the frequency of 2100 MHz is used:

Determining the frequency of the 4G network

The situation is similar with 4G networks. The “band” or channel identifier - EARFCN can be indicated here. On an iPhone, the easiest way to determine the 4G frequency is by the “band” specified in paragraph Frequency Band Indicator or freq_band_ind. If a smartphone shows several EARFCN values ​​listed in a column, then the active network is usually the first one in the list.

Note that the last standard cited does not specify different EARFCN values ​​for send and receive. This is not at all accidental. The fact is that in the LTE Band 38 standard, data reception and transmission occurs in the same frequency range, but alternately (TDD technology). A special repeater may be required to amplify this standard.

Below is an example of determining EARFCN on Xiaomi smartphones (left) and the latest iPhone versions(on right).

On Android devices, you can determine the 4G frequency more easily by using free application CellMapper. CellMapper displays information about the cellular network, including the current band. Unfortunately, it cannot be used to determine the frequency of a 2G or 3G network.

Always determine the frequency at the point where you plan to install the external antenna of the amplification system. If the operator uses several frequency bands simultaneously, the smartphone can use one standard outdoors and another indoors. This is due to the fact that more low frequencies penetrate into rooms better and, as a rule, they electronic devices give preference.

For example, if your operator provides 4G Internet simultaneously in the frequency ranges of 800 and 2600 MHz, then indoors the smartphone can select the slower LTE800 standard, and switch to the faster LTE2600 outdoors.

In addition, it should be taken into account that the simultaneous use of two 4G bands opens up the possibility of frequency aggregation for the operator. Aggregation is a function of LTE-Advanced networks, in which subscriber devices use several frequency bands to achieve maximum speed. Today, this technology is just beginning to be implemented by cellular operators, but in the foreseeable future it can significantly improve the performance of the mobile Internet.

If you determine that in your location the telecom operator works in two “bands” simultaneously, it makes sense to think about purchasing a dual-band amplification system.

According to Megafon, LTE should be available. The first thoughts that came to mind: the phone does not support our 4G LTE or is it something from the operator?! Well, is there a connection at all 😀 it turned out to be easier! Forcefully enable LTE support on your phone. Launch Play Market, look for LTE Setting or LTE OnOFF applications, install.

We launch the application and see a little information about the current communication mode:

Some carriers require you to register a new phone directly with them in order to be fully functional, and ask you to take your purchase receipt to the carrier's store. Contact your operator directly to ensure this is necessary.

If you have any suggestions for the guide, drop me an email, and if you have any comments, you can leave them down below or send me a tweet. What does each operator group mean? A topic that gets talked about a lot is spectrum and bands. This is the space in which the signal travels.

As expected - HSDPA mode. Scroll down and in the “Set preferred network type” item set the value to LTE only.

We watch the network indicator... and hurray. Shows LTE connection!! Let's look at the information:

It is a limited resource managed by the government and awarded through auction to telecommunications companies that want to provide voice and data services. Please note the following table. And the key is in the box where your new computer came. The box, in addition to providing instructions on how to use the equipment, informs each user which spectrum bands can be connected.

On the back of the box where the device is located, information is provided about the networks and bands to which the device can be connected. Below the reference find are 2 lines: The first indicates the technology or general format of the equipment for voice and text messages, and the second indicates the operation of the data network.

Everything is fine: there is a signal, there is an LTE connection...

Now the cross on the network indicator is confusing. This happens because there is NO option to CALL!! Well, of course, no one will call you)) You are on the Internet)) Yes, this is a minus of the current implementation of 4G LTE by operators. What can we do, we were interested in the Internet - let’s check the speed... I’ll give some statistics on ping requests to the Google DNS server:

It's very simple, regardless of the telecom operator and operating system, phones that support 4G inform the user about the type of network connected. Typically, such data is located in the upper corner of the screen, next to the battery charge indicator. By analogy with packaging, labels may contain the following information: 4G, LTE, WiMAX. However, alerts can also be located in hidden menus or settings. Information related to such indicators should also be included in the instructions.

We suggest you contact your service provider to find out if there is any instability in the area or configuration is missing. If your device is running other carriers and only one is not, you need to check the carrier because there is a lower chance of chip related irregularities.

The signal is provided by the operator with antennas located throughout the city. If by chance the nearest antenna, if your place of residence is uneven or some configuration is missing, this operator may not work on the device. Even if the chip worked before, the device may stop reading because we do not guarantee compatibility.

Tariffs and operators

If you are sure that your device supports 4G, but for some reason it does not work, then it is possible that the selected tariff or telecom operator does not provide such services. What to do in this case? Try to call technical support or come to the sales office, get advice and choose a different tariff. If the operator itself does not have 4G, then it will need to be replaced. It is possible that in some regions this communication standard is temporarily not supported by any communication provider for some reason. In this case, you will have to use a more conservative 3G, but it works on all devices that support 4G.

Therefore, we suggest you purchase your own chip. In this case, we suggest contacting your service provider. If by chance the nearest antenna, if your residence is irregular or too far away, it may result in no signal or intermittent signal. If possible, try a chip from a different carrier to check if the error is on the device.

It's important to note that if your chip is cut, the cut may result in a poor read, meaning the device may have difficulty "reading" and sending the antenna signal. Some violations may depend on checking the internal components of the device. Thus, the action in these cases is given in the help itself.

A new type of communication will soon start operating in Ukraine - 4G (LTE). One of these days already on the frequencies needed for such networks. Operators promise that users will see the first LTE icons on smartphone screens very soon. At the same time, only about 15% of smartphones on networks are ready to work with 4G. The editors tell you how to check whether your smartphone supports this technology.

You can find a phone with 4G support from the partner of this material MOYO.UA.

#1. What's happened?

Active preparations are underway for the introduction of 4G. Three frequency operators in the 2600 MHz range, next in line is a tender for 1800 MHz. According to statements mobile companies, in major cities 4G will be available in the coming months. However, not only operators, but also subscribers need to prepare for 4G, since not all smartphones support new standard communications.

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

First of all, you need to remember that the frequencies of the 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz bands, at which the technology will operate in Ukraine, in the international classification correspond to the names Band 3 and Band 7, respectively (sometimes they are designated as b3 and b7).

This is important, since this is the terminology used in the documentation, many online stores and official websites. Ideally, a smartphone should support frequencies in both bands. Then in Ukraine 4G will work wherever there is coverage.

#3. And how can I tell if my smartphone supports 4G?

The easiest way to find out about LTE support is to look in your smartphone's settings. If in the “Network Mode” tab (or similar) there is 4G in the selection options, then your smartphone supports the technology. But it is not reliable way- not all phones in this section display 4G, although they support this type of connection.

The next thing to do is check the information in online stores and on the official website. It’s better to look at the official website, as there is often information about those same ranges. You will find out whether your smartphone supports LTE, and, if so, which bands.

#4. I can't find information anywhere. Where else can I watch it?

As a last resort, go to the GSMArena website. Find your smartphone using the search above and look at the NETWORK section. If the required “bands” are indicated opposite the LTE column, then the phone supports the communication standard. Important: pay attention to the model of your smartphone (depending on this, supported frequencies may differ), as well as the region - you need Europe or the EMEA region.

#5. That's sorted out. What about SIM cards? Will they need to be changed too?

Yes, for those who still have regular SIMs. To support 4G, you need new USIM cards that run 4G. Kyivstar subscribers can find out about the compatibility of SIM cards with 4G by calling the number provided. If the SIM card does not fit, the operator offers to change it for free at any branch.

Vodafone said it will soon also introduce “ convenient way checking" the card's compatibility with 4G. Those operator customers who have not purchased or changed a card since the beginning of 2017 will have to change their SIM card. This can be done free of charge at your nearest service center.

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

There is only one way out - buy a new one. Fortunately there are a lot now budget smartphones that support this type of communication. For example, inexpensive smartphone with LTE you can choose on the website of MOYO, our partners in the preparation of these cards. Available options can be viewed

How to find out if a phone supports 4G is a common query in search engines after the implementation of this standard in Russia. There are several ways to determine this. In addition to the phone, the SIM card may not support fourth-generation communications. If one of the devices is incompatible, you will have to replace it or continue to use an older communication format.

In Russia, the fourth generation communication format is designated as 4G LTE. When the option is activated in the device, the corresponding “LTE” inscription appears in the upper left corner. If you do not delve into the details and various names, then you can consider it a fourth-generation standard.

LTE is a mobile Internet connection format that was introduced and licensed by the International Telecommunication Union. This took place back in 2008. However, active implementation and distribution began relatively recently. According to the organization's descriptions and instructions, the data transfer speed for mobile gadgets (smartphones, tablets or laptops) should be at least 100 Mbit/s, while stationary devices such as modems should operate at speeds of more than 1 Gbit/s.

Important! In fact, the data transfer speed on the Network is much lower than stated and greatly depends on the distance to the base station.

The fourth generation LTE communication technology operates using a packet method, which provides a fairly high data exchange speed. Operators' base stations have the ability to forward packets over a distance of up to 100 km.

For many years, many providers have been developing to increase the speed of wireless data transmission using cellular protocols. That's exactly how it appeared new format with the name LTE (Long Term Evolution, which means “long-term evolution”). From the moment the technology was introduced and introduced, for some reason it was simply called improved 3G. However, the International Telecommunication Union decided to designate it as 4G. The letter G stands for “generation”.

What do you need for work?

In order to be able to fully work and use the fourth generation network standard from one of the Russian operators, it is important that the phone and SIM card can support it. You can find out whether your phone supports 4G mode by sending short number or by checking the list of available models on the operator’s official website.

In order for a phone or tablet to function as standard, the following conditions must be met:

• the operator's ability to provide services;
• the user's location must be within the coverage area;
• gadget format support;
• New SIM card.

Note! An old SIM card can be easily replaced with a new one, unlike a telephone, which is an expensive purchase.

Even if the SIM card is 4G and the phone is 3G, it will work in the third generation standard.

How to find out if your device supports the format

How can you tell if your tablet has 4G LTE? The most effective and quick way Check the ability to work in the LTE format - search for information in the device instructions. Everything should be listed there available standards connections that are maintained specific model. If the LTE standard is indicated there, this means that the device can operate with support for this type of communication.

Note! In addition, such a check can be carried out in the device itself.

To do this, you need to select in the parameters special settings cellular connection. The Mobile Networks section will display all supported modes.

What to do if your phone does not support 4G

There are no programs for installing and configuring 4G support. You just need to change it to a newer one. The standard began to be implemented throughout the world only in 2012, so it is desirable that the year of manufacture of the device be at least 2014 or later.

In addition, you can connect to your home cellular Internet service. You will need to purchase or rent a special modem and SIM card from the operator. Using a router you can create a home wireless network and enjoy access with the whole family. But in this case there will be no mobility, since it is problematic to carry a modem with you everywhere.

How to check a SIM card

In access to Global network a lot depends on the SIM card. To exchange data in LTE you will definitely need a new SIM card of a special type. It is impossible to reprogram or change the old one.

Note! A new card can be purchased at the sales office or service center telecom companies. When replacing, the old phone number and data will remain.

What you need to use

To enjoy all the benefits of high-speed Internet access, you will need an advanced phone and a new SIM card. In addition, you need to select tariff plan and pay it monthly. To connect it, the subscriber’s personal account must have the appropriate amount of money.

Well, and most importantly, it is important to activate the connection. To do this you will need to take the following steps:

1. Open section " cellular" and select "Data parameters" there;
2. Go to the “Voice and Data” item, in which there will be an LTE parameter;
3. Click on the slider and it will light up green, which will indicate activation, and an icon with the inscription “LTE” will appear in the upper left corner.

There are several ways to find out about the possibility of supporting the 4G standard. However, the main thing is that the phone and SIM card can work with this technology. If it is easy to replace the SIM card, then new smartphone- this is already an expensive purchase. If the gadget can work in LTE, all that remains is to configure everything and enjoy access to the Global Network at high speed.

The article will be useful for those who are choosing an antenna and equipment to strengthen the mobile 3G and 4G Internet signal, or a repeater to strengthen cellular communications.

The 3G/4G signal frequency is the initial parameter in choosing an antenna. For example, you may not even know the location of base stations on the ground - just catch the signal and determine the direction by level by rotating the antenna. But if you don’t know the frequency, you may not be able to catch the signal at all.

Important! It is recommended to carry out all testing at the point where the antenna is planned to be installed (with a laptop + modem, ideally on the roof), because indoors, the modem may not be able to pick up a signal in the 2600 MHz (4G) range, but for an outdoor antenna it is the most effective!
Due to the fact that the methods for determining the GSM/3G/4G/4G+ frequency are different, we will consider them separately.

1. Mobile method:

1. Android:
Attention! Turn off Wi-Fi!
To test the frequency, the built-in technical menu “Netmonitor” is used, which is called up with a personal code in each smartphone model. A list of Android phone numbers and codes such as *#0011# or *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#* can be found

For Samsung:Turn off Wi-Fi, and select 3G or 4G LTE mode. In the input field telephone number dial the combination: *#0011#, after which the phone will enter service mode with a report on the signal of the BS to which you are connected.

3G parameter values:

1. uarfcn(may be denoted as RX): Channel number identifying the frequency. If the value is from 10562-10838, then you have 3G/UMTS 2100 MHz. If 2937-3088, then this is 3G/UMTS 900 MHz. In our case uarfcn = 10687 , therefore frequency 3G = 2100.
   
2. EcIo (Ec/Io or Ec/No): the ratio of the signal level to the noise level (the higher the indicator, the better). The lower the load (the network is free), the closer the EcIo indicator tends to 0. As the number of subscribers increases, it decreases throughput- the ratio deteriorates down to -12..-14 dB, after which, according to the settings, a 3G->2G switch may occur. Perhaps you should choose the direction to a freer tower. For 4G this parameter denoted as CINR .
   
3. RSCP:(Reference Signal Received Power) The strength of the received signal that your device receives when connected to the BS. -70 good, -100 bad.
   

4G LTE values:

1. Band: The frequency at which the 4G network tower operates. There are 3 of them in total. In our case Band:7 this is the frequency 2600 MHz , If Band:3 That 1800 MHz, And Band:20- frequency 800 MHz. (Full list of frequency bands.)
2. RSSI: Base signal strength value At values RSRP= -120 dBm and below LTE connection may be unstable or absent altogether.
3. CINR: The ratio of the level of the useful signal to the airborne noise. Everything is simple here: the higher this value, the better the signal quality. If SINR below 0, the connection speed will be low, as this means that there is more noise in the received signal than usefulness, which increases the likelihood of losing the LTE connection.

1.1 ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS FOR ADNROID:

Here, without a doubt, it is worth noting the CellMapper application, which is capable of identifying and displaying on the screen the operating frequency value, information about the tower, about neighbors, and displaying the tower on the map ( option should be enabled“Calculate GSM/UMTS/LTE frequencies”) As we already wrote, the frequency is displayed in the value Band. The signal level is indicated in the field Reference Signal Received Power(RSRP). To use the application you must go through free registration Online.

1.2 Displaying the signal level in standard USB Modem applications:

Information about the signal level is contained on almost any 3G/4G LTE modem; to do this, just study the menu.

2. Testing using a USB modem (the most reliable):

Nevertheless , the most effective, inexpensive and reliable way to establish the carrier frequency of an Internet signal remains a computer + modem with a HiLink or Stick . Below is the testing methodMDMA program using firmware Stick which is usually found on purchased locked modems of Russian telecom operators.

2.1 Working with the MDMA program:

(window displaying communication parameters)

Important! Before starting the program MDMA (Mobile Data Monitoring Application) It is necessary to close all “native” programs of the usb modem!!!

After launch, the program will display the signal level, airborne noise, and base station parameters. Here, our goal is to determine at what frequency the 3G & 4G LTE operator operates, by sorting them out. Pressing the button"Band Config" we will call the window in which we will perform simple actions:

1. Change the "Automatic" parameter to "Custom"
2. 3G check the box to start with UMTS 2100 Click "OK" and monitor the signal strength and network registration in the main window. If the operator's name appears in the field and a check mark appears next to "Registered", then your operator operates on the frequency UMTS 2100. If registration does not take place, return to the leading step and uncheck UMTS 2100 and install on UMTS 900.
   
3. If when selecting a parameter (for example, UMTS 900) the program generates an error, it means your modem does not work in this standard.
4. On 4G LTE network consistency and logic actions similar to 3G, except that they are all carried out in the right area (LTE Bands).

2.2 Analysis using a universal modem with Hilink interface:

Here, the actions are similar to the previous example; the range is also determined by enumerating frequencies.

Go to Settings -> Network settings, then select the standard (LTE, UMTS, etc.), set the “Manual” mode and start checking the ranges, checking the RSSI signal strength on the parameters page.

Determining the range in 3G networks:

Page displaying signal parameters

It should be noted that there are cases when the operator broadcasts the Internet directly totwo ranges at the same time. For example, in Chekhov M.O. Tele2 in 4G operates in parallel at 800 and 2600 MHz. The RSSI power varies, but the main frequency remains 800 MHz. If you want to provide higher speed, and for reception to use both frequencies, you should use a multi-standard antenna that supports operation using LTE - A technology simultaneously in 2 bands.