ClearRF WRE-2710-S Signal Booster - Installation guide

Network compatibility

The ClearRF WRE-2710-S signal booster is compatible with:

All carriers using a 2G network (i.e., T-Mobile and Rogers)
On 3G network, only AT&T and Verizon are supported
- The ClearRF signal booster partially works with Rogers 3G modules. ClearRF supports frequencies 8500/1900 but not 2100.

Note: The ClearRF WRE-2710-S signal booster is not compatible with the 4G network. For the signal booster compatible with 4G, see ClearRF WRE5500-S Signal Booster - Installation guide.

How signal boosters work

Signal boosters should be used in cases where there is low cellular phone coverage. It is recommended to try connecting an 18 foot antenna to increase signal strength before purchasing and attempting to use an antenna booster. For information about antenna options, see What antenna options are available with Alarm.com modules?.

Adding a booster does not guarantee cellular coverage and the signal strength should be tested after installing the antenna booster. The ClearRF signal boosters include Passive Bypass Technology which means that the signal booster passively connects the device with the external antenna in case of a power outage. The booster does not amplify the signal when this occurs, but it prevents the complete loss of signal.

Note: The magnetic antenna is rated for outdoor use.

Power supply information

If a system with a signal booster loses power and it does not have a UPS backup, the booster stops boosting the signal, which could cause a panel to lose connectivity with Alarm.com. Certifications require systems to maintain connectivity for certain periods of time after losing power, so a UPS backup should always be used when installing a signal booster with an Alarm.com system.

Expected results

Based on our own tests, signal boosters typically increases signal strength by about one bar.

Alarm.com kit

A kit from Alarm.com includes a signal booster and a battery backup:

Signal booster – WRE-2710-S (ClearRF M2M 15dB Amplifier)
MMCX to SMA Connector (attach booster to the module)
UPS backup (CyberPower CyberShield CS27U12V-12 - UPS - 24 Watt 12 Ah)

Note: Not all UPS backups have the ability to power a panel for an extended period of time in the case of a power outage. We have tested several backups and recommend this backup for Alarm.com installations.

Note: The magnetic antenna is rated for outdoor use.

Equipment placement

The booster and UPS backup together are fairly bulky, so it may be best to place them in an out-of-sight area.
The antenna should be placed inside the home, and ideally near the perimeter close to a door, window, attic, or another area where the antenna is most likely to get service.
The booster can get fairly warm so do not place it in an area where that could cause any issues.
The antenna has a magnetic base that allows for easy installation on metal surfaces.

Important: The ClearRF booster is not weatherproof. If installed outdoors, it needs a protective housing. Operating temperature is -20C to +50C(-4F to 122F).

The approximate cord lengths are:

Panel: Booster – 3.5 feet
Booster: Antenna – 12 feet
Booster: Backup – 4 feet
Backup: Outlet – 10 feet

Installation instructions

Important:

The ClearRF signal booster supports one device at a time only. If used to boost the Alarm.com cellular module, no other devices in the location are boosted.
This document is not intended to replace the documentation provided with the signal booster and UPS backup. Please read those documents carefully and follow all related instructions and warnings.

Step	Instructions	Images
1	Connect the UPS backup’s battery, plug in the UPS backup, and let it charge for 24 hours.
2	Connect MMCX adapter to the radio antenna connector. The signal booster is compatible with all 2GIG panels and 4.x + series modules with GE panels.
3	Attach the connector/cable to the module.
4	Connect the antenna to the booster, and then place the antenna in its final location.
5	Plug the booster into the UPS backup by connecting the booster’s red wire to the positive (+) terminal on the UPS backup and connecting the booster’s white wire to the negative (–) terminal on the UPS backup.
6	Wait approximately 2 minutes until the light on the booster is solid green. Perform a GSM/CDMA communication test to communicate with Alarm.com, and then check the system’s signal strength.