Database Users

[Q] Any way to boost wifi reception?

Hey guys,
I've just switched to the HTC Legend and I absolutely love it so far. Great device and I'm very happy I changed to Android from my brother's old iPhone 3G.
One thing I've noticed, though (like a lot of the phone's reviewers) is the crappy WiFi reception. I expected it to be bad... but not this bad. I have to be either in the next room to the router or upstairs directly above it to get signal above 1 bar, and if i move 10 feet away it cuts out entirely.
Contrast this with the iPhone 3G or even the HTC Touch2 I had last year, which were both able to pick up WiFi from my backyard or the street out front (both 15 meters away from the router). I'm not expecting the power of my laptop's wifi radio, but is there any way to boost the reception on this thing? It's not the end of the world cause I have a fair bit of data included in my plan, but it's nice to do some guilt free youtube surfing around the house without worrying which room I'm in.
Cheers,
Jennan

Simple. Either update your phone's radio firmware or buy a range extender for your router.

Ah, thanks for that. I'm fairly new to smartphones, how would I go about updating my radio firmware?
Cheers

Can anybody help me out? Cheers

jennan88 said:
Can anybody help me out? Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's your phone's software version number?

I checked the HTC website today and followed the step by step guide to finding out what my software version number. Unfortunately for me, it was up to date, so it looks like this is as good as I'll get Wifi radio wise.
Thanks for your help though

I find the WiFi reception reasonably good. Remember where the WiFi transceiver is positioned (to the left of the camera) and make sure you don't obscure it with your hands. Also, check that your router is not on the same WiFi channel as your neighbours (and ideally about 3 channels clear either side). You can use WiFi analyser from the market to survey your WiFi.
Sent from my HTC Legend using XDA App

Just to clarify - that's the left of the camera as viewed from the front of the phone.
Sent from my HTC Legend using XDA App

Get high gain atenna(s) for your router?

boost wifi ?
I have same problem. My previous HTC diamond had much better WIFI reception.
I found here a more recent rom from the one I have and all instructions needed
h**p://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=706435
mind the **
keep in mind that in order to upgrade radio you need to root the phone and doing so you'll invalidate warranty.
That's why I am waiting for Froyo update and then I'll decide if to root or not

A less practical, but theoretically valid solution, would be to take apart your Legend, and add a bigger wifi antenna. Just replace the black bit surrounding the camera, and bolt on a small satellite dish. Point it at the router, you'll be fine.

If you were to use a ROM that let you hold the phone at upside down, and still see the screen "the right way up", that may improve the Wifi reception, it worked with the Network.
I'm using SuperFroyo

Wifi reception issues

Recently had to ruu to get my external speaker replaced and when I re-rooted and restored my rom (cm7) I can't seem to get a stable connection to a wifi router. I was standing 5 feet from router looking right at it and i was only showin 50% signal strength. I asked this question over in the cm7 thread but have yet to get an answer so I figured I would post the question here just in case anyone else has the same issues. I am wondering if there is a way to adjust minimum threshold for wifi to pick up the signal from the router. Or if there is a way to reset the wifi to get back my signal reception. I did notice last night at home that my signal would fluctuate if I blocked l.o.s. to the router with my laptop screen by about 30-40%. Don't know if that is even relevent but I am tying to provide all the information I have.
<Blaze One>

bobtsunam said:
Recently had to ruu to get my external speaker replaced and when I re-rooted and restored my rom (cm7) I can't seem to get a stable connection to a wifi router. I was standing 5 feet from router looking right at it and i was only showin 50% signal strength. I asked this question over in the cm7 thread but have yet to get an answer so I figured I would post the question here just in case anyone else has the same issues. I am wondering if there is a way to adjust minimum threshold for wifi to pick up the signal from the router. Or if there is a way to reset the wifi to get back my signal reception. I did notice last night at home that my signal would fluctuate if I blocked l.o.s. to the router with my laptop screen by about 30-40%. Don't know if that is even relevent but I am tying to provide all the information I have.
<Blaze One>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you dropped your router before? If so this can cause a great decrease in signal strength. If not read on.
Does your router have system settings for you to access by typing it's IP addrss in the address bar of your laptop's browser?
If so, reset all its settings to default (except for your routers password). This way we can eliminate one variable, the router.
Now let's get to work:
- Try flashing a different version of android (2.x) and/or a non-cyanogenmod rom
- Try tuning your tcp setting using adb shell and watch the wifi signal increase/decrease and take note of what new value you echo-ed increase/decreased the signal.
TCP Tuning Locations:
/proc/sys/net/

I ended getting the phone replaced. Found that the repair guys f'd up my wifi antenna. Last time I use that store. If anybody here lives in Everett, WA do not go to the repair shop located at 121 SE Everett mall way. They are shady as hell. They even broke the protective case I had on there, replaced it, and then took the broken case and put it back on the rack. Found it up there when I went back to find out about my broken wifi.
<Blaze One>

bobtsunam said:
I ended getting the phone replaced. Found that the repair guys f'd up my wifi antenna. Last time I use that store. If anybody here lives in Everett, WA do not go to the repair shop located at 121 SE Everett mall way. They are shady as hell. They even broke the protective case I had on there, replaced it, and then took the broken case and put it back on the rack. Found it up there when I went back to find out about my broken wifi.
<Blaze One>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow....I'm really speechless about that repair shop. But I appreciate you warning everyone of that shady repair shop, that way this is the last time anyone reports problems with their phone after dealing with them.

defective WIFI HD2

hi
i have a problem whit the wifi on my HTC HD2.
i can find some wifi hotspots if its close to the phone but cant connect.
anyone know where to buy a new wifi antenna? or other fix? i live in norway

thomashaa said:
hi
i have a problem whit the wifi on my HTC HD2.
i can find some wifi hotspots if its close to the phone but cant connect.
anyone know where to buy a new wifi antenna? or other fix? i live in norway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too live in norway
Have found that sometimes it helps to remove the battery from the phone for 30 seconds or so. After booting, wifi is back to normal.
If that doesnt work, a restart of the router (at least 10 sec without power) also have helped sometimes.
Good luck!

i have tried to remove the battery restarted the router. flashed new radio etc. i run android on it now

thomashaa said:
i have tried to remove the battery restarted the router. flashed new radio etc. i run android on it now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try for 30 sec on the battery? and at least 10 sec on the router?
Makes a difference you know

yeah i did pull it out for like 1 min. both the battery and the router. have also tried to find wifi hotspots at friends and at work still not working.
anyone know of a place to buy cheap wifi board to the HTC hd2 ?
have looked at ebay and mytrendyphone but no luck

thomashaa said:
yeah i did pull it out for like 1 min. both the battery and the router. have also tried to find wifi hotspots at friends and at work still not working.
anyone know of a place to buy cheap wifi board to the HTC hd2 ?
have looked at ebay and mytrendyphone but no luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what RADIO do you use?

HyperDroid-CM7-v5.3.0[a2sd][CyanogenMod7 LEO 2.3.7][seader_R7] ROM whit RADIO 2.15.50.14

so iam guessing hardware error. i have tryed the red button reset and hardreset whit the volum keys and powerbutton. still not working
EDIT:
i have tryed flashing rom and radio again

This could very well be ROM/Kernel related you would most definitly get a much more specific answer if you were to post in the ROM thread. there is probably more than just you going through this same issue.

in the same vein as the post above, i recommend testing wifi with STOCK WM6.5 to eliminate the (community-made) ROMs (like android, WP7, etc) as possible contributors to the issue.
if you get the same problematic results with the STOCK WM6.5 ROM, then it very likely is a hardware issue. if things are fine with STOCK WM6.5, then do consider a different android build and/or post your findings in the relevant ROM thread so that the chef and users can look into your issue.
if it is a hardware issue, i have read several threads here which seem to indicate that an antenna cable might be loose. a strong indication that this cable is loose is that bluetooth also suffers from a significant drop in range (because wifi and bluetooth share the same antenna). these threads seem to indicate that fixing the cable is somewhat easily possible if you are comfortable with opening the device and fixing it yourself.

ASCIIker said:
in the same vein as the post above, i recommend testing wifi with STOCK WM6.5 to eliminate the (community-made) ROMs (like android, WP7, etc) as possible contributors to the issue.
if you get the same problematic results with the STOCK WM6.5 ROM, then it very likely is a hardware issue. if things are fine with STOCK WM6.5, then do consider a different android build and/or post your findings in the relevant ROM thread so that the chef and users can look into your issue.
if it is a hardware issue, i have read several threads here which seem to indicate that an antenna cable might be loose. a strong indication that this cable is loose is that bluetooth also suffers from a significant drop in range (because wifi and bluetooth share the same antenna). these threads seem to indicate that fixing the cable is somewhat easily possible if you are comfortable with opening the device and fixing it yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its really been a while since i used WM6.5 but i think here i will go with your comments.
BTW How are you?

SpottierPython said:
Its really been a while since i used WM6.5 but i think here i will go with your comments.
BTW How are you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm fit! yaar its been a while, hows life? i'll call you this week, need to discuss which phone to get next year when i plan to retire the HD2 to "backup" status

ASCIIker said:
i
if it is a hardware issue, i have read several threads here which seem to indicate that an antenna cable might be loose. a strong indication that this cable is loose is that bluetooth also suffers from a significant drop in range (because wifi and bluetooth share the same antenna). these threads seem to indicate that fixing the cable is somewhat easily possible if you are comfortable with opening the device and fixing it yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A very good advice IMO.
Also it may be a losen contact between wifi/bluetooth module and correspondent antenna: both cases imply to open your hd2..., after this point could be an easy fix!
Good luck!

ASCIIker said:
i'm fit! yaar its been a while, hows life? i'll call you this week, need to discuss which phone to get next year when i plan to retire the HD2 to "backup" status
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am fit and super... u tell... I am planning to have XE... what is your opinion

Have a look at this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1190180
One set of contacts is for wifi. Worked for my radio signal.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using xda premium

[SOLVED]no mobile data after screen replacement and weak reception

Hello everyone,
I'm having isssues with mobile data on my N4 after I replaced my digitizer and lcd screen. I dont have problems with WiFi, I also can call others, and others can call me, same with SMS's, but I can't access the internet. As I disconnect my WiFi, signal bars turn orange or get exclamation mark(tried on both kk and lollipop). It shouldn't be an issue witg the antennas, because SMS and calls work(wich also use cellular). Could be wrong though.
I'm also having weak singnal. In my area there is usually sufficient coverage, but in the moment I one bar indoors, 1 or 2 bars near windows(enough for calling, but too little for mobile data), but I used to have 3-4 bars indoors. Any fix to that?
Any help is welcome.
Edit: got access to internet by readjusting APN(duh). Never thought of that beause it usually does it itself.

Are you sure APN settings are correct ? I'm using TELE2 (Lithuania) and default apn settings are wrong - I need delete proxy server and proxy port from apn to have working mobile data ...

RolF2 said:
Are you sure APN settings are correct ? I'm using TELE2 (Lithuania) and default apn settings are wrong - I need delete proxy server and proxy port from apn to have working mobile data ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I thought about that right after posting, and I got that fixed already,(I have also TELE2) but I still have reception issues. Anyway, thanks for participating.

for weak signal first what I would check - coaxial cable from mainboard to gsm antenna (plastic part above usb port) and maybe antenna connection pads.
have you tried 2G mode ?

RolF2 said:
for weak signal first what I would check - coaxial cable from mainboard to gsm antenna (plastic part above usb port) and maybe antenna connection pads.
have you tried 2G mode ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cable seemed fine to me, and the pads were okay. It might be just me, but it feels that the reception is getting better. I'm having almost constant 2G now indoors(before I almost had none).In 2G mode almost nothing changes, exept that it doesn't get occasional momentary 3G, like it does in 3G preferred mode.

I was wrong about the reception. Now it comes and goes absolutely random.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app

Tai11 said:
I was wrong about the reception. Now it comes and goes absolutely random.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem solved. During the digitizer replacement I removed the electrostatic discharge tape. Replaced that with the insulating tape and now works fine.

Tai11 said:
Problem solved. During the digitizer replacement I removed the electrostatic discharge tape. Replaced that with the insulating tape and now works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I've same issue, everything else are working fine but I get very low signal or no service at all. Where is this tape located?

Tai11 said:
Problem solved. During the digitizer replacement I removed the electrostatic discharge tape. Replaced that with the insulating tape and now works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be REALLY helpful if after you solved it, you could tell us the exact location, so any other person out of 7 billion people on earth, could solve it, including me.

scoupdogg said:
It would be REALLY helpful if after you solved it, you could tell us the exact location, so any other person out of 7 billion people on earth, could solve it, including me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, I only thought at the time that it was solved, however I was wrong. I have reception only near cities.
Second, I put the tape over the coaxial cable and covering some of the battery as well.

G2 Very Weak WiFi

HI. I had this WiFi problem since I bought the phone like 6-7 months ago.
My previous phone was a Nexus 4. It had good wifi reception. From my apartment I could find like 6-7 routers with +2 signal bars.
My Lg G2 sees only 3 routers, mine and 2 others that are at 1 signal bar or sometimes no signal. I tried to flash other basebands but no improvment. I tried flashing other ROMs.
I now tried to lift the little conectors on the back cover and put a little piece of paper under so i'm sure they connect (i don't know if that's how wifi works because it's working the same with or without the back cover).
What else should I try? Is there something to do or every G2 has signal problems?

I might have a solution for you...
dj_monkeyyy said:
HI. I had this WiFi problem since I bought the phone like 6-7 months ago.
My previous phone was a Nexus 4. It had good wifi reception. From my apartment I could find like 6-7 routers with +2 signal bars.
My Lg G2 sees only 3 routers, mine and 2 others that are at 1 signal bar or sometimes no signal. I tried to flash other basebands but no improvment. I tried flashing other ROMs.
I now tried to lift the little conectors on the back cover and put a little piece of paper under so i'm sure they connect (i don't know if that's how wifi works because it's working the same with or without the back cover).
What else should I try? Is there something to do or every G2 has signal problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar problem with my G2. The old phone (Optimus 3D) had good and strong wifi signal. With this one, from the first day to connect to home network, I had connection problems and all I had to do was to set to one network mode (and only one - I use G), on a single channel (give it a low one - 1 to 6) and a 20 Mhz band channel. And guess what: I can have a clear and strong enough (plus stable) from down the street, while my flat is at the third floor.
Please try to modify your modem/router settings as stated before and let me know the results.

BigBadSheep said:
I had a similar problem with my G2. The old phone (Optimus 3D) had good and strong wifi signal. With this one, from the first day to connect to home network, I had connection problems and all I had to do was to set to one network mode (and only one - I use G), on a single channel (give it a low one - 1 to 6) and a 20 Mhz band channel. And guess what: I can have a clear and strong enough (plus stable) from down the street, while my flat is at the third floor.
Please try to modify your modem/router settings as stated before and let me know the results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My router works fine. I have it on G/N 20Mhz Channel 5. I work installing internet antennas on top of buildings so I would like to access the routers from far away.
Another question. What's the purpose of the gold connectors on the back cover?I have like 3-4 pairs. My wifi, network and gps work with or without the cover. No difference.

dj_monkeyyy said:
My router works fine. I have it on G/N 20Mhz Channel 5. I work installing internet antennas on top of buildings so I would like to access the routers from far away.
Another question. What's the purpose of the gold connectors on the back cover?I have like 3-4 pairs. My wifi, network and gps work with or without the cover. No difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must have only one type of connection. Or at least in my case is so. I have only G, not mixed one. As for back cover connectors...I have none. Stock back cover, gold edition of D802.

BigBadSheep said:
You must have only one type of connection. Or at least in my case is so. I have only G, not mixed one. As for back cover connectors...I have none. Stock back cover, gold edition of D802.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm talking about these gold "things" I don't know what are they called - http://tinyurl.com/k4r2ykc (not my picture)
My brother sees 8 wifi routers with 3+ signal bars with an old Sony xperia tipo. I see only 3