Develop Bugs

Weakest Wifi - hardware FIXED!

Is there anyway to boost the wifi on this thing. I have 3 tablets (samsung tab 7, Lenovo Ideapad K1, and this) Samsung and Lenovo keeps connection with my home router but this one it disconnects half the time. Kinda frustrating. I assume this also will kill my battery faster than it already does. Any advice?
EDIT:
So I exchanged my tablet and still the replacement has bad wifi. I figure this had to be hardware related so following the procedure here I decided to take it upon myself to figure it out. If youre not comfortable doing this I suggest just keep returning your unit till you get a good one. Note when you remove the first side bezel there's a black sticker over one of the screws. I was able to remove it easily with an exacto knife being careful not to rip it so I can put it back on later. After removing the 3 sides except for the power button side (not necessary) you remove the back off and you end up with this.
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I'm not sure which is the wifi antenna or if they work as a pair but I moved both antenna connectors around (I didnt try to remove it cause this might make the connectors loose) and moved the black antenna right on top the camera. Reference all the red arrows. I left the tablet on so I was able to tell if it was making a difference. Eventually got it to get 2 bars just like on my Lenovo Ideapad! Possibly one of the micro coax connetors was not making good contact. These are the same RF connectors on RC receivers so they are a little more susceptible in losing contact specially if they're too lose. So just move them side to side and dont remove or lift them off.
Prior to this I was alternating between no bar and 1. This time it consistently stayed at 2 bars regardless how I moved or where I moved in my room (our router is in another room upstairs). Carefully put the tablet back together and now my connection is stable 2 bars. Finally!
So it does seem like there's some QA issue with these tablets. There's a huge thread in the acertabletforum about this issue and some say to change your connection from DHCP to static but that doesnt make logic sense to me. Some have been able to exhange theirs gotten good replacements.
Anyhow if you have any question, let me know.

I was actually thinking that wifi going out when it's turned off might be on purpose to prolong the crappy battery life.

bsharitt said:
I was actually thinking that wifi going out when it's turned off might be on purpose to prolong the crappy battery life.
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Not when its turned off. Theres a setting for that to disable wifi when you turn screen off. But thats not what I'm talking about. My wifi disconnects as I'm surfing or downloading from market or a file.

hmm, does it look like it has a weak signal strength or are you sitting at a good connection and it drops all of the sudden?
If it isn't a weak connection, I assume the device is just having a problem with your router settings. Maybe call support to see if they can give you information, but I haven't heard of this issue. What about open networks at coffee shops or the like? Do you have the same issues?
This is my third tablet and this tablet has the best WiFi that I have seen so far, so I don't think it is a problem with the signal strength.

Maybe I have a bad unit but I went to Bestbuy today and the a100 could not connect to their bestbuy router. It says "not in range". All the other ones (galaxys, xooms, acer, asus, HTC flyer all were connected to bestbuy wifi. HTC and samsung were the better ones at full bars. Acer had 2 and asus had 3. I don't recall what the xooms were. But man what a disappointment. The only thing good was that the a100 was the cheapest at $249. They must've brought the price down again.

[email protected] said:
hmm, does it look like it has a weak signal strength or are you sitting at a good connection and it drops all of the sudden?
If it isn't a weak connection, I assume the device is just having a problem with your router settings. Maybe call support to see if they can give you information, but I haven't heard of this issue. What about open networks at coffee shops or the like? Do you have the same issues?
This is my third tablet and this tablet has the best WiFi that I have seen so far, so I don't think it is a problem with the signal strength.
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Are you on 3.2.1 already? Maybe thats the ticket. I'm still on 3.2 and it says I'm up to date when I try to check for new version. If you are on 3.2.1 how did you get it?

aznmode said:
Are you on 3.2.1 already? Maybe thats the ticket. I'm still on 3.2 and it says I'm up to date when I try to check for new version. If you are on 3.2.1 how did you get it?
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Click to collapse
Nope, I do not have the update in my region.

[email protected] said:
Nope, I do not have the update in my region.
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Click to collapse
Oh ok. Updated OP so looks like version number is irrelevant in my case.

Am I doing it wrong?

Woke up late today because phone died. Does WiFi really kill the battery this bad or did I get the grey triangle of death? I have signal where the phone was laying. I'm currently rocking AOKP and Frank (Turtle) kernel.
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looks like you totally lost signal and the radio kept trying to find one

Wifi does NOT kill the battery that bad. And the GN in my experience and others too I see has excellent idle life. Something is wrong.

I have WiFi on 24/7 and have no issues. The Verizon phones are meant to have battery issues aren't they (as in ICS not liking them)?

I received this phone through Amazon on Monday. I can recall about 3 different times where I would be using the phone and have great signal and then all of a sudden I would lose internet connection. It would take a minute or so but it would come back. 2 of those occasions happened before I even rooted the phone. Yesterday, it happened when I was on a call. On all occasions I had at least 2 bars if not more when it happened.
Seems to be when the drop happens I also lose voice. Does anyone else have similar problems?

That's due to no cellular reception, not WiFi. The red under, "Mobile Network Signal" represents time where your phone had zero reception.... not to mention that your stats told you that you didn't have signal 93% of the time.

KWKSLVR said:
That's due to no cellular reception, not WiFi. The red under, "Mobile Network Signal" represents time where your phone had zero reception.... not to mention that your stats told you that you didn't have signal 93% of the time.
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This, exactly. Almost the entire time you were on battery the phone was searching for a cell signal for voice and SMS, killing your battery.
Zabalba said:
I received this phone through Amazon on Monday. I can recall about 3 different times where I would be using the phone and have great signal and then all of a sudden I would lose internet connection. It would take a minute or so but it would come back. 2 of those occasions happened before I even rooted the phone. Yesterday, it happened when I was on a call. On all occasions I had at least 2 bars if not more when it happened.
Seems to be when the drop happens I also lose voice. Does anyone else have similar problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never had even a remotely similar experience, it seems that if you were in the same spot that entire time and that happened, the handset may be faulty and you will want to exchange it for a replacement.

mutelight said:
This, exactly. Almost the entire time you were on battery the phone was searching for a cell signal for voice and SMS, killing your battery.
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Click to collapse
Yep. Keep in mind that when your phone loses signal it will increase the power to the radio in an attempt to find a signal (since that's the primary purpose of a phone, or so I'm told). If you know you're in a spot with poor signal, put it in Airplane Mode to keep it from searching (and thus draining the battery).
As mutelight mentions, if your phone is going from good signal to none without moving, there's something else wrong. Trying different radio firmwares may help, or it could be a hardware issue.

KWKSLVR said:
That's due to no cellular reception, not WiFi. The red under, "Mobile Network Signal" represents time where your phone had zero reception.... not to mention that your stats told you that you didn't have signal 93% of the time.
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Click to collapse
What's interesting is I left it on my desk. I get good reception at my desk (get 4G there).

I have the problem that after almost every text message I receive, I lose all voice and data signal, but it comes back within 5-10 seconds later. Very annoying.

spencer88 said:
I have the problem that after almost every text message I receive, I lose all voice and data signal, but it comes back within 5-10 seconds later. Very annoying.
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That is also not normal behavior. Are you running all stock? If so, definitely seek a replacement.

In those situations, put your phone in airplane mode and turn on wifi.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

I just contacted Verizon and Amazon (I bought the phone from them).
Verizon had me pull out the LTE sim and reinsert it. The rep said she did something on her end to refresh my line. I've been around the block to know that means jack **** but we will see.
I spoke with Amazon it was reassuring. If I keep having issues with the signal they will overnight replacement phones. If I keep having an issue with them I can replace them for another phone.
I love this phone so far with the exception of the problem that was stated so far. I already bought all sorts of accessories for the phone. But in the event I have to move on from the GNEX, which phone would you guys recommend?

I like this phone too much to switch to another brand/phone.
I ended up asking Amazon for a replacement phone. Hopefully this new phone comes without issues.

Zabalba said:
I like this phone too much to switch to another brand/phone.
I ended up asking Amazon for a replacement phone. Hopefully this new phone comes without issues.
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Good.
I couldn't come up with a phone I'd rather have than the GNex :-D

Just got the brand new replacements from Amazon. Same exact problem. After speaking to Verizon and Amazon, I'm going to replace the sim. If my problem does not resolve itself, looks like I'm going to AT&T for the Galaxy Note.
Wish me luck!

Zabalba said:
What's interesting is I left it on my desk. I get good reception at my desk (get 4G there).
Click to expand...
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it could be that you lost signal and the phone was unable to get it back for some reason even though you were in a good reception area. Some of the radios that i tried had problems going from edge to 3G and would either take too long or not be able to go back to 3g again. i would try flashing 4.0.3 or a different radio.

Conclusion to the story.
I ended up getting the sim cards replaced. Same issue. I was even able to show the rep. Looks like I'm going to end up getting the Galaxy Note.
Thanks to those who replied and read the thread.
Sorry Verizon LTE. It was nice while it lasted (or connected) ;_;

have you tried different roms/kernels ?
try to switch it off of 4g
it definitely seems to be a connection issue

I had this exact problem with my first Gnex. Left it unplugged on the nightstand and woke to a dead phone. Same battery profile: No mobile signal and a steep discharge graph. My wife's Gnex, 6 ft away in the same room, was just fine.
Verizon swapped me a new phone and I haven't seen that problem again. To be fair, I've only repeated the conditions a few times, so it's hardly conclusive.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

[Q] Wifi Issues

So i've been experiencing some really slow wifi speeds. On both my Galaxy Nexus's so i know its not just my phone. They are on different ROMs. I have a router that goes to my main router in my work room. And the Router i connect to is in the living room to compensate for the low wifi signal on ICS. I will stand right next to it and run a speedtest but can only achieve 6-15 mbps depending on what server i use. However the one in the work room will do the normal 30mpbs that i expect. My laptop will do the 30mbps on the router in the living room as well as my epic 4g... so im positive it is an issue with the Nexus... but what issue? Does it not like the router? It cant be the wifi radio... because the wifi is just fine on the other router. Any ideas as to what can be done? Or am going to have to go out and buy me a new router? Or would a signal booster be better?

did I stump everyone?
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus via XDA Premium

Well...as you like to put it so many times....READ. There are documented issues with wifi on the GNex. All sorts of things from low signal, to data connection, poor voltage handling and so on. I suppose you could choose any reason you like for what is wrong with your phone. Maybe you just got a bad phone. One thing i did see on a google search, (did you?), that led me back to xda was that some people reported changing the wifi signal scanning from "both" to just the freq they were using showed some improvement...YMMV
Good Luck

Thanks for the condescension.
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Do you honestly think I would have posted ANYTHING had I not searched yet? I've started less than 5 question threads.... give me a break.
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus via XDA Premium

I agree, some people are real dicks on here. If you don't have anything constructive to say or you aren't an admin, then don't say anything.
So what all have you learned about this issue? I have been experiencing this myself but just though it was something I had done.

XGrinder911 said:
I agree, some people are real dicks on here. If you don't have anything constructive to say or you aren't an admin, then don't say anything.
So what all have you learned about this issue? I have been experiencing this myself but just though it was something I had done.
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Nothing thus far, ive reset my router multiple times, i have tried different security settings. And nothing has helped thus far. I may try reflashing the firmware for the router and see if that helps any, if not the only thing i can think of is the fact that the phone doesnt like the two year old router and needs to be replaced.

I think GN wifi issues are mostly linked to the specific router or AP. 30mb sounds pretty darn good. I would probably purchase another one of those. Buy it from somewhere with a good return policy . Just curious what type of router is the one that gets the 30? I only get 18-20 but its pretty consistent.

NCguy said:
I think GN wifi issues are mostly linked to the specific router or AP. 30mb sounds pretty darn good. I would probably purchase another one of those. Buy it from somewhere with a good return policy . Just curious what type of router is the one that gets the 30? I only get 18-20 but its pretty consistent.
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I have. 30mb line so thats a what I would expect. The main router is. Ubee, I have timewarner so its a internet router as well as a telephone provider. However I think something is wrong with it. Although speeds are fine. Connectivity is off and it will constantly come in and out, I'm also unable to change its settings it has options for 5ghz and 40mhz but every time I try to set it to that it reverts. If I had those options I probably wouldn't need another router.
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus via XDA Premium

Antennagate on my AT&T SGS3

hi all.
please feel free to unfold your opinions and suggestions.
What i have: rooted stock SGS3 on LH9 ( latest OTA) + Diztronic Matte Black TPU Case found on this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722606
Environment: I am inside a big hangar not for planes but more like a warehouse, every morning at the exact same place. there is no concrete walls or windows just the hangar structure walls and a big exit door for trucks. i am like 300 yards away from a optimum broadband router on a public street. in NJ if you are a Optimum customer you can connect via wifi up to 5 devices when in reach of routers they installed on public streets.
Issue: when i turn on wifi i have no bars for Optimum connection( it connects successfully but internet is quite impossible at very slow speed. If I take off Diztronic case I immediately get 2 bars on my wifi icon, and the connection is flawless and the speeds for any app are good.
Is this case particularly that bad for my wifi connection?
All cases in general influence the wifi connection/cell modem or just this one?
Or is it how am I holding it? Am I holding it wrong way?
Workaround: every morning I take off my case, read my Twitter, G+ and Flipboard than I put my case back on.:silly:
Thanks

I have no case on mine, but I do notice if I am kinda far from the router and hold phone with my right hand I get a worse wifi signal then when holding with left hand. Cell signal seems unaffected.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

Not unheard of. HTC Inspire gps antenna was problematic with some cases

I have the same exact case and my WiFi ranfomly drops on with the diztronic case I brought for only $10 . I brought a new puregear case yesterday and never had WiFi issues since
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

hormosapiens said:
hi all.
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Oh hai.
All cases in general influence the wifi connection/cell modem or just this one?
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Click to collapse
All cases affect signal quality to a certain extent, but it's mostly negligible and a worthwhile trade-off for the protection gained. Should be fine as long as you don't use a METAL case, like some geniuses insist on using for a "premium-quality" feel (whatever that's supposed to mean).
Or is it how am I holding it? Am I holding it wrong way?
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Well, as corythug mentioned above, and despite the apple joke, you CAN get better reception by holding your phone in certain ways, since the antennas are located in certain spots (as shown in the FCC photo below):
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The #1 thing to do to get better range (for at least WiFi), if you haven't done this already, is to use wireless G instead of wireless N, even though it's "slower" (you won't notice). Wireless-G's 2.4GHz longer wavelengths travel farther & through objects better than 5GHz. I almost always fallback from N to G even in my house. #2 thing to do is to buy a better WiFi router (like the Netgear WNDR3700) that lets you hack it with DDWRT so you can increase the transmit power above legal FCC limits.

zmore said:
Oh hai.
All cases affect signal quality to a certain extent, but it's mostly negligible and a worthwhile trade-off for the protection gained. Should be fine as long as you don't use a METAL case, like some geniuses insist on using for a "premium-quality" feel (whatever that's supposed to mean).
Well, as corythug mentioned above, and despite the apple joke, you CAN get better reception by holding your phone in certain ways, since the antennas are located in certain spots (as shown in the FCC photo below):
The #1 thing to do to get better range (for at least WiFi), if you haven't done this already, is to use wireless G instead of wireless N, even though it's "slower" (you won't notice). Wireless-G's 2.4GHz longer wavelengths travel farther & through objects better than 5GHz. I almost always fallback from N to G even in my house. #2 thing to do is to buy a better WiFi router (like the Netgear WNDR3700) that lets you hack it with DDWRT so you can increase the transmit power above legal FCC limits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I learned a lot.
I will read news every morning at the same spot, with my naked SGS3, holding it certain way.

802.11n also runs on 2.4 Ghz, not just 5 Ghz. Now, the new 802.11AC standard only runs on 5 Ghz, so no 2.4 there.

Wifi speeds garbage? Am I holding it wrong?

So got my Note 4 today and noticed some trouble when it took hours and hours to get all my apps synced...so went on to do some speed tests side by side my Note 2. Note 2 on wifi consistently pulling 7 mbps DL/ 6 UL, while the 4 is only getting 1 mbps DL and 3 UL. What gives? Anyone else having issues? I'm tempted to say I have a dud.

johnchad14 said:
So got my Note 4 today and noticed some trouble when it took hours and hours to get all my apps synced...so went on to do some speed tests side by side my Note 2. Note 2 on wifi consistently pulling 7 mbps DL/ 6 UL, while the 4 is only getting 1 mbps DL and 3 UL. What gives? Anyone else having issues? I'm tempted to say I have a dud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No issues here... Radios in this device seem insanely good in my experience..

Same problem here, note 3 pulling 50mb, note 4 barely 16(

yeah saw your post while searching. Doing more research...getting some erratic behavior. Reset once, still got bad numbers, reset again and got good ones in the 20s-30s (normal for the room I'm in). Bluetooth won't pair with my Moto 360, maybe it was going crazy trying...it just keeps connecting/disconnecting. Hrmph!

Just did a bunch of tests on mine... looking good..

Got watch paired after some angry factory resets on it, connection might be ok now....I've got my eye on it though! I won't complain further until I get a full day of various scenarios at least.

Wired on A Laptop:
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Wi-Fi 5GHz on Channel 49
http://s9.postimg.org/tvd2r20y7/Screenshot_2014_10_30_19_29_35.png
Wifi 5 GHz on Channel 161
http://s4.postimg.org/72wm9s4q5/Screenshot_2014_10_30_19_18_18.png

I haven't had any further problems since that initial oddness, so calling it a hiccup. Thanks for your info.

I am having wifi issues as well. Wired connection gets 46 down, 5 up. Macbook gets 26 down, 5 up. Note 4 gets between 5 and 7 down. I've checked my router settings and they all look correct. Is there anything that can be done? Are these devices being released with poor wifi?

usmaak said:
I am having wifi issues as well. Wired connection gets 46 down, 5 up. Macbook gets 26 down, 5 up. Note 4 gets between 5 and 7 down. I've checked my router settings and they all look correct. Is there anything that can be done? Are these devices being released with poor wifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't seem like its the hardware, using a testing program called iPerf I am able to get good speeds. But anything running in a Java android app like browser downloads, speed test.net etc gets HORRIBLE speed. There is something wrong with Android. Its not a hardware problem.

@Class said:
It doesn't seem like its the hardware, using a testing program called iPerf I am able to get good speeds. But anything running in a Java android app like browser downloads, speed test.net etc gets HORRIBLE speed. There is something wrong with Android. Its not a hardware problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will give that app a try and see how it goes. Thank you for the suggestion.
I did just pick up a second Note 4 for myself, and it is testing about as poorly as my wife's.

usmaak said:
I will give that app a try and see how it goes. Thank you for the suggestion.
I did just pick up a second Note 4 for myself, and it is testing about as poorly as my wife's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep... Its really not hardware related so getting a new phone is just costing Samsung $$$.
Seems like only people on AC get good speeds. B, G, N its all horrible.

I haven't checked in much on wifi speeds since those first 2 days. I'll recheck some stuff in different environments and see if anything pops up again. At work it's non AC routers. I might try to connect to the goofy comcast N? G? router at home and see what it does, too. Either way, it's not been consistently bad on AC even, but may have occasional issues? I so hate router technology!
At home: Apple Airport Extreme AC router
Initial experience: 1-4 mbs download
2 resets later and since that I've noticed: full speed (25-30 on my service)