Automatic Gain Control: What it Does and Why You Need It

We get it: If you can’t get cell signal at home, in your office or in your car, it can be pretty frustrating. Personal communication via email, talk and text on our mobile devices is the norm in 2018, so when we’re not able to participate due to poor signal, it can make us feel completely cut off. Not having good cell signal is enough to drive most people completely nuts and prompt them to resolve the issue quickly.

As a shopper, you should feel empowered to make an informed decision about the products you purchase, but navigating the cellular signal booster market is tough when basic contextual information to help guide the process isn’t readily available. You might be tempted just to Google “cell signal booster” and purchase the top product in your search results — but be warned that not all boosters are created equal. Automatic Gain Control is one key feature that sets boosters apart, and it’s a feature you’ll want to look for in your quest for better cell service.

What is Automatic Gain Control?

Automatic Gain Control (AGC) is an essential feature that comes standard in every booster in the weBoost product suite. In fact, weBoost is the owner of over 50 patents in the industry. But what is it, and what makes it so important?

AGC is essentially an automated regulator for controlling cell signal levels. In traditional booster models, the booster takes advantage of outside signal produced by a cell tower, capturing that signal and amplifying it to the indoor area where signal is weak or non-existent. The problem with this model is that the level of outdoor signal that’s established at the time of installation is the one that’s used as a governing level for the indoor signal, despite the fact that this signal is constantly in flux. There are an ever-growing number of variables that contribute to this fluidity, ranging from seasonal changes to population growth. AGC helps mediate this process so users and maintenance don’t have to.

AGC automatically adjusts the indoor booster levels to keep up with the constantly fluctuating outside signal. So, if the outdoor signal is abnormally low, the booster ramps up to ensure better signal inside. On the flipside, if outdoor signal is abnormally high, AGC helps regulate the frequencies of the indoor booster to prevent the system from getting overwhelmed and going into shutdown mode.

ACG prevents oscillation issues

You know that terrible, annoying, static that you sometimes hear when you’re on a call? Well, it has a name: oscillation. Oscillation is caused when the signal strength from a nearby tower is too strong. It might seem like a nice problem to have, but the reality is that this interference can be just as inhibiting as not having any reception at all.

AGC prevents oscillation issues through its self-regulation mechanisms. This procedural technology evaluates when the booster is being overwhelmed by overly powerful signal and adjusts the signal strength being projected indoors, preventing shutdown and all the inconveniences that come with it.

ACG adjusts signal levels individually

One of the key features of weBoost cell phone signal boosters is that they are carrier agnostic, meaning that they work for you no matter what cell carrier you use. This feature allows users to purchase our boosters with confidence. And while carrier-agnostic cellular signal boosters seem to solve the carrier dilemma, there’s more to the issue than meets the eye.

Regardless of the size of its customer base, every carrier uses different band frequencies. In strong signal areas, this can create problems; if the frequency levels of just a single carrier band are too strong, it can overwhelm the whole system, whether the levels of the other frequency levels are normal, or even weak.

AGC monitors frequency levels on an individual basis and automatically adjusts them, preventing the shutdown. This is especially helpful in office settings where employees who subscribe to multiple carriers use their personal mobile devices to do business.

Ultimately, if you’re in the market for a cellular signal booster to improve signal strength in your home, office, or on the road, Automatic Gain Control is a key feature that you really can’t live without. In addition to monitoring and automatically adjusting your indoor signal to keep up with constantly fluctuating outdoor signal, it prevents inconvenient shutdowns and downtime that keep you from doing what you need to do.

Not every booster on the market comes with AGC, so it’s essential to do your homework before purchasing. Check out our wide range of cellular signal boosters to find a product that works best for you.

Check out this video below to learn more about Automatic Gain Control and why you need it!