Database Users

WiFi / battery efficiency

At home my cell coverage is a little spotty. It jumps between 1x and evdo frequently. I'm experimenting with WiFi (just set it up yesterday at home) and I haven't yet had a chance to see first hand, but my question is, if I have a solid WiFi connection, is it more battery efficient than solely using the cell radio? I know that just having wifi on will drain the battery hence my confusion.

Strong WiFi is generally better on battery than even a strong EVDO signal. You should be much better off using WiFi. Make sure to set the WiFi to never sleep in the advanced settings.

zesta said:
Make sure to set the WiFi to never sleep in the advanced settings.
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Click to collapse
Is this a new 2.1 option? I didn't even look for it because I am so used to having keepWiFi installed. Also, I have noticed that my wifi signal appears low even though I am only about 50 feet away from my router with only 1 wall in the way running on 802.11g on a dual band router. Also, my router has the ability to broadcast 2 SSIDs to allow for a guest network so you dont have to give out your WPA password to friends and it firewalls them away from your network. I have noticed that my phone has a problem with this. My netbook sees both SSIDs without any problems and stay connected to my main SSID. On my Hero, the main SSID appears and disappears constantly. I have to log onto my guest network because it is the one that my Hero likes for some reason.

In the WiFi setting, click menu and advanced option is available.
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Great info. Thanks!

Wi-Fi settings stored where?

I'm trying to find out where my phone stores Wi-Fi networks that I've added. When I turn Wi-Fi on, my Wi-Fi Settings stops responding and I can't do anything on that screen.
If it matters, I'm running CyanogenMod 7.0.0 and faux123's low-voltage kernel version 2.4.8.

jdkoren said:
I'm trying to find out where my phone stores Wi-Fi networks that I've added. When I turn Wi-Fi on, my Wi-Fi Settings stops responding and I can't do anything on that screen.
If it matters, I'm running CyanogenMod 7.0.0 and faux123's low-voltage kernel version 2.4.8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i cannot answer your question to where the information is stored... but the only way i've got wi-fi settings to stick is to input the password for the SSID then when it disconnects turn off mobile data then reboot. The phone should connect to the Wi-fi and it will continue to.. a bit a trouble but it's a work around.

neidlinger said:
i cannot answer your question to where the information is stored... but the only way i've got wi-fi settings to stick is to input the password for the SSID then when it disconnects turn off mobile data then reboot. The phone should connect to the Wi-fi and it will continue to.. a bit a trouble but it's a work around.
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Actually, what I want to do is remove some networks that I've previously added manually. I think it's trying to connect to them, which is not possible because those networks were ones I was using while traveling.

jdkoren said:
Actually, what I want to do is remove some networks that I've previously added manually. I think it's trying to connect to them, which is not possible because those networks were ones I was using while traveling.
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brings a different light to the situation. That i cannot answer you.

Bumping because I still haven't found anything on this.

Looking for a way to block specific WiFi signals.

I live very close to a hotel which has multiple SSID's that keep interfering with my ability to stay connected to my router.
I've tried hard coding a static ip on the phone, adding the mac address to router, even went as far as creating a separate unhidden network just for the phone. So far, nothing has worked.
So i was thinking that maybe there's a way to have the phone ignore certain signals, lock on to a preferred one or use WiFi but turn off the scanning feature. The only problem is that I haven't been able to find any settings or Apps that will allow me to do it.
So, if anyone has any ideas or suggestions as how, or if, I can make this work, I would greatly appreciate it.
I'm using a Droid 2 Rooted with 2.3.3 and have a Netgear N750 router.
BTW - none of the computers in the house are having this issue.
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

So, are you saying the phone constantly tries to leave your home wifi in favor of attempting to connect to the hotel's?

Yes, unless I'm within about 5 feet of my router, the hotel's signal makes the phone keep dropping and reconnecting over and over again.
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

Are the hotel's hotspots not WEP secured? That is so odd. If they're unsecured hotspots go over to the hotel and tell them to get their sh*t in order. Otherwise I'm out of ideas, sorry.

No, they are secure. WPA2 as is mine. I don't connect to them. My phone just detects them, drops my connection and tries to connect to them. So that leaves me with no connection and having to use 3G.
But there may be an easier solution to this. After spending a few hours on the Netgear site, it turns out that there is a bug in their firmware that causes signal strength fluctuations. They said a new release should be available in a few weeks.
In the meantime I've changed the channel on the router to auto select which seems to be helping.
I do appreciate you taking the time to assist.
Thanks!
Scott
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

Glad there's at least some kind of work around, wish I was of more assistance.

Having a similar problem with a samsung galaxy sii - current internet configuration is through AT&T U-Verse with built in Wireless G router in there Gateway. tried adding a Netgear dual band N router to my network and with the netgear's 2 wifi signals on then my phone just constantly goes into scanning mode and keeps trying to connect between the 3 - things work fine with the wifi turned off in the new netgear kind of defeating the purpose of me installing it - was hoping to have the phone use one of the N signals..

Block bt openzone connection pleaseee!
Desperately need an app for this? Is it not going to be possible for a way to block certain wifi signals because I'm actually going to rip next doors BT openzone router out of the wall and get a hammer to it! My HTC desire hd is insistent on connecting to its poor signal over our excellent one and the worst part is that you can't actually access the network unless you pay BT for a user account! Grrrr.... Please help

Try to connect the network you dont want, then go to wifi management in settings. Long press on the network you dont want and hit forget network. Then your phone shouldnt automatically connect to it unless you tell it to.

Constantly receiving WiFi traffic - unstoppable

This is driving me insane!
When I have WiFi enabled at the office, my Samsung Galaxy Note (stock ICS, rooted) constantly receives incoming data and I haven't got a clue which setting, app or service is causing this.
SystemPanel registers a nonstop stream of incoming traffic at 8 to 10 Kbps.
TrafficStats shows an accumulation of Received data under Total WiFi, but can't seem to link it a particular app or service: after resetting the data, no processes appear but the incoming data keeps on growing.
All sync options are off, I've tried to kill every running app or service (one by one, all at once), I've tried to block all traffic using Droidwall. As soon as WiFi is enabled, the incoming stream is unstoppable. When switching to 3G, there's no incoming traffic.
But to make matters even more mysterious, I do not have this problem with my WiFi connection at home.
It only occurs at the office, only on WiFi and (as far as I know) only on my phone.
Any ideas?

This is simply because your wifi antenna still "hears" the data going trough the wireless network on wich you are connecter. Event if your phone doesn't asks for any data at the moment the traffic there is on the network will still be counted by the wifi chip on your phone.
It will be the same on any public network or if you have another phone or a computer connecter on the same wireless router and generating traffic.

Thanks for replying, John!
That sounds very plausible, but then I still have to figure out why only my phone is registering this traffic - maybe it's an ICS thing or brand specific?
And I'll try to 'reproduce' it at home by connecting a laptop at the same time.

I think that the above is correct. That may be default behavior.
Sent from my XT862 using xda app-developers app

Well, I've tried to connect several devices at once on my home WiFi network, but it did not reproduce the incoming traffic problem I experience at work.
There were a few incoming bytes registered, not nearly as much as the constant stream of 10 Kbps at the office network...

Your works wifi may be set up like that. Who Knows?
Sent from my XT862 using xda app-developers app

MrObvious said:
Your works wifi may be set up like that. Who Knows?
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Click to collapse
Well, our it-department certainly does not.
You're probably right that this is normal behavior. I'll just have to figure out which drains less battery under these circumstances, WiFi or 3G. Thanks anyway for replying.

I'm on the mobile app, but if you have GSM then just switch to 2g until you use it.
Sent from my xt862 using xda app-developers app

Djezpur said:
Well, I've tried to connect several devices at once on my home WiFi network, but it did not reproduce the incoming traffic problem I experience at work.
There were a few incoming bytes registered, not nearly as much as the constant stream of 10 Kbps at the office network...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About this, it is simply that at your office there is traffic on the network (download/upload) while at home simply having devices connected doesn't generate traffic or almost none. Start several dl on several devices (phone laptop) (guess 2-3 is enough, maybe even one but not sure, not en expert after all ) then you should notice signifficant traffic on your phone, I guess!

So interesting I find this thread because I have the exact same problem!!!!
How I noticed it...when I am at home I drop 1% battery on Wifi per hour. 10hours = 10% (sometimes less).
I go to work on the Wifi, I DONT USE ANYTHING ON THE PHONE and the battery is DRAINING LIKE CRAZY!!! 5%/h or more!!!
( I am in airplane mode in both place)
So I was thinking, WTF with this work wifi, i am not doing anything at all on it. Then I look at my wifi icon I have a constant RECEIVE icon. And I bet my phone does not go to sleep or something.
So why in the world my work wifi is draining my battery and the one at home is not. I will check tonight but I dont think I have traffic like this. I am registering 5-6kbytes/s for nothing. The explanation given above is hands-waving. I do not agree with it fully. YEs sure there are several pings and beacon emitted back and forth but i do not think it is enough to cause 5-6kbytes/sec . The wifi is not in Monitor mode and it only receives the packets destined to my phone.
This is madness!!!! BTW When I had a different kernel on back on ICS this behavior stopped. I will try to monitor again.

kalinusa said:
So interesting I find this thread because I have the exact same problem!!!!
(...)
This is madness!!!! BTW When I had a different kernel on back on ICS this behavior stopped. I will try to monitor again.
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Hey kalinusa, did you find a solution to this problem?
I'm currently on the SpeedMod kernel, but that does not seem to make a difference to the 'office WiFi behavior' (so I keep my phone on mobile data).

I don't want to speak out of my ass, because I haven't a clue how the app works.
As far as I can guess SSH tunnel may help you. I would hope someone else could tell me I'm right, but I'm probably wrong.

I have had this same problem with two of my devices. The first is a Samsung Captivate with the last AOKP ICS build. The second is a Google Nexus 7 with AOKP's first Jelly Bean build (it happened when I had stock as well).
This only happens when I'm connected to WiFi at my university. The down arrow on the WiFi icon is ALWAYS on and it drains the battery. At home, I don't have these problems.
I emailed my university's IT department but I'm not sure if there's anything they can do. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

I have exactly the same problem, but I think I found the reason which is causing it. I think that some of the routers are capable of the multicast over the wifi and then we can get a constant wifi traffic. I tested it at home, where I have enabled multicast over wifi and my phone wifi receiving the data all the time, even if it is in sleep. Now I'm in the office where we do not have such capable router with multicast over wifi and my phone wifi behavior is as expected. When I will be at home I will test it again with my router and with disabled multicast over wifi and hopefully it will solve this issue.

danielo said:
I have exactly the same problem, but I think I found the reason which is causing it. I think that some of the routers are capable of the multicast over the wifi and then we can get a constant wifi traffic. I tested it at home, where I have enabled multicast over wifi and my phone wifi receiving the data all the time, even if it is in sleep. Now I'm in the office where we do not have such capable router with multicast over wifi and my phone wifi behavior is as expected. When I will be at home I will test it again with my router and with disabled multicast over wifi and hopefully it will solve this issue.
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Click to collapse
More than multicasts it could be broadcasts, what are you reaceiving. For example if you don't use WINS server in Windows domain, all computers use broadcast to get IP address for a computer name (if you dont use DNS name, but that's another story). At home, where aren't many computers, there are very few broadcasts. But somewhere, where a large amount of computers is on the same network (not splitted to broadcast domais), number of broadcasts would dramatically increase

btw. if you connect a PC to the same network as your phone and stop ALL running applications (mainly instant messangers, web browsers, e-mail clients) you should see the same network bandwidth in use as on your cell phone.

More than multicasts it could be broadcasts, what are you reaceiving. For example if you don't use WINS server in Windows domain, all computers use broadcast to get IP address for a computer name (if you dont use DNS name, but that's another story). At home, where aren't many computers, there are very few broadcasts. But somewhere, where a large amount of computers is on the same network (not splitted to broadcast domais), number of broadcasts would dramatically increase
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Interesting. Roughly how many devices would need to be on the same network, to see that kind of traffic load?
-- Sent from my TouchPad using Communities

post-mortem said:
Interesting. Roughly how many devices would need to be on the same network, to see that kind of traffic load?
-- Sent from my TouchPad using Communities
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It depends on what you consier as network load. If you start a network monitor like Wireshark or MS Network monitor and even if there is one computer on the network, you wil see "some" traffic (from time to time a few network packets). To generate constant network load, you'll need a few dozens of computers. And it always depends on how the network is designed and what applications the computers run. If all computers connect to a server, the network load will be a lot lower than if the computers share resources among them.
Or you can design your network in such way, that you divide computers into segments, where computers can communicate only with computers in its segment (or with some distant servers). This way the network load will dramatically decrease, as computers from different segments would not interfere.

I currently only have one computer connected to my home network atm via wifi, and it keeps a constant broadcast going to my phone for some unknown reason. I thought it was my dlna server, so I shut that off, and it is still broadcasting _something_... Its causing quite a battery drain, and unfortunately I cant seem to find the root of the issue. I've trolled through my router settings -- multicasting isnt on -- so Im at a loss. =\

Spz0 said:
I currently only have one computer connected to my home network atm via wifi, and it keeps a constant broadcast going to my phone for some unknown reason. I thought it was my dlna server, so I shut that off, and it is still broadcasting _something_... Its causing quite a battery drain, and unfortunately I cant seem to find the root of the issue. I've trolled through my router settings -- multicasting isnt on -- so Im at a loss. =\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be caused also with the Media servers which runs on PC, also DHCP etc. It is not easy to eliminate all broadcast traffic and sadly our phones react at all that multicast packets.

Wifi disconnects and reconnects constantly

Hi,
just had the phone for an hour and almost right away after first setup the wifi radio disconnects/turns off and re-connects/turns on automatically every 20 seconds or so. No matter wich network I try.
Working fine with my S7 Edge laying here beside me, never had problems. I have three different networks around me I can try out.
Anyone had the same problem? I can find som info about this exact issue for the S7 Edge for some, but no solution from that works on the S8..
N

this is an old problem S7 had
you need to toogle in settings > connectivity > wifi > advance > smart network swithc OFF
i think this was - but dont remember well since it was a while ago - but basically you need to turn off the option of phone switching between phone and wifi data

Having the exact same problem with my Ubiquity wifi network (ie, not some janky cable company router) with my just-booted up S8. Smart switch was off by default, and after switching it 'on' and back 'off', no change.
This was the first thread I found on the topic, will update with any solutions.

gsxrjjordan said:
Having the exact same problem with my Ubiquity wifi network (ie, not some janky cable company router) with my just-booted up S8. Smart switch was off by default, and after switching it 'on' and back 'off', no change.
This was the first thread I found on the topic, will update with any solutions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure hotspot2.0 is off
Sent from my SM-G950U using XDA Labs

EvoTillIdIE said:
Make sure hotspot2.0 is off
Sent from my SM-G950U using XDA Labs
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Click to collapse
Yup, Hotspot 2.0 is off for me. I've restarted the phone and the wifi access point, and my Note 5 and S7 are working fine lol. Super weird!

EvoTillIdIE said:
Make sure hotspot2.0 is off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many of those switches doesn't exist in my s8.
Incl hotspot.

pickles76 said:
Hi,
just had the phone for an hour and almost right away after first setup the wifi radio disconnects/turns off and re-connects/turns on automatically every 20 seconds or so. No matter wich network I try.
Working fine with my S7 Edge laying here beside me, never had problems. I have three different networks around me I can try out.
Anyone had the same problem? I can find som info about this exact issue for the S7 Edge for some, but no solution from that works on the S8..
N
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably means you have virgin broadband like me ?

choccy31 said:
Probably means you have virgin broadband like me ?
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Click to collapse
Well I'm in Sweden and have no operator dependence. Neither for mobile or my home network (fiber connection owned by me).
This sucks though... I want this resolved

pickles76 said:
Well I'm in Sweden and have no operator dependence. Neither for mobile or my home network (fiber connection owned by me).
This sucks though... I want this resolved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try downloading wifi analysis app and see what it's picking up. Maybe you could try changing your wifi channel if it looks low?

choccy31 said:
Try downloading wifi analysis app and see what it's picking up. Maybe you could try changing your wifi channel if it looks low?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No this has nothing to do with the routers or access points. I am 3 meters from the AP, its at 100% signal rate etcetera..
This has to do with Samsung and the software.

pickles76 said:
No this has nothing to do with the routers or access points. I am 3 meters from the AP, its at 100% signal rate etcetera..
This has to do with Samsung and the software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the wifi analysis app and see what the phone picks up.
Also in wifi settings on phone disable sleep mode and put to always on!

choccy31 said:
Download the wifi analysis app and see what the phone picks up.
Also in wifi settings on phone disable sleep mode and put to always on!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I wrote I've tried all that I'm afraid. All the things that was recommended for the trouble on the s7.

have u tried going to a free wifi spot (starbucks, mcdonalds) see if the issue persists - maybe is your router refusing connection

tim2london said:
have u tried going to a free wifi spot (starbucks, mcdonalds) see if the issue persists - maybe is your router refusing connection
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As I wrote I have three different wifi to test with but yes makes no difference. This is a well known but not solved problem with Samsung phones.. three different makes of manufacturers, different settings with a/b/g/n and all show the same problems.
I also installed the small new update today for the firmware. Still same problem.
I'm guessing I'm about to get a replacement phone. I'll try that on Monday.

I'm not seeing the same problems with public wifi as I am with my Ubiquity Unify AC AP Pro access points at home - definitely weird.
When it is connected, I'm getting my usual 100mbps speeds, but it continues to drop regularly (not the every 10secs it did when I first powered it on, but every minute or so).
One thing that was mentioned was changing channel bandwidth from '40' to '20'... I don't see anywhere to do that on the S8?

gsxrjjordan said:
I'm not seeing the same problems with public wifi as I am with my Ubiquity Unify AC AP Pro access points at home - definitely weird.
When it is connected, I'm getting my usual 100mbps speeds, but it continues to drop regularly (not the every 10secs it did when I first powered it on, but every minute or so).
One thing that was mentioned was changing channel bandwidth from '40' to '20'... I don't see anywhere to do that on the S8?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't that mean on your router?
By changing the broadcast bandwidth from 40 to 20 you will increase the signal produced (same power is covering less channels)
Sent from my HTC One_M8 dual sim using XDA-Developers Legacy app

I had this happen on a UniFi UAP-AC-Pro network with my S8 as well. I turned off Nearby Device Scanning on the S8 under Settings-> Connections -> More Connection Settings and that seemed to fix it. Strangely, I did not have the issue on my home network which has a single UAP-AC-LR access point with an otherwise similar configuration. Not sure if this setting change was really a fix, or if I just temporarily got lucky.
If turning off Nearby Device Scanning doesn't work for anyone, it might be worth playing with other settings within your network such as Band Steering. Some of these require turning on advanced features within the UniFi controller. Also I would be curious to hear whether those who have issues are on networks with a single access point, or larger installs with multiple access points.

Very recently got the Samsung S8 and I'm having some wierd WiFi issues. When connecting to the network everything is fine i get almost maximum download/upload speeds(500/500) from my UniFi AP-AC-PRO. But after being connected for awhile 30-60mins the speed drops to around 30mbit downstream and upload around 200mbit. If i disconnect from the Wi-Fi and instantly reconnect i get full speed again. I've tried switching settings in the ap, went from everything on auto settings to static channel/transmit power and been trying vht40/80 but makes no difference. If i have smart network switching on i get disconnected and put on LTE instead. All my other devices have blazing WiFi speeds as usual. I'm gonna try turning of nearby device scanning and see if that helps.
I started a thread in the ubiquiti UniFi forum as well but i cant link that here(not enough posts on this xda account)

izeen said:
Very recently got the Samsung S8 and I'm having some wierd WiFi issues. When connecting to the network everything is fine i get almost maximum download/upload speeds(500/500) from my UniFi AP-AC-PRO. But after being connected for awhile 30-60mins the speed drops to around 30mbit downstream and upload around 200mbit. If i disconnect from the Wi-Fi and instantly reconnect i get full speed again. I've tried switching settings in the ap, went from everything on auto settings to static channel/transmit power and been trying vht40/80 but makes no difference. If i have smart network switching on i get disconnected and put on LTE instead. All my other devices have blazing WiFi speeds as usual. I'm gonna try turning of nearby device scanning and see if that helps.
I started a thread in the ubiquiti UniFi forum as well but i cant link that here(not enough posts on this xda account)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having the exact same problem as you. Wifi connects at full speed at first, then after a while speed drops. Has gone down to 1Mbps numerous times. Disconnecting then reconnecting fixes it for a while then it starts all over again. I'm connected to a TP-Link AC1900 running dd-wrt. May try going back to stock firmware on the router to see if that helps.

So has anyone come up with a permanent solution to this? I'm in the same boat with my ac-ap-pro and s8+. Disconnects every 20 seconds or so.