[Q] 3G to 4G switching on sprint sucks. Is this normal? - Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III

I've found that this phone's ability to transfer from 3G to 4G data is absurdly slow, if not completely useless. It also seems that it will never switch if there is data transfer in progress. The only reliable way to make it work is to airplane for about 10 seconds, then turn it back on. If there is 4G coverage, it will come back on immediately into 4G. Now that I think about it, the same thing seems to happen going from 1X to 3G as well.
Example of a common daily routine... When I leave work and walk outside, there is full strength 4G. But the phone will be sitting on 3G from when I was inside. It will not switch to 4G unless I airplane it first to cut it off and back on. The 3G data here is literally like a dialup 14.4 modem. So it will just sit there trying to sync or do whatever its doing until the cows come home. It will never change to the readily available 15mbs 4G data.
It is so bad, I had to make a tasker function to airplane, wait 12 seconds, and turn it back on. I made it a widget called "Reset 3G/4G".
Any way to fix this crap?

Sorry if I missed it but are you stock? Or are you rooted? Or are you rooted and running stock/custom ROM? If so, what ROM?
D

DatDude123 said:
Sorry if I missed it but are you stock? Or are you rooted? Or are you rooted and running stock/custom ROM? If so, what ROM?
D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooted with the FreeGS3 ROM.
My EVO had the same behavior where it wouldn't switch from 1X to 3G if there was active data transfer. Which makes no sense. That's like not changing lanes on the highway because you'll have to look in the mirror first.

MCL1981 said:
Rooted with the FreeGS3 ROM.
My EVO had the same behavior where it wouldn't switch from 1X to 3G if there was active data transfer. Which makes no sense. That's like not changing lanes on the highway because you'll have to look in the mirror first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe not, but the phone has to pause the connection, disconnect one radio, start up the other, wait for it to be on, connect using that radio, and then finally resume the data transfer.

I don't expect it to happen in a matter of seconds. But what you describe should not take 5, 10, 20 minutes to accomplish. It will not switch between 1x, 3g, and 4g so long as there is data transfer in progress.

MCL1981 said:
I don't expect it to happen in a matter of seconds. But what you describe should not take 5, 10, 20 minutes to accomplish. It will not switch between 1x, 3g, and 4g so long as there is data transfer in progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but it may just be the apps blocking it. If theyre using it, the connection wont get dropped until it goes inactive, if I remember correctly

Here's why that makes no sense. App needs data connection. Phone in 1x with a 20kbps connection, trying to download music or photos. 3g or 4g is available. But instead of switching to it, it will just sit there until the app crashes, or tomorrow when it is done downloading.

Hmm... I'm on stock rooted MB1, and I'm also roaming at work, but there's a somewhat reliable LTE signal right outside the building, and as soon as I walk outside, I see my phone go from roaming, to not roaming, and then I see it switch to 4G in a matter of seconds. I don't need to turn on or off airplane mode or any sort of trick like that. Maybe it's ROM related? Custom kernel related? I'm not saying it is, I'm just listing possibilities.
Then again, I'm also not trying to download music or photos when I see I have a 1x connection, though my current ROM doesn't really tell me if I'm on 1x or not, so I just don't do anything network intensive when in low connection areas.

I just changed some settings in the ##DATA# menu. We'll see if that helps.

Related

Strange 4G behavior - beyond speed tests

I have been feeling out my 4G connection for awhile now, and I am still having a strange experience with it. Speed tests always give good results, but actually using 4G for daily tasks is not working out well so far. Often times it loads pages and market or maps slower than with 4G...
I had been having this off and on all week, but I thought it was just my poor 4g connection at home. Anyway, now I'm writing from a mall with a very strong connection. Now I'm noticing when I load a page or open maps/market, it actually disconnects from 4G and loads with 3G for a second or two then switches back..
I've been using fresh, dc, and bugless ROMs, and always with the latest radio. I've had to apply the 4G patch a few times to get 4G working, but once it's up, it behaves the same...
Is it the ROM, my phone, or the nature of 4G in philadelphia?
I'd guess it's the nature of the 4g. It's still a new market. One thing, the bars on your phone only show the connection to the tower, not the connection to the internet. My 4g has been like that in places around Dallas, but closer to the heart of Dallas, I get more consistent connection. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but that just seems to be the nature of technology here on the bleeding edge.
I might add, that for whatever reason, I cannot load my XDA bookmark to the evo 4g page on 4g at all, but it loads fine on 3g or wifi. I have yet to understand that one. Other pages seem to load ok though.
I've also noticed issues on xda, I think it's related to flash. I noticed if I load flash only sites on 4G it never loads or takes a stupid long time... If I cut to 3G it loads fine... On xda, it's the flash ads..
Having the phone process information and display it is much different then just doing a speed test. I'm in Philly also - but only use the 4G for tethering.
rutter9 said:
Having the phone process information and display it is much different then just doing a speed test. I'm in Philly also - but only use the 4G for tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree completely, but the issue is that, on some pages (usually with flash) It loads and displays the information faster on 3G than on 4G... I'm not sure what would cause that. I'll try tethering and see if it's the same... I'll also try 4G when I'm in central philly...
I wonder if flash determines what quality to stream the content at? Like if you use sprint tv on 4g you will get higher quality video but it can be laggy trying to catch up to the stream. When on 3g the quality is a little less but doesn't skip around at all.
I'm having similar issues with my 4G connection. Some pages won't come up. The progress bar loads up to about 50% then either takes a really long time to bring up the page or not at all. All I get is a blank page. The xda forums are one of the sites I'm having problems with also. It loads up fine over 3G and WiFi. I'm currently running the OMJ rom, latest Radio, and the Fresh 4G fix. I'm not sure if the problem lies with my rooted Evo or the 4G network.
rutter9 said:
I wonder if flash determines what quality to stream the content at? Like if you use sprint tv on 4g you will get higher quality video but it can be laggy trying to catch up to the stream. When on 3g the quality is a little less but doesn't skip around at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense to me. Still, it seems strange that the network or phone one struggles to keep up like that. Ah well, like I said, the nature of things out here on the bleeding edge.
i have experienced similar 4g/3g flipflopping behavior and pisspoor wifi. its like the radio is very slow to get a connection as coming out of the pocket and then while in use it will go to 3g then say it's found a 4g and get on that and back to 3g. sometimes i'll see 4g w/ full strength but am unable to do any internet functions (web browser, pandora, meebo, appbrain all fail indicating no network). by putting it into Airplane mode...count to 3...take it out of airplane mode the radio reconnects and is able to pass data as expected.
i have done full cache, delvikcache, (and the other whatchamacallit) formatting between builds. and cleared the cache after updating the radio (even tho i shouldn't need to for Fresh .3)
i have not fussed with App2SD nor anything Flash related.
not sure if i live/work on the "edge" of coverage or if it's EVO (software or hardware) related. I"m leaning more to the coverage at this point. between testing it more as i move around town and next weeks froyo builds maybe the 4g gods will shine down upon me.
Increase WiMAX_Idle_Sleep(s) setting
I had the same issue and found these instructions which show how to increase WiMAX_Idle_Sleep(s) setting.
hit ##DATA# > Edit mode.
Put in your msl code
Chose WIMAX
Scroll down to Wimax_Idle_Sleep
Change the value from 10 to 300.
Click menu, commit changes and restart the phone.
See ' [GUIDE] Easy way to get MSL without calling Sprint or using CMDA Workshop' to get MSL Code, or just call Sprint and ask for it.
mgshultz said:
I had the same issue and found these instructions which show how to increase WiMAX_Idle_Sleep(s) setting.
hit ##DATA# > Edit mode.
Put in your msl code
Chose WIMAX
Scroll down to Wimax_Idle_Sleep
Change the value from 10 to 300.
Click menu, commit changes and restart the phone.
See ' [GUIDE] Easy way to get MSL without calling Sprint or using CMDA Workshop' to get MSL Code, or just call Sprint and ask for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work in Philly and have the 3g 4g connection problems too. Your fix did not work for me. No matter what Rom or fix I've tried I can't keep a stable 4g connection without the stock Rom flashed. Sometimes WiFi tether will work on 4g with a custom Rom but anything else and I have all kinds of connection issues. I don't think its the network because 4g connection cards work just fine.
Edit: my main cause of concern is that simultaneous talk and data. I like to be able to talk and still follow sports scores while working. Sticking to stock for now.

[Q] Using 3G and 4G at the same time?

Has anyone been looking into running the 3G and 4G radios simultaneously?
Aside from the benefit of having an additional 1-2MB/s, I get very frustrated when I am in the middle of downloading something and I come into a 4G area. Since the phone will always choose 4G over 3G, the connection resets. I would love to have a way to keep the path available to the app using it.
I guess the same problem exists when Wifi is on and the phone connects to wifi while downloading over 3g or 4g.
Can this be done?
I also would love to see a dev pick this up. It could save my marriage...
great idea. Being able to simultaneously use them and multithread downloads would be awesome.
I'd be happy if someone could fix the transition from 3g to 4g and vice versa. Nothing like downloading a file from your phone and then you lose 4g and it loses the entire session and has to be redownloaded.
Thread moved to Q&A.
DssTrainer said:
I'd be happy if someone could fix the transition from 3g to 4g and vice versa. Nothing like downloading a file from your phone and then you lose 4g and it loses the entire session and has to be redownloaded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's going to be unlikely, as 3G and 4G are separate networks operated by separate providers (Clear vs Sprint). That's why I want to keep the 3G connection alive.
sw99 said:
That's going to be unlikely, as 3G and 4G are separate networks operated by separate providers (Clear vs Sprint). That's why I want to keep the 3G connection alive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think clear wire is responsible for everyones 4g, just a select group
chandlerw88 said:
I don't think clear wire is responsible for everyones 4g, just a select group
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong but I think sprint just resells clear wimax and calls it america's first 4g network.
sw99 said:
Has anyone been looking into running the 3G and 4G radios simultaneously?
Aside from the benefit of having an additional 1-2MB/s, I get very frustrated when I am in the middle of downloading something and I come into a 4G area. Since the phone will always choose 4G over 3G, the connection resets. I would love to have a way to keep the path available to the app using it.
I guess the same problem exists when Wifi is on and the phone connects to wifi while downloading over 3g or 4g.
Can this be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When connecting to 4g or Wifi the 3g radio never really shuts off. The data part of the radio goes to sleep while the voice part remains active to send or receive calls or txts.
The 3g data service going to sleep when connected to the others is by design because it is slower than the other two services.
If you don't want the connection to reset turn 4g and wifi off, and only turn them on when you need the greater data speed. (this will also save your battery)
Also another solution is using one of the location based apps that will turn those on and off based off gps location.
Its not that i don't want to use 4g, i wish i could but its not reliable enough. If i have a large download, I'd like it to stay on the reliable network, but i still want to use the fast network.
I agree that the 3g network is still available, I'm hoping there is a way to force a static route over the 3g when needed.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

[SOLVED] 4g/3g randomly disconnecting and reconnecting

I know there are a lot of posts about internet connection problems, but I couldn't find anything exactly like my issue.
If I only have 3g on, my Evo will connect and stay connected for a few minutes, then it will disconnect for about 20 seconds, and reconnect agaoin for another few minutes... and the cycle continues.
If I turn 4g on and 3g off, the same thing happens with the 4g.
If I have 3g and 4g on, the same things happens except sometimes 3g will be the one to connect and sometimes 4g.
Wifi works great.
My Evo is brand new and recently rooted, running Myn's Rom RLS4.
anyone had similar situation or resolutions?
THnkas!
there are only pockets of 4G so far. dont expect there to be 4G around like 3G is. as it is, 3G still isnt dat big/nation wide, but 4G is like rare. its like a needle in a haystack. the needle is 4G surrounded by the Hay/3G
Thanks,
the thing though is that my wife's unrooted Evo always maintains a strong 4g connection.
It wouldn't bother me too much the same thing happens when I use 3g. it reconnects every 5 minutes or so. Maybe rooting it caused damage?
Could flashing a different radio or wimax help?
Sent from my Evo using XDA App
Don't flash radios... that is all
For anyone with similar problem, I found my answer here and fixed my connectivity issueshttp://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-704845.html.
clubtech said:
I don't think it has anything to do with the ROM.
If when you are connected to 4G you can access the internet, only suddenly 4G it drops for no reason and switch to 3G and then reconnects to 4G and goes on and on, below is the solution. if when you are connected to 4G you can not access the internet at all, the below wont fix it for you and it is probably a problem with your rom.
You will need your msl code to fix this, loop up in the forums to to obtain your msl code from Sprint:
hit ##DATA# > Edit mode.
Put in your msl code
Chose WIMAX
Scroll down to Wimax_Idle_Sleep
Change the value from 10 to 300.
Click menu, commit changes and restart the phone.
This fixed it for me and i never drop 4g (when in good coverage) again.
Basically Sprint has some STUPID setting that tells 4g to go into "sleep mode" of no data is passed on the 4g connection after 10 seconds which is essentially disconnecting 4g.
The problem is it goes into sleep mode (disconnecting), but then rescans and look for a 4G signal > reconnects to 4g and if no data will be passed in 10sec it will do the same again in an endless loop.
10sec to put a connection into sleep mode is really low so change it to 300sec.
The odd thing is that this is only happening in certain locations and with certain towers.
I tried to call Sprint and explain about this issue but my attempts fell on death ears.
Go ahead and try the above. if it helps you please someone make this a sticky as you are not the first i see having the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need your msl number to do this. SImply download msl reader from the market.
Can you change any of the other settings that would make it work better?
Scan attempt
Scan retry
Thanks for this info, I gave it a try but I still cannot connect without doing a profile update and or PRL update.
Todd
chasehearn said:
For anyone with similar problem, I found my answer here and fixed my connectivity issueshttp://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-704845.html.
You'll need your msl number to do this. SImply download msl reader from the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Couple of things..

First, i would like to know if there is a way to keep the phone's data network ALWAYS on H not on 3G and having them switch back and forth it slows down the internet speed. Is there a setting or something i could change.
Second the notification LED. How can i make it so it can blink quicker.. i dont want to stare at my phone for like 5 seconds to see if its blinking or not...
Third the Swype keyboard ?? is it possible to get that keyboard after i put the Cyanmod ?? That keyboard is way better than the original android one.
I have a Rooted ( S- OFF) G2.
Cyan V6.1.0-RC3.
Thanks!
Fanatico said:
First, i would like to know if there is a way to keep the phone's data network ALWAYS on H not on 3G and having them switch back and forth it slows down the internet speed. Is there a setting or something i could change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is only switching back to 3G if it loses the H signal. So that's an issue of your reception, not something your phone can control.
When i had the nexus one. It was always on 3G. Then i Rooted it. Changed radio etc etc.. and now it was 3g and switched to H like my g2 now. Before i hacked the G2 there was no 3g. It was either H or Edge. And everytime it's on 3G now that it's hacked it doesn't use it.. it simply just takes a few seconds then goes to H.
I use anycut from market.
New shortcut
Activity
Testing
Click on new shortcut
Select phone information
From there I scroll down to force the phone use wcdma.
I don't know if that'll work. You don't need root or anything.
I hope this helps
Sorry if it dont .
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Fanatico said:
When i had the nexus one. It was always on 3G. Then i Rooted it. Changed radio etc etc.. and now it was 3g and switched to H like my g2 now. Before i hacked the G2 there was no 3g. It was either H or Edge. And everytime it's on 3G now that it's hacked it doesn't use it.. it simply just takes a few seconds then goes to H.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was using 3G before, you just didn't know it. T-Mobile decided that they were going to have their G2's display H for HSPA+ as well as 3G to give people the illusion of almost always using pseudo-4G
ibemad1 said:
It was using 3G before, you just didn't know it. T-Mobile decided that they were going to have their G2's display H for HSPA+ as well as 3G to give people the illusion of almost always using pseudo-4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is that.. when i do a speed test and my phone is in 3g the speed is around 160-250 kbs then while is testing it switches to HSPA and the speed goes to 2-3mbs.. before I hacked it it was on H. And both of the times I tested in the same place. I understand that tmobile would disguise it.. but its odd that the speed test would switch like that, which didn't happen before. Also 3g and Hspa are two different networks :/
But still thanks for the help.

ROM that can handle 4g to 3g handoff?

So I've tried using some ROMs but I've never been able to find one that can handle switching from 4g to 3g. Only the stock ROM can do this without losing connection, otherwise I have to turn on airplane mode every time i move from 4g to 3g. Is there a ROM out there that can do this?
Um just about all roms can do this without issue. CM10 can as well as all touchwiz based roms. What rom have you tried so far?
HostileSausage said:
So I've tried using some ROMs but I've never been able to find one that can handle switching from 4g to 3g. Only the stock ROM can do this without losing connection, otherwise I have to turn on airplane mode every time i move from 4g to 3g. Is there a ROM out there that can do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This sounds like a signal outage kinda thing, maybe, is there official lte in your area? If not, id avoid using it. Even then its sketchy. So maybe, when you cycle netween the two, it detects the other signal and tries to connect and drops it? If airplane mode your signal will get better coming out.
Sent from a Soviet base in Indiana

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