Knowledge Base
How much cellular signal is lost (attenuated) passing through walls and other materials?
Wireless signals, including cellular signals, decrease in strength as they encounter different types of building materials. This loss of signal strength (or attenuation) can result in dropped calls, undelivered text messages, and slow or nonexistent cellular data speeds.
Generally speaking, the more dense a material is, the greater the attenuation of cellular signal. The following table provides typical attenuation figures in decibels (dB):
Source: SureCall
While cellular signal readily passes through common drywall, dense building materials—often seen in commercial buildings and older homes—can signficantly reduce inside cell signal strength. Low-e glass, which is used primarily to keep heat and UV radiation from entering a building, also effectively prevents most radio signals (including cellular signals) from getting inside as well.
A cell phone signal booster solves the problem caused by attenuating building materials by amplifying outside cellular signal and rebroadcasting it inside a home, commercial or industrial building, or other indoor space.
