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The Novatel MiFi 2200 is unquestionably an exceptional device for anywhere-you-need-it broadband Internet. Though EVDO is available through Verizon and Sprint across wide swaths of the US, coverage isn’t everywhere. Verizon continues to expand EVDO coverage, especially with last year’s purchase of the rural, small-community focused Alltel. Sprint’s network is also widespread, though not as large as the Verizon network.

EVDO signals broadcast by either wireless network aren’t as concetrated throughout sparesly populated regions, for example the Midwestern US, which could cause weak or dropped signals for road-warriors relying on their MiFis. Unfortunately, the MiFi isn’t built with a port for an external antenna that could be used to provide better reception of a weak EVDO broadcast.

There are solutions, however. It is possible to boost the MiFi’s reception wirelessly by amplifying a cellular signal then transmitting that amplified signal to the MiFi. I’ve summarized and listed some fairly simple solutions to any foreseable MiFi reception issues, each product reviewed by EVDOinfo, below:

1) The SignalBoost Mobile Pro. Portable, reasonably priced, USB powered. Capable of boosting a cellular signal to multiple nearby devices at the same time.

2) Wilson SignalBoost DT. Good for stationary use at home, in a hotel, or anywhere else. The user must play with the directional antenna until it points in the general direction of a wireless tower in order to amplify a cellular broadcast. Provides good amplification of the cellular broadcast to multiple nearby devices.

3) Wilson SignalBoost with Cradle. Provides more powerful amplification than the SignalBoost Mobile Pro while moving, but only to one device held in a cradle. Comes with magnetically mounted antenna for mobile use.

And though this is somewhat tangential, read and watch this post, No signal? 5 quick ways to boost your cell phone reception for amusing, homemade methods of boosting a cellular signal.

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