4.2.2 OTA signal question - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Hey folks,
Just a quick question I was hoping to get some clarification on:
Like many, I got the 4.2.2 OTA on Tuesday evening and everything went fine with the download and install. That being said, I'm having some signal issues that are a bit strange. For the most part the signal quality is fine. Not really having any connection issues, but I've noticed lower bars being shown overall. After doing some digging though I've determined that apparently 4.2.2 reports signal quality differently than 4.1.1 did... representing a much truer value based on dBm and not overly inflating things for constant 3-4 bars. Essentially it's like I remember way back with 4.0.2. I still find it a little odd that I can show -85dBm and only have 1 bar, but if that's how things are reported in 4.2.2 then so be it.
The thing that's bothering me though is this: at times my signal will read 0dBm 99asu. I'll have zero bars showing, but it will still show 4g in the notification bar and will say connected to the network in status. I can make calls, text, surf the web, download apps, even run speed tests without any problem (although not great numbers, they're not horrific either) Eventually bars and dBm "come back", but the amount of time for that to happen varies. Again, nothing seems to be affected by this, but it's just a little disconcerting to have happen.
So, has anyone else experienced this? Google searches show some talk of it but otherwise haven't turned up much. I've done a battery/SIM pull and that didn't change things. Is it possible something may have gone a bit sideways in the ota download? Was thinking a factory reset may help too but not looking forward to wiping my device only to find out this is pretty normal.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

It's possible that the OTA updated the baseband, please look into that as I'm not entirely sure. If that's the case, then it might just be that the new baseband is not suitable for your coverage area in which case I'd suggest you flash a previous release.

iLeopard said:
It's possible that the OTA updated the baseband, please look into that as I'm not entirely sure. If that's the case, then it might just be that the new baseband is not suitable for your coverage area in which case I'd suggest you flash a previous release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I'll fully admit I'm not as up to snuff on this as others, so please correct me if I'm wrong... but the 4.2.2 OTA did in fact contain new radios from VZW, so shouldn't the baseband have been updated for everyone who took it?
Mine is: I515.10 V.FK01/I515.FK02
As I understand it that breaks down to phone model (I515), HW rev 10, with the new radios being FK01/FK02
Wouldn't every VZW GNex that was on the 4.2.2 OTA have the same baseband; outside of having either HW rev 9 or 10?
Currently I'm locked, stock, not rooted... yeah, probably one of the last Thinking I may unlock and root and try the 4.1.1 radios again. Do I need TWRP or CWM to flash those or can that be done if I keep stock recovery?
As always thanks for all input, much appreciated.

My Gnexus is the same . but despite that it actually performs better oddly enough

Do/can you update roaming (*228) with the Verizon nexus? Or is that just something I could do with my old fascinate (yes, a fascinate and then nexus... I am a glutton for VZW punishment).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Big ZD said:
Do/can you update roaming (*228) with the Verizon nexus? Or is that just something I could do with my old fascinate (yes, a fascinate and then nexus... I am a glutton for VZW punishment).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can, but as far as I know you'll then have what is considered a 3G PRL pushed to your phone, something beginning with "5"... if you just let the PRL update and push on it's own like it's supposed to you'll have a 4g PRL, and will begin with a "1" Both work the same and pick up both 3G/4G signals...not sure what the true difference is honestly. I've been on 15192 for ages now and it's been fine up to this point... Think I'd just as soon keep it. Thanks for the suggestion though.

I Read some where online. That if you take out the Sim card let it for like a minute or so. Slap it back in and there you go. It work for me

ironside2011 said:
I Read some where online. That if you take out the Sim card let it for like a minute or so. Slap it back in and there you go. It work for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, did that... battery pull and sim card pull... left it out for 30 min then back in... no difference. Like I said, it's not that I'm having a huge problem with my data connection, it's just acting... strange... kind of all over the place. Lots of fluxuation, odd readings/bar equivalents, and the whole 0dbm 99asu thing with still being connected. However I've also now started seeing higher than normal "time without signal" percentages... Just flakey. And frustrating... no issues at all until the 4.2.2 ota.

mine is not really a problem but I had way more bars of coverage in a multitude of places (work, home, gym, etc) on the old radios. I havent looked at the dbm's but visually it's different. might be something for someone interested to look into.
btw, im in fresno, ca.

bubarub said:
mine is not really a problem but I had way more bars of coverage in a multitude of places (work, home, gym, etc) on the old radios. I havent looked at the dbm's but visually it's different. might be something for someone interested to look into.
btw, im in fresno, ca.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well Google changed how the signal is read visually through the bars to provide a more accurate reading. You should look at dbm
Toro | Xylon | Diamond

Having the same experience here (Whidbey Island, Washington) where the 4g signal clings on until it absolutely had to fall back to 3g. New radios may be contributing, but the change in coding to report lower signals may have improved the ability to hang on to a 4g signal. Hand off seems pretty slick too, but that's likely a function of the new radios that came in the OTA.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

Related

LOS update -- new development

I am currently tethering over a 4g connection, and my internet is working fine, BUT I have a complete LOS for the cell signal. I think this could be a very important fact because we should be able to know some things by the fact that WiMax is working while the cell signal is altogether lost.
Hopefully, with this info, a solution is a little closer at hand.
Ok...when people say LOS do they mean Loss Of Service? Or Loss Of Signal?
Because if its the latter, that sht aint that bad. But if its the former...I'm glad I don't have it.
ms79723 said:
Ok...when people say LOS do they mean Loss Of Service? Or Loss Of Signal?
Because if its the latter, that sht aint that bad. But if its the former...I'm glad I don't have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is bad. People that get it have to reboot phone for it to come back and it kills battery life. Nit to mention missed calls and texts. It is a complete loss of service.
Sent From My Evo Killer!!!
Its 2 separate radios..
I had pandora going over 4g earlier for hours...but lost signal with a crossed out circle after about an hour. Pandora kept going but u couldn't make a phone call, ths.falls in line with the other poster. Im running eg30plus over latest 2.1 midnight.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
As WhiteWidows stated, it's 2 different radios. The LOS people have posted over and over about is the ability to make/receive calls (which is what the OP posted about). The Wimax radio (4G) doesn't transmit phone calls. That's why you can do data on 4G and still make a call at the same time.
.....
Hi guys, this is one of my first posts but I've been a long time reader coming from the Evo 4G forums. I'm rooter using Zedomax v3 and experienced multiple LOS as well.
Last night I tried limiting the clock speed to 1ghz and setting the min at 400mhz. Strangly I now get slightly better reception and never had a LOS yet. Will continue to test out this theory and see if it's clock speed related.
I came about testing this since I ran mine at 1.6 for a while and not only would I get more LOS occurances, I would also get phone freezes lol. I tether and stream music a lot so wanted to keep it slightly underclocked to keep the temps down. Hope this helps as a temporary band aid for the LOS bug
It definitely makes sense that the two radios are separate...the point of my post was just to offer some more information to help figure out a fix.
If one radio fails while the other stays working, do we know that the problem is phone-related? Many posters have speculated that the issue may be on Sprint's end, so I wasn't sure if this info did anything to challenge or support that theory. Maybe it does nothing, though -- just throwing it out there!
Someone posted a log cat of a LOS. There's still some coding in the radio files that thinks there is a sim card. Says sim disconnected and result radio off
sent from my DAMN ET4G!!!!
Hopefully a solution is found soon, I've seen similar issues posted on various android forums. Androidforums, Sprint community and here. Wish I waited a bit to hear more user experiences....
Success100 said:
Someone posted a log cat of a LOS. There's still some coding in the radio files that thinks there is a sim card. Says sim disconnected and result radio off
sent from my DAMN ET4G!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone tried editing the build prop to manually change the preferred network from wcdma to CDMA auto? Maybe that'd fix that issue
I have been on my current SGS2 stock out of the box for over a week now and have not had any LOS issues, or missing texts, or data not working, or missing phone calls, etc.....
I have been using wi-fi, 4G, 3G, have an Airaive, went to an area where there is no Sprint service and phone roamed fine and then went back to Sprint service when available.
I have been unable to replicate the LOS issue on my current phone through all possible ways of using it.
My first SGS2 was also fine until I rooted it which then gave me an LOS within 12 hours of doing so.
If someone has a another sure way to get an LOS, I am willing to try it on my stock, never rooted phone but I don't think there are any other situations I can try that I haven't already......
Time.I have went 3 days without a los then 2 in same day.It is all random

[Q] Having Signal Issues with UK GSM Galaxy Nexus on TMO Network

I've been reading this forum for the past two days trying to see if there is a similar thread with this issue. Please point me in the right direction if there is a similar thread resolving this issue (this forum is colossal!).
I recently bought a UK version GSM Galaxy Nexus running Modaco 4.0.2 Ir8. I'm using it on T-Mobile's network (The GN is replacing my HTC Sensation).
The gentleman that sold it to me had already unlocked, rooted, and flashed it with Modaco. It works blazing fast. The only thing is that when ever I make a phone call it literally drops in less than 5 minutes. The signal seems to be switching like crazy from 3G to HSPA+ as well.
I've called TMO and they have no clue what the issue is (4 different reps told me 4 different things from needing to factory reset to the towers being down etc.).
Again the phone works great besides the fact that I can't make a phone call for more than a couple of minutes before it drops.
Has anyone seen this with their GN? Is it the phone? The Mod? Are T-Mobile's towers not able to pick up this phone's radios because it's from the UK?
How can I go about fixing this (Factory reset? etc.)? I'm literally about to factory reset this thing this morning when I get home from work.
I don't really have too much experience as far as rooting goes but willing to learn and get this issue resolved.
What radio version are you using?
I'm on T-Mobile and xxkk6 works well for me.
If you don't know what you have, I suggest u go to the dev section and start reading for a while
xxkk6 at the least should be on there. i think there is xxkl7 possibly. the xxkk6 is the stock radio, but if there is a kk7 or kl7 might want to try that as it would be a later version.
How can I tell which radio version I'm on and does it give me the option to switch it?
dwang said:
What radio version are you using?
I'm on T-Mobile and xxkk6 works well for me.
If you don't know what you have, I suggest u go to the dev section and start reading for a while
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jjonlife said:
How can I tell which radio version I'm on and does it give me the option to switch it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings, about phone.
I had similar problems until I switched to KK6.
This thread has all the different basebands:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1405345
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I've been reading the forum for a minute and haven't noticed any threads regarding this issue. Bear in mind this forum has like 1 thousand threads to go over.
Jjonlife said:
I've been reading the forum for a minute and haven't noticed any threads regarding this issue. Bear in mind this forum has like 1 thousand threads to go over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using KK1 before and it was absolutely fine until about a week ago, then I started to get dropped calls etc.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Jjonlife said:
How can I tell which radio version I'm on and does it give me the option to switch it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on xxk1. How do I switch to kk6?
Thanks for sending me that link. Which baseband set up would be good for the US (NYC specifically). They all look like they are designed for European areas.
And once I put in my Sim card, why didn't the phone just figure out with Radioband to attach itself to?
pnnorth said:
Settings, about phone.
I had similar problems until I switched to KK6.
This thread has all the different basebands:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1405345
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jjonlife said:
Thanks for sending me that link. Which baseband set up would be good for the US (NYC specifically). They all look like they are designed for European areas.
And once I put in my Sim card, why didn't the phone just figure out with Radioband to attach itself to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basebands beginning with UG are for north America. I think there are a couple of threads in the dev section about UG basebands, it might be worth have a look at those.
KK7 Thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1382699
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Thanks for the link. After reading through a couple of pages I'm starting to realize that I have no idea what the hell is going on with switching radio bands. Even worse, I have not read about any instances where one or the other will work very well in NYC (my area).
Is there a grid which shows which radio band is for which area? Anyone know of anywhere that shows the step by way to do this?
pnnorth said:
Basebands beginning with UG are for north America. I think there are a couple of threads in the dev section about UG basebands, it might be worth have a look at those.
KK7 Thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1382699
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jjonlife said:
Thanks for the link. After reading through a couple of pages I'm starting to realize that I have no idea what the hell is going on with switching radio bands. Even worse, I have not read about any instances where one or the other will work very well in NYC (my area).
Is there a grid which shows which radio band is for which area? Anyone know of anywhere that shows the step by way to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See section 3 in the first post of this thread for a step by step guide:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392310
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I appreciate that. Will be looking into it later this morning when I get off work.
For anyone who had to do this process: Is this a normal thing when rooting and flashing, to have to find a better baseband etc.? Is it because my phone is a UK version that TMO is having an issue dropping my calls?
And lastly, anyone know what the best baseband/radio is suitable for NYC? And why doesn't the phone just figure out which is the best baseband?
pnnorth said:
See section 3 in the first post of this thread for a step by step guide:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392310
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jjonlife said:
I appreciate that. Will be looking into it later this morning when I get off work.
For anyone who had to do this process: Is this a normal thing when rooting and flashing, to have to find a better baseband etc.? Is it because my phone is a UK version that TMO is having an issue dropping my calls?
And lastly, anyone know what the best baseband/radio is suitable for NYC? And why doesn't the phone just figure out which is the best baseband?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the baseband should work. it's gsm, the world standard. but i'm guessing since i don't know exactly what is tweaked, but that the specific baseband for your region will bias your phone for the known networks. ugkk7 works great for me. atnt. i think there is a ugkl6 or 7. sometimes you have to test them. some will work better for others. some will work great and not eat battery. if it eats battery, try another one. i think samsung is decent about releasing different radios for different regions. it can be confusing. now when it's comes to updating their roms, that is a different story.
Ok,
The baseband def has to be affecting my battery. I'm getting not even 10 hours on a full charge from moderate use.
I don't really know exactly what the first owner did to it, only what he told me.
My plan is to bring it back to factory settings (found an article about how to restore the GSM version, but have yet to find any youtube videos abou it....I only see LTE videos on rooting and unrooting, and I'm not sure if it's the same process so I'm not touching those).
If that doesn't help it then I'll go about flashing and changing the baseband.
Again this whole baseband business is really new to me. The input you guys have been giving so far is much appreciated.
pukemon said:
the baseband should work. it's gsm, the world standard. but i'm guessing since i don't know exactly what is tweaked, but that the specific baseband for your region will bias your phone for the known networks. ugkk7 works great for me. atnt. i think there is a ugkl6 or 7. sometimes you have to test them. some will work better for others. some will work great and not eat battery. if it eats battery, try another one. i think samsung is decent about releasing different radios for different regions. it can be confusing. now when it's comes to updating their roms, that is a different story.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update:
Ended up coming home early from work and staying up all morning trying to figure this out. I decided on using this link first: (http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/restore-galaxy-nexus-to-stock-how-to/)
to re-lock. That took about 4 hours of troubleshooting and getting to know the lingo and terminology. Then from a combination of other youtube videos I spent another 4 hours trying to figure out how to lock the bootloader. Believe it or not the Xda link about this (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392310) saved me from losing my mind. I literally didn't go to sleep until I made sure I brought the phone back to factory settings.
After I finally got the phone back to factory settings (believe me, it wasn't fun figuring this out especially when I've never rooted before) I noticed the wifi wasn't working, or had a very weak signal. Content with the phone at least being back on factory settings and locked, I go to sleep and wake up today seeing the same issue with the wifi (mean while, I now have good signal/service...didn't even have to mess with the baseband radio config).
I restart the router in our house and power down the phone and restart. Problem fixed.
Not really sure why or how, but bringing the phone back to factory settings seems to make it work just as fast as it worked when Modaco Ir8 4.0.2 was on it. Except now I have amazing Service signal.
I can honestly state that rooting really isn't for me especially with the notion that with every new mod that comes out you have to be flashing on a constant basis. Even though I almost lost my mind trying to figure this out, I would still rather have this approach vs Apple's walled garden approach though. Any day.
One of the reasons I like the Nexus line of phones is that it's pretty much the only Android phone that gets all the updates first and on a constant basis. Which makes it such an awesome phone in that it's also the phone that Google allows any and all capabilities to be customized. I have true respect for all the devs out there who attack this stuff daily.
Just be sure to get enough exercise in and healthy meals along with rest lol.
Jjonlife said:
Update:
Ended up coming home early from work and staying up all morning trying to figure this out. I decided on using this link first: (http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/restore-galaxy-nexus-to-stock-how-to/)
to re-lock. That took about 4 hours of troubleshooting and getting to know the lingo and terminology. Then from a combination of other youtube videos I spent another 4 hours trying to figure out how to lock the bootloader. Believe it or not the Xda link about this (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392310) saved me from losing my mind. I literally didn't go to sleep until I made sure I brought the phone back to factory settings.
After I finally got the phone back to factory settings (believe me, it wasn't fun figuring this out especially when I've never rooted before) I noticed the wifi wasn't working, or had a very weak signal. Content with the phone at least being back on factory settings and locked, I go to sleep and wake up today seeing the same issue with the wifi (mean while, I now have good signal/service...didn't even have to mess with the baseband radio config).
I restart the router in our house and power down the phone and restart. Problem fixed.
Not really sure why or how, but bringing the phone back to factory settings seems to make it work just as fast as it worked when Modaco Ir8 4.0.2 was on it. Except now I have amazing Service signal.
I can honestly state that rooting really isn't for me especially with the notion that with every new mod that comes out you have to be flashing on a constant basis. Even though I almost lost my mind trying to figure this out, I would still rather have this approach vs Apple's walled garden approach though. Any day.
One of the reasons I like the Nexus line of phones is that it's pretty much the only Android phone that gets all the updates first and on a constant basis. Which makes it such an awesome phone in that it's also the phone that Google allows any and all capabilities to be customized. I have true respect for all the devs out there who attack this stuff daily.
Just be sure to get enough exercise in and healthy meals along with rest lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
some people actually recommend factory resetting your device from the get go. i would, but i always just run with the hardware just to make sure the hardware and stress i throw at it will handle all the roms and stuff. and to exchange my phone if finding there is a problem.
Good to hear that you got it sorted out in the end
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Rooting/Flashing is great IMO for people who will never have the luxury of getting updates like Nexus phones get. Take control in your own hands on when you decide you want to update(s) etc.
I'm sure any Devs out there (like on this forum) also love tinkering. To each his own.
pukemon said:
some people actually recommend factory resetting your device from the get go. i would, but i always just run with the hardware just to make sure the hardware and stress i throw at it will handle all the roms and stuff. and to exchange my phone if finding there is a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. I def learned a lesson: Never let anyone ever root your phone for you. The guy who rooted it for me was nice enough to say I could email him for questions but the more I kept emailing him the more I could tell he was probably getting frustrated at all my worrisome questions ("I'm dropping calls", "Is it because of the rooting?", "My wifi isn't working", "is it because of the rooting?..." etc.).
Just glad to know there are tons of available options for one to seek out help when issues like this arise.
pnnorth said:
Good to hear that you got it sorted out in the end
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[ CDMA / Verizon ] question on bad signal issues..

I tired to search but unsure if I pulled CDMA 100% or not..
None the less, Im going to move over to Verizon and Im after the Nexus. I see people say the signal is bad etc etc. Im coming from the HTC evo and Ive always prety much ran AOSP roms. As we know ( or us Evo users ) the AOSP roms dont show " full " signal. But it shows actual signal. Is this the issue people are ***** about? IS this what they are talking about, in terms of bad radios etc?
AOSP roms show the true signal, but not a masked/boosted signal similar to HTC phones done, right?
The bad radio rumor isnt a bad radio, just the way AOSP roms show the signal... right?
The bar reading was jacked up a notch in 4.0.4 (2 bars of signal in 4.0.1/2 will show up as 3 or even 4), but the db reading in Settings is still correct (though, read issue #2 below). The phone is fine hardware wise. What confuses (or convinces) people are three things:
1) Some people got duds. This will be very obvious because you won't get signal even in areas where other people on VZ can connect. You need to get the phone swapped.
2) The GN has a weird way of reporting signal strength. They completely over-do the hysteresis, so if you test/compare with another phone, you have to keep the GN in one spot for 10-20 seconds before you get the same reading.
3) Software bugs in the baseband which will crash the radio interface and leave you without data for up to a minute. There also appears to be some hand-off issues that may keep you on 3G when you should be on 4G.
The GN has no worse reception than any other Verizon handset, aside from the fixable bugs in the baseband, which really aren't "reception" issues anyway.
So with what you said, all the apparent issues that are there, are fixable in terms of ROMs or official fixes? I like to tinker with my phone, but not to keep it running correctly, ya know?
Is this issue still reported on the current batch of Gnex's?
I just got my Nexus a week ago, but it has worked perfect in terms of signal and data. No dropouts. My radio is whatever it came with, but my ROM is BAMF Paradigm
mroneeyedboh said:
So with what you said, all the apparent issues that are there, are fixable in terms of ROMs or official fixes? I like to tinker with my phone, but not to keep it running correctly, ya know?
Is this issue still reported on the current batch of Gnex's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I've had fewer issues with the Galaxy Nexus than I did with the Nexus One (that phone DID have bad reception. Great call quality though) or the WinMo phone I had before that. Whenever I have connection issues, I just turn on and off airplane mode and the phone will come back and reconnect to 4G in ~15 seconds. Nothing serious beyond that.
Some people have had more serious issues, and I can't say if it was their phone or the network equipment used in their area or what. Only way to be sure is to try one out. I have little doubt that ~99% of GN users have little/no issue, but the ~1% that do have problems are vocal about them (they should be, this thing isn't cheap).
EniGmA1987 said:
I just got my Nexus a week ago, but it has worked perfect in terms of signal and data. No dropouts. My radio is whatever it came with, but my ROM is BAMF Paradigm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM has nothing to do with signal. Only the baseband matters.
ATnTdude said:
ROM has nothing to do with signal. Only the baseband matters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, if they have updated telephony, it can. For example, there are signal improvements in 4.0.4, but you must run the rom and the radios.
That said, Paradigm has made no telephony changes from aosp 4.0.3.
adrynalyne said:
Actually, if they have updated telephony, it can. For example, there are signal improvements in 4.0.4, but you must run the rom and the radios.
That said, Paradigm has made no telephony changes from aosp 4.0.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was really simplifying things since this was a non-technical question. If you go from 4.0.2 to 4.0.3+, you may have more hooks into the kernel and from there into the baseband, but jumping randomly from ROM to ROM isn't the best way to solve a signal problem. Changing the baseband is the best way, kernel the next, and finally the Android version. Basically go in order of distance from the hardware, noting that each level is significantly less likely to cure you.
ATnTdude said:
I was really simplifying things since this was a non-technical question. If you go from 4.0.2 to 4.0.3+, you may have more hooks into the kernel and from there into the baseband, but jumping randomly from ROM to ROM isn't the best way to solve a signal problem. Changing the baseband is the best way, kernel the next, and finally the Android version. Basically go in order of distance from the hardware, noting that each level is significantly less likely to cure you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After reading hundreds of posts on connectivity issues, yours is the first to bring some lucidity and sanity to the hardware issue. Now someone needs to focus on the BS from the carriers and the inadequacy of their distribution systems.

How to Increase Signal in my Apartment?

I recently moved in to a new apartment for college and unfortunately my signal is very poor while inside the building.
This is really the only place on campus that I don't get great signal unless I get close to the window and pray that my phone decides to connect.
I've briefly looked into possible solutions but wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions/opinions on what I should/ could do.
I briefly looked into the Sprint AIRAVE, which I should be able to get. However, unless I can get it for free then I really don't see it as a viable solution, especially since my contract is up soon and I can just move to another carrier.
At this point I see my options being:
1. Get the AIRAVE.
2. Purchase a 3RD party signal booster (If cheaper than Sprint one).
3. Come up with some kind of DIY solution
4. Change some things on my phone in the hope that it improves.
5. Switch to another carrier.
What do you guys suggest doing/ think is the best option?
Are there ay other options I've missed?
Current Setup on my Epic 4g:
Rom: CM9 STABLE build from 8/10
Kernal: Shadow v0.6.3.3
PRL: FC09
I suggest option #1: Call Sprint and throw a fit, and have them provide you an airave
You may be better off with option 5.
The Airave is more of a cop-out solution for Sprint and their craptastic network. However, if it works for you then by all means go with it.
I've been with them for over 10 years now and haven't seen much network improvement in my city in the last 5 years. There are big patches of dead and weak signal spots all over. Hell, I can step outside my office building and find a dead spot in one 5 foot span, then move out of that span and be in a 3-signal strength spot.
I'm waiting a bit longer to see if their network will improve in my area. Otherwise, I will most likely jump carriers.
nikon120 said:
You may be better off with option 5.
The Airave is more of a cop-out solution for Sprint and their craptastic network. However, if it works for you then by all means go with it.
I've been with them for over 10 years now and haven't seen much network improvement in my city in the last 5 years. There are big patches of dead and weak signal spots all over. Hell, I can step outside my office building and find a dead spot in one 5 foot span, then move out of that span and be in a 3-signal strength spot.
I'm waiting a bit longer to see if their network will improve in my area. Otherwise, I will most likely jump carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My family has used them for about 10 years total, with a brief break when we lived in england. I've never really had any problems with getting signal where I needed it before now. But yeah, at this point they better make a good offer if they want me to stay with them.
So I called sprint, they wanted me to go through some troubleshooting stuff and ended up asking me if I was rooted.
I had a bunch of back and forth with him and he claimed that being rooted/not on stock caused my phone to show no "vital signs" and that even if I am using the proper PRL it doesn't matter. Everything he said sounded like a bunch of policy stuff and he never gave a clear explanation of why it mattered if I am rooted. Anyways he said I could restore to stock/factory settings and then he would call me back latter and we would troubleshoot stuff.
I am going to be doing the flowing:
1. Backup everything
2. Odin back to stock (non-rooted + update)
3. Go through the troubleshooting, even though I know it won't make a difference.
4. Hopefully get the AIRAVE for free.
5. Go back to my current setup.
I've also noticed that turning 4G on may actually make a difference in signal (Since there is 4G in atlanta).
Does anyone have in thoughts about this?
Am I wrong in saying that being rooted has NO effect on connectivity?
GuidingArrow said:
So I called sprint, they wanted me to go through some troubleshooting stuff and ended up asking me if I was rooted.
I had a bunch of back and forth with him and he claimed that being rooted/not on stock caused my phone to show no "vital signs" and that even if I am using the proper PRL it doesn't matter. Everything he said sounded like a bunch of policy stuff and he never gave a clear explanation of why it mattered if I am rooted. Anyways he said I could restore to stock/factory settings and then he would call me back latter and we would troubleshoot stuff.
I am going to be doing the flowing:
1. Backup everything
2. Odin back to stock (non-rooted + update)
3. Go through the troubleshooting, even though I know it won't make a difference.
4. Hopefully get the AIRAVE for free.
5. Go back to my current setup.
I've also noticed that turning 4G on may actually make a difference in signal (Since there is 4G in atlanta).
Does anyone have in thoughts about this?
Am I wrong in saying that being rooted has NO effect on connectivity?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do anything with Sprint that involves troubleshooting, you should be on 100% stock. Also, never admit to rooting, even though there is that PDF from internal Sprint mail around these forums saying it's basically okay for customers to be rooted. It's way easier to just get back on stock and step through troubleshooting, than dealing with a script following CSR on the matter.
It takes an experienced flasher all of 3 minutes to get from stock back to previous setup or a new custom setup. So not a big deal.
Turning on 4G is an entirely different radio; hence you would have differing signal strengths from 4G to 3G.
GuidingArrow said:
I recently moved in to a new apartment for college and unfortunately my signal is very poor while inside the building.
This is really the only place on campus that I don't get great signal unless I get close to the window and pray that my phone decides to connect.
I've briefly looked into possible solutions but wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions/opinions on what I should/ could do.
I briefly looked into the Sprint AIRAVE, which I should be able to get. However, unless I can get it for free then I really don't see it as a viable solution, especially since my contract is up soon and I can just move to another carrier.
At this point I see my options being:
1. Get the AIRAVE.
2. Purchase a 3RD party signal booster (If cheaper than Sprint one).
3. Come up with some kind of DIY solution
4. Change some things on my phone in the hope that it improves.
5. Switch to another carrier.
What do you guys suggest doing/ think is the best option?
Are there ay other options I've missed?
Current Setup on my Epic 4g:
Rom: CM9 STABLE build from 8/10
Kernal: Shadow v0.6.3.3
PRL: FC09
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe try the nexus modem and see if that improves signal. Some people say it has and got rid of dropped calls. Samsung is notorious for making awful modems, but Google made the Nexus one, so it is better for me and most people who have tried it.
I know really shouldn't have admitted to being rooted but I think I kind of wanted to argue with him about it, just to see what kind of reasoning they give.
And yeah, flashing back to my previous setup shouldn't be too hard. I already know for a fact that going to stock won't solve the problem,
I'm still testing the 4G thing since I can't really confirm if it is actually boosting the signal or not.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
@xboxfanj: I thought about trying that the other day. I have to be on a CM7 rom to use it, correct?
GuidingArrow said:
I know really shouldn't have admitted to being rooted but I think I kind of wanted to argue with him about it, just to see what kind of reasoning they give.
And yeah, flashing back to my previous setup shouldn't be too hard. I already know for a fact that going to stock won't solve the problem,
I'm still testing the 4G thing since I can't really confirm if it is actually boosting the signal or not.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
@xboxfanj: I thought about trying that the other day. I have to be on a CM7 rom to use it, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now there is a patch for CM10 as well. Nothing yet on stock or CM9.
Yeah I noticed that. I tried switching to PA1.99 and using the nexus modem but it didn't have any kind of effect in my apartment.
So I odined back to stock fc09.
The Sprint rep called me back, I told him it didn't have an effect (because it didn't).
He agreed to send me the AIRAVE at no charge so I should hopefully have it in a week or so.
After I get it all setup I'll update this thread with details as to whether or not it actually solves the problem.
Now time to root my phone again...
xboxfanj said:
Now there is a patch for CM10 as well. Nothing yet on stock or CM9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting for someone to do a TW stock patch!
Sent from my PantechP4100 using xda premium
kennyglass123 said:
Waiting for someone to do a TW stock patch!
Sent from my PantechP4100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am dying for the cm9 patch!! So far aokp has given me my best setup (sorry KG, TPR is a very close 2nd!).
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
kennyglass123 said:
Waiting for someone to do a TW stock patch!
Sent from my PantechP4100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully it'll be compatible with the touchwiz framework. Does anyone know where I can find the mtd tw device source?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2
Received the AIRAVE today. Took a little bit of fiddling to get it setup right.
I now get pretty consistent signal, generally 5 full bars, throughout my apartment.
My only real complaint is that it decreases my internet download speed from over 100Mb/s to around 40Mb/s.
The decrease is unavoidable since I have to use the AIRAVE router functionality in order to have it and my computer hooked up.
However it did seem to increase my upload speed by about 5Mb/s once I increased the limit it had set by default.
It also seems to causes me to receive texts twice but that may have just been a one off thing.
Overall it has solved the issue and since it was free I can't really complain.
The double text is an occasional thing and probably will never happen again. I hooked my airave to my router instead of the modem as suggested and it works just fine and does not interfere with my throughputs.
kennyglass123 said:
I hooked my airave to my router instead of the modem as suggested and it works just fine and does not interfere with my throughputs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is how I have mine set up and it works perfect.
Mine is setup so that the AIRAVE connects to the wall and then to my laptop (it's probably hooked to a router/modem somewhere but it's dorm internet so I have no control over that).
It would probably be faster if I hooked it through a separate router but I don't really want to spend the money on one, and would need a pretty decent one since my school has one of the top 10 fastest internet connections in the country (if I had to guess number 3, behind the pentagon and google fiber).

Loss Of Signal When Wifi's In Use?

So, I've had my phone for probably about a year or maybe longer, Rooted it when I first got it, came from an Eris...I flashed a few different ROMs then kinda settled and have been out of it for quite some time now...
But I'm back...and I've got a question, back when I was flashing ROMs often, I couldn't find one that wouldn't drop network connections while using wifi/wifi tether.
Has this issue been resolved? It didn't seem like it was ever a really big issue with most, before, so when I asked about it months ago, no one said much, but I'm hoping now, with newer releases of ROMs someone will have some more info on this issue?
Thanks in advance...
p.s.
currently I'm running TSM Bullet Vivow 1.4 and haven't flashed anything for a good 8 months and I'm gettin buggy and wanna upgrade to something fancy, fast and doesn't drop service...
You need to get a update of your firmware
I'm still a newb on a lot of stuff...how do I go about doing that?
Just google
Are you referring to a radio update? Last I checked, that wasn't the issue and I tried different radios with no results
Kamikaze - I experienced this as well on Bullet, is it while you are on the phone and the call drops out for a few seconds? I think it has to do with the modified boot.img that the port uses.
This is a list of what worked without connection issues for me.
- Unoffical CM9 by Aeroevan
- Nitsuj's stock port for our phone
- Mikrunny (I think but cant remember)
Yeah, it is a problem with ROMs that are ported. The only ROM this doesn't happen on for me is Justin's stock/stock-modified ROM.
I always found that all ported ROMs worked for me because I had the latest OEM radio. But, when I had the leaked ROM for the DINC2 it said to update a radio but I didn't and the WiFi and data signals kept over writing reach other.
So, its just a thing with the radio.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app
My experience has been less than pleasant with my signal on my Inc2. I have been all over google trying to find a way to boost my signal for the Inc2. I have only had my Inc2 for a few months and just rooted a few weeks ago. Mine problem is not a result of having WiFi on/off, mine is just a week signal period (-95 dBm to -105 dBm). From what I found through my search is people modifying the back cover with foil/copper wire and tape, raising the cleaning the contacts for the antenna, which I have tried all of these as well. I am considering buying a new cover just to see if I can get a better signal as everything I have tried has failed to boost my signal. I have tried *22891 to update my PRL as well as toggling the settings from CDMA only PRL and CDMA/GSM PRL. If anyone finds the magic trick to boost signal strength I am open to other suggestions.
ThePhantom97 said:
My experience has been less than pleasant with my signal on my Inc2. I have been all over google trying to find a way to boost my signal for the Inc2. I have only had my Inc2 for a few months and just rooted a few weeks ago. Mine problem is not a result of having WiFi on/off, mine is just a week signal period (-95 dBm to -105 dBm). From what I found through my search is people modifying the back cover with foil/copper wire and tape, raising the cleaning the contacts for the antenna, which I have tried all of these as well. I am considering buying a new cover just to see if I can get a better signal as everything I have tried has failed to boost my signal. I have tried *22891 to update my PRL as well as toggling the settings from CDMA only PRL and CDMA/GSM PRL. If anyone finds the magic trick to boost signal strength I am open to other suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you s-off, and if so are you on a more recent radio?
I am s-off and I am on the 1.09.01.0312 radio.
ThePhantom97 said:
I am s-off and I am on the 1.09.01.0312 radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then I don't have any advice for you. Do you get bad data speeds or drop calls, or is it just the numbers that bother you?
gtdtm said:
Then I don't have any advice for you. Do you get bad data speeds or drop calls, or is it just the numbers that bother you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Data speeds are a bit slow but that is not really a problem as I connect to wifi most of the time. The major problem is I get grumbled voices a lot when the signal drops below -100 and I have to change rooms to continue the conversations, only a dropped call from time to time, but I get people telling me they tried to call me but my phone didn't ring and I think that is a result of the low signal strength. I think this is a hardware problem more so then a software/rom issue because a lot of people have an issue with low signal with the Inc2 I found searching on the Verizon forums. I do appreciate you taking time to inquire.
ThePhantom97 said:
My experience has been less than pleasant with my signal on my Inc2. I have been all over google trying to find a way to boost my signal for the Inc2. I have only had my Inc2 for a few months and just rooted a few weeks ago. Mine problem is not a result of having WiFi on/off, mine is just a week signal period (-95 dBm to -105 dBm). From what I found through my search is people modifying the back cover with foil/copper wire and tape, raising the cleaning the contacts for the antenna, which I have tried all of these as well. I am considering buying a new cover just to see if I can get a better signal as everything I have tried has failed to boost my signal. I have tried *22891 to update my PRL as well as toggling the settings from CDMA only PRL and CDMA/GSM PRL. If anyone finds the magic trick to boost signal strength I am open to other suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking for a lower number would prove challenging unless you are right next to a Verizon tower. I know this because at work we have one on premises and my signal goes to 40 to 60 dbm.
Of course, at home, my signal ranges from 85 to 105 dbm but experience no dropped calls.
Ever since I got my first verizon phone in 2001 the signal quality has mostly measured (on every phone) at approx 85 to 105.
And this is living in two metropolitan cities. I wouldnt give it that much thought unless you are dropping calls. Upgrading the radio is a good idea though as well as PRL after upgrading radio.
Edit: Just realized your post was answered. I would call Verizon and inform them of the call drops and ask them to log them. Could be your unit.
tincbtrar said:
Kamikaze - I experienced this as well on Bullet, is it while you are on the phone and the call drops out for a few seconds? I think it has to do with the modified boot.img that the port uses.
This is a list of what worked without connection issues for me.
- Unoffical CM9 by Aeroevan
- Nitsuj's stock port for our phone
- Mikrunny (I think but cant remember)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which rom are you referring to exactly? Link to thread would be nice Thanks!
Yeah, just an update, nothing has cured the issue, updated both firmware and radio with the lastest leak ROM when it came out last month, then switched to different CM ROMs and those were horrible with the toggling of wifi hot spot signal and mobile network, so I went back to bullet and am just living with the random toggling off of wifi/network
I had been bouncing around on alot of the ICS rom's but couldn't seem to find one that this issue was gone. I think it is kernel related.
Since I want my phone to not have this issue I went back to GB for now which for me I didn't want to but this rom works just flawless for me.
GB Sense M 5.0.1 Ext4 Version w/ Drell's #21 Kernel w/ Sense 3 Patch v5.0
Was going to try cm7.2 next since I have always liked non-sense roms.

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