Database Users

4G and WiFi Not Compatible?

I had been having problems getting 4G at home and just noticed that if I turn off WiFi, 4G pops right up and as soon as I re-enable WiFi (which connects to my home network) 4G disconnects. Has anyone seen this behavior? When you think about it, it makes perfect sense, and since both are enabled to connect when the other one isn't, the flip-flop is automatic. But it surprised me.

its probably because sprints 4G is based on WIFI. or it just cuts off 4G cus you dont need it anymore

I believe it works the same way as WiFi and EVDO works on older phones. When you turn on WiFi it will use that as your data connection instead of EVDO regardless if it is a crappy WiFi connection.
-------------------------------------
Sent via the Sprint HTC EVO

Yeah, it's actually pretty cool, but if you don't know about it, it gets frustrating. I called Sprint customer service and he had me go through the battery out/in routine and go outside and try, etc. So maybe they don't know about it either!
But it makes sense for Sprint, since their data plan is unlimited and they want to avoid network overloading (are you listening AT&T? LOL). The only thing you miss on WiFi are location-based sevices that rely on GPS (navigation, some weather products, etc.).

dkdontforget said:
its probably because sprints 4G is based on WIFI. or it just cuts off 4G cus you dont need it anymore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi and 802.16e aren't all that similar. LOTS of differences between the protocols.
Maybe there's some isolation problems on your device as Sprint is using their 2.5 GHz spectrum holdings for their 4G network.

4g network and 3g network both will shut off when enabling wifi. Why have 2 forms of data going at the same time? Its not gunna use both to double your speeds.
You wont lose any GPS features. Turn on wifi and load up Google Maps, it will find your location exact.
When making calls and sending text it uses 1x so you will still receive everything except for MMS. Maybe they fixed it to where you can receive them even when on wifi with the Evo, not 100% sure.

4g and WiFi are both data only connections. You don't need two data connections simultaneously so it is smart enough to auto disable one to save battery. It would also cause routing problems.

Every phone does this LOL When you switch on Wifi they turn off 2g,3g,4g etc because you can't use 2 data connections at the same time.
I'm curious why you would want 4g and wifi on at the same time?

I thought this was pretty common knowledge (on any Android phone)... And I also thought it was done for battery conservation reasons as much as anything else. WiFi's a simpler point to point connection and from what I understand it sucks less power than 3G or 4G which is constantly checking for additional cell towers in case you've moved, etc.
If you're at home or at work w/a stable WiFi connection you should be able to preserve more battery power by using it, within the settings you can even set it so the phone doesn't revert to 3G when it goes to sleep (the default setting IIRC), otherwise it does this and only jumps back to WiFi when you wake it ('till you're out of range anyway).

I agree with all the comments. And if the Sprint Customer Service guys had said, "Hey, you idiot...it's supposed to do that," then I wouldn't have posted. But the fact that he was as stumped as I was prompted me to post (we all know that Sprint gets all it's info from reading these forums...LOL).

cdma signal preference

I know its kind of against how cellular is designed to work but I am in a situation where a sprint signal is only barely(0 bars) available and it decides to roam (with the triangle) to a uscellular signal. The problem is that its constantly trying to stay on the sprint signal, realizing that the connection isn't good enough and goes back to the uscellular signal and is just killing performance and battery. Is there any prl update or fix I can make with the evo to just stay on the uscc signal and forget about the crappy sprint signal at this location instead of hopping between the two? Ideally I'd like something automatic but I would even settle for a toggle. The uscellular signal is a repeater that was installed at my workplace. For example, in battery status my evo; the cell standby is at 39%

I am having the EXACT same issue in my office. The repeater signal in my office (850 MHz so it only repeats Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile) is -70 dBm (full bars on my phone). The Sprint signal from outside through the foot thick cement walls is -102 or worse dBm (aka 1-0 bars). Why the hell will the phone not consistently stay on the higher power signal??
The techknowfile trick is NOT the solution to this problem. This seems like a problem with the phone itself - the whole point of a multi-band phone with free roaming is it should always pick the best signal (in my opinion).

I tried the techknowfile trick as well with no luck. Maybe a different prl? I used the 40060.prl file suggested.

[Q] Poor 3G to 2G handover

Hey there, I enjoy reading this forum but I had little to contribute with as I am an android noob. So unfortunately my first post is a question forced by the fact that something is wrong with my DHD Thank you in advance for your advices!
The problem is - when in areas with low 3G coverage the phone keeps on searching for 3G for too long instant of seamlessly switching to 2G, which often has full signal bars. This way the phone acts as if there was no signal and sends incoming calls to the voicemail even though all it has to do is to switch to 2G as soon as 3G gets too weak.
My previous phones had no problem with this. In my city the 3G quality varies from area to area but the 2G coverage is perfect almost everywhere. So I used to be sure that my phone never really disconnects from the network, it only might have dropped the 3G signal in favor of 2G while keeping the calls and everything.
I know I can disable the 3G and stick to 2G and EDGE but this way using full data capabilities of the phone turns into pain instead of pleasure.
Just to make sure and to show I did my homework, this is NOT:
- the death grip case
- a network related problem /I suppose.../
- a problem with data connection /I have never run into any problems with this/
My questions are:
- is anyone of you experiencing this?
- is there a way to force the phone to hand over the connection from 3G to 2G quicker without "blind spots"?
- does any custom ROM improve this? /I am running the latest stock HTC DHD android 2.2 with Sense/
- is there any hint that android 2.3 gingerbread should fix this issue?
Thank you, hope to find a piece of good advice here!

I`ve found this service menu and I switched the preffered network from WCDMA preferred to GSM AUTO PRL. will see if it helps.

I havent noticed any more problems since I did the switch. I think it helped. I cannot be 100% sure but I think it did the thing for me. I forgot to mention that I also switched networks mode from Auto to European but I think this has nothing to do with the issue.

fortuneman had my answer. To access the service menu on the soft phone keypad enter *#*#4636#*#* and its under Phone Information.

Switching from 2g to 3g works seamlessly. But the other way around doesn't work that well. Nothing to do with the phone. Just the net tech that has its flaws. If your in a call and switch to 2g, the call will most certainly be disconnected.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

Battery Life Improvement Tips

this is by no means a definitive list, but here are a few links to articles i have read that have helped improve my battery life drastically. if you have any other useful information, please share.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
instead of thinking, 'i need to replace the battery because it doesn't last long enough', try thinking 'how can i use my phone in a manner which doesn't unnecessarily drain its battery'.
HowToGeek.com - Complete Guide to Maximizing Your Android Phones Battery Life
Lifehacker.com - Android Task Killers Explained; What They do and Why You Shouldn't Use Them
Reddit.com - I Stopped Using a Task Killer Last Week to See if There is a Difference; There is, and its Huge
Reddit.com - Further Discussion on the Proper Use of Task Killers
Lifehacker.com - JuiceDefender Simplifies Automated Android Battery Saving
Lifehacker.com - Watchdog Monitors Your Android for Runaway Processes

Thanks for this -

Good tips. Thank you for posting.
I found a tip about reconfiguring the radio settings here:
community.htc.com/na/htc-forums/android/f/96/p/7495/34268.aspx
"I have an HTC Aria, I found out that the radio is setup completely wrong (power hungry) by default. I can now get over 48 hours of moderate use out of a phone that was barely able to make it to 12 hours before.
First of all, on AT&T, GSM (which is the 2.5G EDGE network) is much more power efficient than CDMA (which is 3G).
The default settings for 2-3G, have the phone constantly trying to find the strongest CDMA tower-signal it can find for 3G. If it can't find any 3G, it switches to 2.5G (EDGE). This eats your battery and is why your fancy new smart phone has a usable life of only 8-12 hours.
Now, the reason that your phone is always searching for the best signal is that, in area with only average coverage, the phone will always be trying to get you the best connection. This makes AT&T's 3G feel fastest and you will always get the most 'bars' available - at least while your phone's battery holds out.
Luckily, some engineer over a decade ago came up with a solution. Instead of scanning, have the phone ask the current tower for a list of nearby towers. This is called a PRL.
The way the PRL works, the phone contacts the tower to which it is connected and asks the tower for a list of nearby towers and their power outputs. Then the phone will base its decisions to switch towers based on that list.
Where I live, 3G is everywhere and making the phone constantly search for a better tower is a waste of time and energy. So instead, I switched my phone to prefer GSM (ie. EDGE) over CDMA unless there is a poor signal, then it switches to scanning for 3G (which supposedly has more range and less interference) just like it used to.
The settings to do this are normally hidden by the carrier. For AT&T on the Aria, I had to enter a USSD code:
*#*#4636#*#*
Then select Phone Information from the menu. The drop down you want is called Set preferred network type: and the option I selected was GSM/CDMA auto (PRL) and my battery life has been fantastic."
Has anyone tried this? How did it go?
Thanks.
--fnds

fnds said:
Good tips. Thank you for posting.
I found a tip about reconfiguring the radio settings here:
community.htc.com/na/htc-forums/android/f/96/p/7495/34268.aspx
"I have an HTC Aria, I found out that the radio is setup completely wrong (power hungry) by default. I can now get over 48 hours of moderate use out of a phone that was barely able to make it to 12 hours before.
First of all, on AT&T, GSM (which is the 2.5G EDGE network) is much more power efficient than CDMA (which is 3G).
The default settings for 2-3G, have the phone constantly trying to find the strongest CDMA tower-signal it can find for 3G. If it can't find any 3G, it switches to 2.5G (EDGE). This eats your battery and is why your fancy new smart phone has a usable life of only 8-12 hours.
Now, the reason that your phone is always searching for the best signal is that, in area with only average coverage, the phone will always be trying to get you the best connection. This makes AT&T's 3G feel fastest and you will always get the most 'bars' available - at least while your phone's battery holds out.
Luckily, some engineer over a decade ago came up with a solution. Instead of scanning, have the phone ask the current tower for a list of nearby towers. This is called a PRL.
The way the PRL works, the phone contacts the tower to which it is connected and asks the tower for a list of nearby towers and their power outputs. Then the phone will base its decisions to switch towers based on that list.
Where I live, 3G is everywhere and making the phone constantly search for a better tower is a waste of time and energy. So instead, I switched my phone to prefer GSM (ie. EDGE) over CDMA unless there is a poor signal, then it switches to scanning for 3G (which supposedly has more range and less interference) just like it used to.
The settings to do this are normally hidden by the carrier. For AT&T on the Aria, I had to enter a USSD code:
*#*#4636#*#*
Then select Phone Information from the menu. The drop down you want is called Set preferred network type: and the option I selected was GSM/CDMA auto (PRL) and my battery life has been fantastic."
Has anyone tried this? How did it go?
Thanks.
--fnds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure about the stock rom, but on cm roms there is the option to add this option into the power widget bar and makes switching between modes a one click affair. I keep my phone on 2g (gsm) unless I'm trying to watch a video. It definitely helps.
Sent from my cm7 Aria using XDA App

fnds said:
Good tips. Thank you for posting.
I found a tip about reconfiguring the radio settings here:
community.htc.com/na/htc-forums/android/f/96/p/7495/34268.aspx
"I have an HTC Aria, I found out that the radio is setup completely wrong (power hungry) by default. I can now get over 48 hours of moderate use out of a phone that was barely able to make it to 12 hours before.
First of all, on AT&T, GSM (which is the 2.5G EDGE network) is much more power efficient than CDMA (which is 3G).
The default settings for 2-3G, have the phone constantly trying to find the strongest CDMA tower-signal it can find for 3G. If it can't find any 3G, it switches to 2.5G (EDGE). This eats your battery and is why your fancy new smart phone has a usable life of only 8-12 hours.
Now, the reason that your phone is always searching for the best signal is that, in area with only average coverage, the phone will always be trying to get you the best connection. This makes AT&T's 3G feel fastest and you will always get the most 'bars' available - at least while your phone's battery holds out.
Luckily, some engineer over a decade ago came up with a solution. Instead of scanning, have the phone ask the current tower for a list of nearby towers. This is called a PRL.
The way the PRL works, the phone contacts the tower to which it is connected and asks the tower for a list of nearby towers and their power outputs. Then the phone will base its decisions to switch towers based on that list.
Where I live, 3G is everywhere and making the phone constantly search for a better tower is a waste of time and energy. So instead, I switched my phone to prefer GSM (ie. EDGE) over CDMA unless there is a poor signal, then it switches to scanning for 3G (which supposedly has more range and less interference) just like it used to.
The settings to do this are normally hidden by the carrier. For AT&T on the Aria, I had to enter a USSD code:
*#*#4636#*#*
Then select Phone Information from the menu. The drop down you want is called Set preferred network type: and the option I selected was GSM/CDMA auto (PRL) and my battery life has been fantastic."
Has anyone tried this? How did it go?
Thanks.
--fnds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am trying that out and using GSM (PRL), it seems to do very well, and automatically switches between HSDPA and EDGE

Just switched mine from WCDMA preferred to the CDMA/GSM Auto (PRL)
I'll see how it goes.

that battery has lasted longer than usual, even with the extreme cold of the midwest, since I was shoveling for 3 hours. 8 hours off of charger, moderate use, still at 80% with GSM (PRL) on

tried the GSM(PRL) thing, works great! thanks for this thread

Been noticing the drain, too. I've switched to CDMA/GSM Auto (PRL), but it still shows the "H" at the top? I think that's correct, but wanted to ask.

So how often is it kicking you guys to EDGE? It may give you better battery life, but your data will be slow as hell if you aren't on 3G no? Or do you guys not care?

gtg465x said:
So how often is it kicking you guys to EDGE? It may give you better battery life, but your data will be slow as hell if you aren't on 3G no? Or do you guys not care?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switched to cdma/gsm auto (prl) about a week ago and mine hasn't switched over to Edge at all.
Sent from my cm7 Aria using XDA App

fnds said:
Good tips. Thank you for posting.
I found a tip about reconfiguring the radio settings here:
community.htc.com/na/htc-forums/android/f/96/p/7495/34268.aspx
"I have an HTC Aria, I found out that the radio is setup completely wrong (power hungry) by default. I can now get over 48 hours of moderate use out of a phone that was barely able to make it to 12 hours before.
First of all, on AT&T, GSM (which is the 2.5G EDGE network) is much more power efficient than CDMA (which is 3G).
The default settings for 2-3G, have the phone constantly trying to find the strongest CDMA tower-signal it can find for 3G. If it can't find any 3G, it switches to 2.5G (EDGE). This eats your battery and is why your fancy new smart phone has a usable life of only 8-12 hours.
Now, the reason that your phone is always searching for the best signal is that, in area with only average coverage, the phone will always be trying to get you the best connection. This makes AT&T's 3G feel fastest and you will always get the most 'bars' available - at least while your phone's battery holds out.
Luckily, some engineer over a decade ago came up with a solution. Instead of scanning, have the phone ask the current tower for a list of nearby towers. This is called a PRL.
The way the PRL works, the phone contacts the tower to which it is connected and asks the tower for a list of nearby towers and their power outputs. Then the phone will base its decisions to switch towers based on that list.
Where I live, 3G is everywhere and making the phone constantly search for a better tower is a waste of time and energy. So instead, I switched my phone to prefer GSM (ie. EDGE) over CDMA unless there is a poor signal, then it switches to scanning for 3G (which supposedly has more range and less interference) just like it used to.
The settings to do this are normally hidden by the carrier. For AT&T on the Aria, I had to enter a USSD code:
*#*#4636#*#*
Then select Phone Information from the menu. The drop down you want is called Set preferred network type: and the option I selected was GSM/CDMA auto (PRL) and my battery life has been fantastic."
Has anyone tried this? How did it go?
Thanks.
--fnds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App

I have know idea how to do this. I dial *#*#4636#*#* and it calls it and says blah blah wrong number. Can somebody explain please. I'm a noober on this one.
"the only good bug is a dead bug"

Figured it out. I use dialer 2 app for my default phone. Apparently you have to use the stock dialer to enter ussd code.
"the only good bug is a dead bug"

Bad Reception with this phone?

Hi,
Was wondering if anyone got bad reception with their phone. I tried 3 different carriers since I had my ideos, in neither of them I ever had very reliable reception and lately the problem is getting worse. I'm running aurora 4.1a and I loose reception all the time, and the battery drains so quick because it's always looking and looking. My sister, my mum and my dad all have good reception (2 of them with my old carrier and 1 with my current carrier).. I can put my dad's phone (same carrier) next to mine.. he will have full bars with 3g and I'll have no reception at all!!!!!! Then it connects and disconnects again, and so it goes... Anyone having such issues?
Thanks.

Tcm9669 said:
Hi,
Was wondering if anyone got bad reception with their phone. I tried 3 different carriers since I had my ideos, in neither of them I ever had very reliable reception and lately the problem is getting worse. I'm running aurora 4.1a and I loose reception all the time, and the battery drains so quick because it's always looking and looking. My sister, my mum and my dad all have good reception (2 of them with my old carrier and 1 with my current carrier).. I can put my dad's phone (same carrier) next to mine.. he will have full bars with 3g and I'll have no reception at all!!!!!! Then it connects and disconnects again, and so it goes... Anyone having such issues?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having the same problem, I'm running Aurora ICS. I use to always have good reception everywhere, Then suddenly I've just been unable to. Any help would be great! If I do find out any fixes to the issue myself I will sure let you know.

Good to know that I'm not the only one! Thanks. Hope we find a fix soon.

I've fixed mine now, What I've done is I've gone into Settings > Wireless & Network > Mobile Networks, and scrolled all the way to the bottom, and simply re-registered on the network and selected Use only 2G Data. Mines now working fine with full connection everywhere. However I don't know if our problems are exactly the same, however this is what fixed mine. Sorry if this doesn't help.

I have the same issue. Mine connects to 3G and has good connection, but then it simply disconnects and moves to 2G or reconnects to 3G some time later. That happens pretty frequently and I thought it was an issue with the carrier, but now I am not sure anymore.

Blefish, that is EXACTLY what happens to me, and I tried 3 major carriers in Australia (the only 3 that have their own actual towers). Just after I posted this thread, I happened to do the same thing as IwAsBlack recommended and... so far it seems to work. I have generally better connection and I haven't seen that ugly no reception icon since! Of course, internet browsing will be generally a bit slower but then again, it's better than staring at the phone for 3 minutes until it reconnects just to open Google.

You haven't stated which model you have. I got rid of a Motorola Bravo for at U8800-51 and I have excellent performance over AT&T (US). Crystal clear even with only one bar and I have never had a dropped call.

Have the same issue on any ROM with any mobile network in Belarus. Can't use 2G as recommended above 'cos of a huge use of mobile internet for some net-radio.
Sorry for bad Eng.

Its a U8800 Q&A forum, I didn't think that I had to state the version since I have a U8800.
Yesterday I tested and kept an eye on for the whole day! The reception since changing to 2G only has been AWESOME! Only had a drop out when I was in the subway (of course!) but aisde from that, I had amazing reception not to mention.. that my phone lasted the whole day with still 15% left!! (3G on, it would have to charge it twice while I'm at work) So, it fixed my reception AND my battery problems.

Tcm9669 said:
Its a U8800 Q&A forum, I didn't think that I had to state the version since I have a U8800.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, Ideos X5 U8800 describes four different models.

I know it does. What I meant is that I have the Normal U8800 model, so I didn't feel like it was necessary for me to point any variant model number like PRO or 51 or H, because it's STANDARD U8800

So we can make a conclusion that U8800 does not operate well on 3G. I can't switch it myself because I want to use internet too. And I am pretty sure we can't do anything about it, no matter if the problem is in hardware or software.

Blefish said:
So we can make a conclusion that U8800 does not operate well on 3G. I can't switch it myself because I want to use internet too. And I am pretty sure we can't do anything about it, no matter if the problem is in hardware or software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mate, if you switch to 2G you will still be able to browse the internet! It will only be a LITTLE bit slower, better than having constant disconnection!!! I constantly use the internet to sync my gmail, send free texts, browse the net and a bunch of other stuff.. works even better on 2G with constant reception, not to mention the benefit of the phone battery lasting a whole day (AND still have internet).. so switch to 2G and you will like it... still good internet only with better reception

Same issue
Having same issue when using GSM/WCDMA auto or preferred modes. works normal on GSM network only.
Even when I have no signal of 3g, gsm is working in the background.
problem arises when I have a call, 3g signal drops to minmimun, after the call phone tries to reconnect with the 3g signal but drops the GSM signal in the process.
Try this , as soon as you disconnect the call, try to call yourself from other at that instant only. Your phone will be shown unreachable because phone drops the GSM signals.

rdagar said:
Having same issue when using GSM/WCDMA auto or preferred modes. works normal on GSM network only.
Even when I have no signal of 3g, gsm is working in the background.
problem arises when I have a call, 3g signal drops to minmimun, after the call phone tries to reconnect with the 3g signal but drops the GSM signal in the process.
Try this , as soon as you disconnect the call, try to call yourself from other at that instant only. Your phone will be shown unreachable because phone drops the GSM signals.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine works on wcdma, but that is because i have the radio.
Sent from my U8800-51