controlling a cellular radio frequency repeater amplifier and their gain factors . in preferred embodiments , the method is used in personal home repeaters that may be used by wireless services users . the repeaters are preferably configured to automatically control their setting without requiring supervision or control by the wireless service provider . the wireless provider also need not have knowledge of where the repeater devices are placed within the network . the preferred system and methods reduce potential problems that may arise when repeaters with fixed gain are placed within close proximity of a cell site . the preferred methods shut down the forward and reverse amplifiers based on the received signal level from the base station .