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[App Idea] GSM/WCDMA Switcher

Hey guys,
As the radio stack is the second cause of battery draining after the display, I was thinking about a way to save battery life by reducing the impact of the 3G connection. Most of the energy saving apps on the market are only disconnecting the phone from the APN, but this isn't a great solution as each app could be set to update at different times and thus being unable to download data even if the user sets some exceptions. So I thought that an application which operates in the following way could be great to save power:
- The phone uses the 3G network while the screen is on;
- It switches to 2G when phone is in standby mode;
- It disconnects the APN data connection while the phone is using a WiFi Network;
Obviously to avoid possible issues during the switch between 2G and 3G the following rules are applied:
- If there's an incoming call or a phone call is being performed, there won't be any radio switch until the phone call is ended;
- If there's an incoming SMS/MMS, there won't be any radio switch until the text message is fully received.
Unfortunately as I'm not a Java developer I can't code anything like this. But let me know what you guys think about my idea and if it's technically feasible... Maybe some developer could be interested into further exploring my thoughts and will try to create such an app
Cheers

I'm not a developer but I think it sounds like a great idea. I go into settings and switch it to 2g when I'm in spotty areas outside of town. I have to work a bit to keep my N1 battery alive all day...

Hello I'm new here.
I don't know if your suggested profiles are the best case scenarios. You would need to calculate your data throughput, not just the radio power.
If you need to send 100 packets, your radio would be on the longest for edge > 3g > wifi. So, even though wifi uses the most power, it would be for a much shorter duration.
A profile for "place calls only" would work somewhat like airplane mode, but still keep track of towers. Your phone just wouldn't register on the network unless you wanted to place a call. You would miss your incoming calls, have no data connection, or sms. But, you could have it check at an interval for voicemail or sms. This would be most useful for "ringer off" situations like class or meeting.

Afaik Android is always connected to the APN even if the phone is not downloading anything, consuming a lot of battery power. On other platforms, i.e. Windows Mobile, the connection can be terminated by user and re-established when an app needs that.
The amount of data downloaded by widgets, Google mobile applications or apps which operates in background like eBuddy or Facebook should be quite low, so downloading the required data by using GSM or WCDMA while the phone is in standby would be pretty much the same. The only difference is that downloading stuff using GSM/EDGE should take much less energy power.
So that's why I thought about the app I described before: the phone can save a lot of energy power while in standby and be back to its full horsepower when there is any kind of user intervention. Pretty much the same thing that the system already does for CPU usage. It scales to the less consuming protocol (or, in the case of CPU, frequency and voltage) to save power

I know on the google api it isn't possible to do this, but I don't think that isn't the problem.
At the moment you have 3 options. GSM only, WCDMA only and GSM/WCDMA. Whenever you switch between the 3 of them, the phone will lose signal for 10 seconds before it can find the best network. So the switcher here is not the best as you will lose connection, and what if you are downloading something at the same time...
What you need is when the phone is on GSM/WCDMA that it knows the best network to pick from depending on the phones lifecycle. GSM/WCDMA loses battery power because it always tries to find the best network to connect to, so for example if you are on GSM it will constantly try to find a 3G network etc (as far as I understand it).
What we need is the ability for the phone to stay on GSM when the phone is idle and then when the phone is woken up to automatically start to search for a WCDMA network and then gracefully switch over like it does now. For this I have no idea if it is possible as I don't know how the scanning of the network works. If it is possible then that would be wicked. But this is what we need.

my preference would be if the phone would stay on 3g as long as any possible even if there would be a more reliable 2g connection and only switch to 2g if there really is no way to connect to 3g. turn of apn if the screen us turned of for longer then 1 or 2 minutes and only check every 15 minutes or so.
most of the time I'm on 3g only mode . since I live in a city I got good coverage almost all over the city. only problem is that when there is no 3g available also my phone is unreachable. I don't really miss data connectivity when there is no 3g since 2g is so slow that I rather have no internet at all but not being sale to be called or texted is a major disadvantage...
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Phones switches to 2g during call - (3G) data is disabled

Hi everyone, I'm running Android 2.3.4 (OpenSoju Rom) on my Nexus S,
but the issue i'm going to describe has happened to me on other Roms and
even on my old Nexus One.
When the phone is idle, 3G data works great (also when using apps that
require an internet connection), but when I receive a call,
after a minute or two, the 3G icon disappears from the notification
bar and the phone data connectivity is lost - no connection to the internet.
I've asked around and someone told me it is because the phone switches to
2G network during the call and when in the phone is in 2G mode, during a call
there is no data (on a 2G network).
I know that in the past this behavior did not occur, and in my country
when in 3G during a call - data is enabled!
So does anyone know how to fix/change the setting that causes this behavior?
'cause, for me, sometimes I really need the data connection during a call,
for example, when navigating using Waze (which needs data connectivity),
and receiving a call it causes Waze to stop working and I lose my GPS direction.
Thanks.

Use to work for me too. Then i noticed when AT&T started saying the had talk and web at same time, mysteriously it started doing what is happening to you. And i have Sprint, unless you switch to at&t you might be waiting for awhile.
guys234 said:
Hi everyone, I'm running Android 2.3.4 (OpenSoju Rom) on my Nexus S,
but the issue i'm going to describe has happened to me on other Roms and
even on my old Nexus One.
When the phone is idle, 3G data works great (also when using apps that
require an internet connection), but when I receive a call,
after a minute or two, the 3G icon disappears from the notification
bar and the phone data connectivity is lost - no connection to the internet.
I've asked around and someone told me it is because the phone switches to
2G network during the call and when in the phone is in 2G mode, during a call
there is no data (on a 2G network).
I know that in the past this behavior did not occur, and in my country
when in 3G during a call - data is enabled!
So does anyone know how to fix/change the setting that causes this behavior?
'cause, for me, sometimes I really need the data connection during a call,
for example, when navigating using Waze (which needs data connectivity),
and receiving a call it causes Waze to stop working and I lose my GPS direction.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App

Wifi Calling/SMS over wifi --issues and solution.

I have had a crazy time both with wifi calling remaining connected (suffered sudden drops), and further SMS over wifi seemed spotty at best.
Part of this was caused by either a bad SIM card, or deletions of stock apps and/or services...which now have been fixed.
At the moment everything is working fine. Don't know if this will affect anyone, but I thought I would just add to the library of knowledge.
First, once I got wifi-calling working (meaning the status bar icon was no longer red), I started to read the log files and realized that every time the wifi was reset, wifi calling would not consistently restart.
What I have realized is that wifi-calling and SMS are dependent on TMOs mobile network via wifi. However, any internet connection is simply that...and any apps you have like FB or Google Voice will work with that wifi internet connection. Conversely,the TMO wifi-calling service/app either connects on a different layer (such as the IP layer) or uses some unusual node-based connection to traverse the 802.11 frequency, over your ISP's and other networks to arrive at the TMO servers which then are linked into the mobile network. You can see this by downloading an app that triangulates and provides tower locations nearby or gives you other mobile network data (i.e., CID, etc)... That data is either not decipherable by the app trying to get this data, or one gets unusual info when compared to non-wifi calling. Bottom line is that there are two separate signals being carried by the wifi: "data" and "mobile wifi calling" and they are completely different.
Another example of proof: if you are having difficulty with SMS using your wifi internet connection, try sending the SMS via Google Voice. If you have an internet connection, it will go through immediately. But regular SMS has problems if wifi-calling is not working correctly.
And one of the biggest culprits of this is wifi fixer or other similar wifi connection apps. Although it's only a guess, the "scan" these apps do are likely a simple ping to determine status of the DATA connection.
I shut off wifi fixer (but left it as a widget to use as needed), and I have perfect wifi calling and SMS.
Whatever criteria wifi fixer apps use when deciding to reset or reassociate the wifi connection is not reflective of the integrity of your connection using wifi calling. In fact wifi calling may partially interfere with your data connection which will typically trigger a reset by wifi fixer.
From now on, if I am planning on simply surfing the web and my wifi signal is less than optimum, I will turn on wifi fixer. Otherwise it just tears down wifi calling connection.
Hope this is of use.
Syntropic
Sent from my HTC One-S (rooted), stock ROM

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have an issue where over time Wifi calling disconnects even though wifi is still working. I have to re-toggle wifi to get Wifi calling back. It's very annoying.

Talk to NRGZ28... I think Energy ROM had a fix for that I'm the Amaze 4G Energy ROM
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda premium

syntropic said:
I have had a crazy time both with wifi calling remaining connected (suffered sudden drops), and further SMS over wifi seemed spotty at best.
Part of this was caused by either a bad SIM card, or deletions of stock apps and/or services...which now have been fixed.
Sent from my HTC One-S (rooted), stock ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although there have been occasional exceptions, it's unusual for a wifi call on my H1s to last longer than about a minute before dropping off/disconnecting. When this happens, the call time counter changes back to say "Dialing." Of course, there is no dialing, just dead silence. There are no other signs of a problem, no error messages, no indicator icons, etc. On the same wifi network I can make long uninterrupted calls with our older MyTouch 4G - no issues at all with wifi calling.
I'm running unrooted, locked, stock ROM (for now). I don't think I've removed any apps and I think the only wifi-related app I've used is Wifi Analyzer. Could you offer suggests on how to debug this? The firmware update didn't give any improvements. Should I ask Tmo to provide a new SIM card?
Thanks -

esnittle said:
Although there have been occasional exceptions, it's unusual for a wifi call on my H1s to last longer than about a minute before dropping off/disconnecting. When this happens, the call time counter changes back to say "Dialing." Of course, there is no dialing, just dead silence. There are no other signs of a problem, no error messages, no indicator icons, etc. On the same wifi network I can make long uninterrupted calls with our older MyTouch 4G - no issues at all with wifi calling.
I'm running unrooted, locked, stock ROM (for now). I don't think I've removed any apps and I think the only wifi-related app I've used is Wifi Analyzer. Could you offer suggests on how to debug this? The firmware update didn't give any improvements. Should I ask Tmo to provide a new SIM card?
Thanks -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the first thing I would suggest is a factory reset. This being the most simple option given your phone is not rooted and on stock. The strange part of this is the "Dialing" instead of the normal keypad (which typically reverts when a call is disconnected).
As far as a SIM card, do you ever get any SIM card errors? Like "ER05" or "REV99"?
These are typically the errors of faulty cards or a bad wifi signal. Check out an app called Network Signal Info....it will tell you the strength of the wifi signal compared to the mobile network (although its not always reliable).
Let me know what a factory reset does. All of your apps will be restored by google (and their are apps to modify this restore as well).
Sent from my HTC One-S (rooted), stock ROM

syntropic said:
Well the first thing I would suggest is a factory reset. This being the most simple option given your phone is not rooted and on stock. The strange part of this is the "Dialing" instead of the normal keypad (which typically reverts when a call is disconnected).
As far as a SIM card, do you ever get any SIM card errors? Like "ER05" or "REV99"?
These are typically the errors of faulty cards or a bad wifi signal. Check out an app called Network Signal Info....it will tell you the strength of the wifi signal compared to the mobile network (although its not always reliable).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't reset yet, want to test a little more.
I've never gotten a SIM card error. The unexpected "Dialing" with the End Call button still showing is the only indication something is off.
Tonight I ran a few tests calling between our 2 Android phones in the same room, same wifi. 3 calls 1S to MT4G: 2 were perfect and lasted several minutes, while the middle call disconnected after less than a minute. 3 calls MT4G to 1S: all 3 went directly to voicemail, the 1S didn't even ring. Now I recall that's been a complaint before - that calls to me go straight to voicemail when I've been on wifi calling.

esnittle said:
Didn't reset yet, want to test a little more.
I've never gotten a SIM card error. The unexpected "Dialing" with the End Call button still showing is the only indication something is off.
Tonight I ran a few tests calling between our 2 Android phones in the same room, same wifi. 3 calls 1S to MT4G: 2 were perfect and lasted several minutes, while the middle call disconnected after less than a minute. 3 calls MT4G to 1S: all 3 went directly to voicemail, the 1S didn't even ring. Now I recall that's been a complaint before - that calls to me go straight to voicemail when I've been on wifi calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure wifi-calling is on? Do you have the blue icon in the status bar?
Sometimes this isn't on, even though wifi is on and you are making a call.. Not sure if that is intentional or not.
Just in case... The switch is in settings> more (under wireless and network buttons)
Sent from my HTC One-S (rooted), stock ROM

syntropic said:
Are you sure wifi-calling is on? Do you have the blue icon in the status bar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, it's on.
Just to be clear, the H1S has received calls when wifi calling is on, it's just sometimes that they go directly to vm. For example, as I'm typing the phone just received a wifi call and is handling it fine, hasn't dropped after 3 minutes.
NO CONSISTENCY, BUT USUALLY DOESN'T WORK.

A factory reset did not fix the problem.

[Q] I727 3g problem, good signal but no call and data (ask for help from germany)

Hi guys,
I have a i727 skyrocket use in Germany. (unlock phone)
The network provider is Vodafone.de.
The phone works fine if you only use it in 2G network both call and data. (stock rom by using *#2263# or *#*#4636#*#*, CM9 rom by select 2g only, or *#*#4636#*#*)
But when I turn it to 3g network, problem happened. (both in WCDMA only or WCDMA preferred)
It appears like, when you power on/restart the phone, at first you can see 4G (stock) or H+/H/3G (CM9) icon and the data arrows flash. At this period you can make calls or browse website. But after maybe 30 seconds or 1 minute, when 4G or H icon gets stable. Then you can’t make calls out and if you use another phone to call it, the voice tells you the number you called can not be connected. And also the data was stopped; the browse shows network problem/times out or the same kinds of notice.
Then I use “GSM Signal Monitoring”, try to find out some regular patterns. I found when the signal switch from one base station to another, at first the phone functions is ok, and later when the signal is stable, the phone dead, and maybe several minutes after, when the phone switch to another station, the phone function works again, then about 30 seconds later, dead again. But in all this periods the signal is quite good. (around -60~-80 dBm)
At first I think maybe is the problem about RADIO.
So I try to flash many different RADIOs (T989, T989D, I727R, I757M, I9210, I9210T, E120K, E120S both from stock 2.3 or 4.0 and both with or without RIP), but they all didn’t solve the problem.
And also I try different ROMs (stock 2.3, 4.0; I727R 2.3, 4.0; T989 4.0, CM9; CM10), and the combination with the radios above, but still didn’t work.
Then I noticed some threads about the fast dormancy, I have tried to turn the fast dormancy off or on. But still didn’t work.
Also I noticed about different 3G data forms (HSPA+, HSUPA, HSDPA, UTMS), then I used *#301279# on stock rom to fix the 3g data form in only one kind or only use UTMS, but still didn’t work.
And later I found it is not about the data connection, it is only about the 3G network no matter about the data is on or off, when you switched to WCDMA, then, when the signal stable, you can’t make calls out or receive calls in, and even the signal bar seems great from the begin to the end.Another thing is if you making a call at the first “alive” period, then before you hang up the phone, it all works. Also if you use some online radio software keep the data flow, and the phone will not “dead”, only when the phone is idle, and later after sometime, the signal “dead”.
And the SIM card works fine in other phones in 3G network.
I have tried this in my home and office. In the office the signal always switched to different stations, so it looks a little better. But at home, the signal always stays in one or two stations, so it much easier to see when signal stable, the phone dead.
This problem confused me already 1 month, I tried everything I found and everything I can image. But everything didn’t work. At this moment, I only can use it under 2G networks.:crying::crying::crying:
I am sorry about my English; I try to explain these clearly.
Really hope someone can help me.

If you already posted this in the Q&A section then why post in general?

[Q] i727 shows good cell signal cannot receive and place calls

I have i727 (formerly on AT&T network now airvoice wireless which are pretty much the same)
which is unlocked and upgraded to Android Jelly Bean
Sporadically yet almost every day it at times
shows good cell signal but cannot receive and place calls
tried "booost signal" app
turning on/off airplane mode
various network modes selectable through *#*#4636#*#*
nothing helps!!
except restarting but even that sometimes needs to be repeated a couple of times
please help!