Femtocells

Femtocells are devices that improve mobile phone reception in a specific location, such as a home or office.
The femtocell is connected to the internet, so a mobile phone or a mobile dongle within range can use this to connect to a mobile network, rather than getting a signal from the nearest mast.

A femtocell needs to be wired to a broadband router so it can make a connection to a mobile carrier’s network via the internet. When this is achieved mobile phones and mobile broadband dongles tied to that particular operator’s network and within range of the femtocell will pick up the signal. Certain configuration settings will have to be made to the handset or dongle because any device using a femtocell needs to prevent illegal usage by neighbours or passers-by.

Benefits of FemtocellImproves the signal strength as well as mobile phone receptions. Although you need fixed-line broadband for a femtocell to work, you woill be able to take a low cost package.

Drawbacks of FemtocellOne problem of installing femtocells in homes, particularly in residential blocks where many femtocells can be operating in close proximity, is that they can cause interference with each other. This can be resolved by installing a single femtocell that every resident in the building can use.

Health hazards of FemtocellsThere is little scientific research on this matter, though mobile masts have long been associated with ill-health. Scientists have pointed out that even if you live right by a mobile mast, the amount of radiation you are exposed to is far less than when you hole the mobile phone next to your ear. Radiation levels fall off at a rapid rate the urther you are from the transmitter.

Deployment of FemtocellIf you have mobile contract with Orange (http://orange.co.uk), you will need your femtocell to the connected to Orange’s network.