ClearRF WRE5500-S Signal Booster - Installation guide

Network compatibility

The ClearRF WRE5500-S Signal Booster is compatible with 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.

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.

For 4G modules, the signal booster must be attached to the primary antenna connector of the cellular module. The primary antenna connector is labeled as 1 on the module.

Alarm.com kit

A kit from Alarm.com includes a signal booster, battery backup, and required cables and connectors:

Signal booster – WRE5500-S (ClearRF)
UPS backup (CyberPower CyberShield CSN27U12V - UPS - 27 Watt 7.2 Ah)

Note: Not all UPS backups have the ability to power a signal booster 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.
Cables and adapters:
- SMA to MMCX adapter (attach the antenna to the signal booster)
- SMA to MMCX coax jumper cable (attach the connector from the signal booster to the primary antenna port of the module)
- Barrel jack power connector (attach the signal booster to the UPS)

Note: The magnetic antenna is rated for outdoor use.

Equipment placement

The booster and UPS backup together are fairly bulky, so you may want to place them in an out-of-sight area.
For placement, review the signal booster instructions. 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.

Installation instructions

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 on the module. Connect to the side labeled DEVICE on the signal booster. (The signal booster is already compatible with all 2GIG panels and 4.x series and above series modules with GE panels).
3	Attach the connector from the signal booster to the primary antenna port of the module using the SMA to MMCX coax jumper cable (primary antenna port labeled as 1 on the module). The secondary (or diversity antenna) will connect to the module as normal (labeled as 2 on the module).
4	Connect the antenna to the booster on the side labeled “ANTENNA” by using the SMA to MMCX adapter and then place the antenna in its final location.
5	Plug the booster into the UPS backup using the barrel jack power connector by doing the following: Connect the booster’s red wire to the positive (+) terminal (12V) on the UPS backup. Connect the booster’s white wire to the negative (–) terminal (12V RTN) on the UPS backup. Note: The old Signal Booster model (WRE-2710-S) required a separate terminal block for power. A separate terminal block is not needed for the newer Signal Booster model (WRE5500-S).
6	Wait until the light on the booster is solid green (approximately 2 minutes). Perform a GSM/CDMA Comm Test to communicate with Alarm.com and then check the system’s signal strength.

Important: 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.