[Q] Problem with Network Extender - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

I'm running into some nasty issues with dropped calls while on a network extender and would love some guidance.
First off, a few config notes:
Battery: I'm currently using a ZeroLemon extended battery with the included TPU case. I know it typically does cause a MINOR signal performance drop, but nowhere near what I'm seeing now.
ROM: This seems to occur with most ROMs. At a minimum, I've seen this on: CM 10.2.1 final, CM 11 Snapshot M3, Gummy 4.4 nightlies, Mastamoon's CM11 nightlies and the KitKang series.
Modem: Currently on VRBMF1
Network Extender: I have the 3G Model, SCS-2U01
Settings: It doesn't seem to matter if location and bluetooth are enabled or not. NFC is disabled.
Apps: I currently check signal via SignalCheck Lite.
When I'm about 3 feet from the network extender, I end up with very poor LTE signal - typically between 100 and 110 dB. When I switch down to CDMA/EVDO only, I get better signal - often 2-3 bars, and IIRC 70-80 dB - but still end up dropping calls way too often.
An example test point from 1am (so should be very low traffic and interference):
LTE -109dBM (LTE/CDMA mode, shows as 'one bar')
CDMA -56dBM (CDMA/EVDO only mode, shows as 'three bars')
1xRTT -85dBM (Connected during both CDMA and CDMA/LTE)
I suspect that I'm running into two issues:
I may be having issues with my network extender - inferference from a nearby PC (wifi is set up in a nearby room, so it's likely not the issue), too close to extender, etc. I know that two other Verizon Samsung Galaxy devices in the apartment work just fine.
The phone can't decide properly between a 'OK' network extender CDMA signal and a 'BAD' LTE signal, and when it prefers an LTE tower, the voice signal suffers for it (I know it's not VoLTE, so I'm not 100% sure what the situation here is.)
My ideal solutions would be, in order:
Everything just works - I don't have to switch LTE on/off, etc. - and I have no dropped calls, ideally talking to the network extender
Some way to swap it automatically - none of the CM hooks seem to exist right now in those builds, so instead of Tasker, etc., right now I have to do it manually. I know of at least one app (Advanced Signal Status) that can manually swap it, so there is an API of some sort...
A fairly easy way to set up wifi-based calling that works with my cell phone number - I've got a Linux server running, so I'm willing to experiment there.
I'd really like to stay on a 4.4 build if possible.
I'll update this main post with more info as I gather it.

I am having this same issue. I have tried CM 11 nightlies, Slim Kat, Carbon Rom; all Android 4.4. I'm going to flash CM 10.2 and see if it is a KitKat issue or a problem with my phone. This is very irritating as my house is a bomb shelter and I get no signal without the network extender.
--
Mooney

I think it's all because of 4g since the network extender is 3g only I have the same problem since I got 4g by my house
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Related

Fed up with 3G/HSPDA Issues!

I have been having some really annoying issues with the 3G capabilities of the Touch Cruise. I actually think it is something AT&T is doing on the network, but can't be sure. Anyone experience anything like this? Here are the symptoms:
1. The TC worked great on the 3G network when I first received it. Averaged around 700k speeds.
2. I flew across the state and the phone was unable to make or receive calls. I noticed the 3G/H symbol just fine, but no voice, no data. On a whim, I turned off the 3G and went back to Edge and everything worked fine, slower - but fine. I noticed this behavior on several subsequent trips. Coverage maps show 3G capability.
3. I've been to numerous other cities and experience varying 3G speeds, but the phone definitely works.
4. Lately I've noticed the phone almost seems to experience 3G "fatigue" by the end of the work day. In my home area where it seems to work fine, I'll look at my phone and it will either have no service, or it will not be working on 3G (no calls or e-mail). By later in the evening, it appears to be back to normal.
5. A reset will normally bring things back at least temporarily.
6. I have been trying out new ROM's and Radios posted here, but don't think they are the source of the issues. I've upgraded and downgraded with the same results.
Is this the AT&T network? Could it be with the proliferation of 3G devices, the network becomes saturated particularly by the end of the day?
More importantly, if 3G is for some reason unavailable the phone should degrade gracefully enough to allow it to continue to operate on the Edge network without any interaction by the end user.
Anybody else experiencing this behavior? Any tips? Any resolutions?
Re:
You could try to fix the GSM and 3g bands in the phone settings from automatic to your specific band. Normally that reduces ur battery usage and provides better network clarity. It might just help.
Secondly you could try the SEA 6.1 official rom as that seems to be one of the best ones so far.
I had plenty of 3G / Edge issues when i first received my TC. I spent many hours with AT&T tech support as well as a few conferrence calls with AT&T and HTC. No one was able to come up with a viable solution. Being a geek at heart I spent many hours testing roms and radios. Only a few combinations work with the AT&T edge network. My ROM is based on 18129.0.4.5 with a murata radio 1.58.21.23(must be certified murata) and has worked for me with no problems.
Hope this helps

3G AT&T Calls on Fuze: Not Reliable!

I wanted to start this thread to discuss making and receiving phone calls on AT&T's 3G network. I find that making and receiving phone calls while connected to 3g or HSDPA is very unreliable on my Fuze. The phone seems to always connect to H whenever there is any signal available, even if the signal is very low and unreliable.
I will sometimes recieve a call while connected to H and the person cannot hear me at all. I'll look at the phone to see that the H signal strength is very low. Instead of smoothly switching to Edge, the phone completely loses signal and drops the call. After having no signal for around 10 seconds, it will then reconnect to Edge and have 2 or more bars of service. Why couldn't it just switch to Edge without dropping my call? Any why hang on to an HSDPA connection if signal is unusably low?
I see other AT&T customers with 3G phones (Bold, iPhone) and they don't seem to have this same issue. Their phones can remain in 3g mode and work just fine. My only choice seems to leave 3G turned off, but switch it on when I need a fast data connection (a terrible solution).
I used to have Verizon and they just connect you to both their 3g and 2g networks at the same time, you can even see 2 signal meters on most phones. They use the 3G (EVDO) for data and 2G(1xRTT) for voice or data, when 3G is unavailable. Why can't my Fuze do the same thing on AT&T? Clearly, 3G doesn't penetrate building as well as 2G and the phone needs to use both, seamlessly, to work properly.
Just for background, I am using a Fuze with the latest EnergyROM and Radio 1.14.25.35 and matching Rilphone.dll. I have noticed this behavior with other roms and other radios also. I can't remember how stock worked since I haven't had it in such a long time.
Does anyone else notice the same behavior as me and does anyone have any ideas on how to improve the way the phone manages 3G vs Edge during phone calls?
Thanks in advance for anyone who can help me understand and resolve this problem.
different radio
Drop into the ROM section, hit the radio thread. I found better luck dumping the stock radio on the Fuze, and installed a different one.
Any particular one that you recommend? Ideally, a radio that doesn't use 3g unless signal is reasonably strong would be best. Ive tried all of the official Fuze ones without any change in the behavior I described at all. Based on your signature, it seems you are currently using the same radio as I am...
TheSopranos16 said:
Any particular one that you recommend? Ideally, a radio that doesn't use 3g unless signal is reasonably strong would be best. Ive tried all of the official Fuze ones without any change in the behavior I described at all. Based on your signature, it seems you are currently using the same radio as I am...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the newest Xperia radio (1.16.25.48) to be very satisfactory as far as signal strength goes - in fact I had more bars of 3G and dropped a lot less calls because of it. However, you need to be Security Unlocked to flash your phone with that radio. The only problem with the Xperia radio I had was the pitiful GPS accuracy.
sopranos16 where are you located? There are a few cities where users have been complaining about the 3G network. NYC/Northern NJ and San Fransisco are two that come to mind. Check on howardforums.
I'm now using a Fuze because AT&T shipped to to me to replace my Bold which will drop 5-15 calls a day in NYC. I don't believe it is a problem with the Bold, I have other lines with 3G that have problems. But this is the solution they offered so I'll try it.
You cal also check the at&t support forums as there are plenty of complaints there too. I just got the fuze and haven't really tried it yet. See what happens on Monday.
I'm located in central New Jersey: Monmouth County. Edge coverage is pretty good but 3G tends to always have a weaker signal strength and occasionally drops out, especially indoors.
Well the first day in lower Manhattan and not one dropped call. I'll let you know what happens later in the week.
bump
soprano, did you try the xperia radio? Let us know, I have had this issue for a while now...and your explanation was on the head.
Think I may just go ahead and security unlock my phone.

in Europe right now & wifi is weak on SGS3?

Wife's RAZR sees the hotels wifi 3 stories up just fine & yet I can't see **** on my SGS3!
Even on ground floor I cannot see or connect to the hotel!
Don't use wifi much in states so now I'm wondering does the wifi radio suck in the SGS3?
Having to BT tether is painful.
Anyone else who regularly uses wifi confirm or deny sucky wifi in this phone?
My Wi-Fi signal reception in the US is similar to other devices (iPad, transformer tf 101, old captivate, and thunderbolt).
Are you on any special kernel?
Wi-Fi in Europe has slightly different defaults (channel wise), could be that the phone isn't optimized for that. On other devices, I had custom Rom that let you select region for Wi-Fi optimization
must be the curvature of the earth.
Yes WiFi sucks on this device.......downright terrible. All other devices get full WiFi in my living room from my router downstairs. This phone barely gets a bar. Had to get a WiFi extender to be able to use my WiFi. My wife's is the same as mine. Samsung really screwed up some major aspects of this phone.

HTC One S Signal Fix?

I have an unlocked HTC One S that has major signal issues. When the phone boots, there's no service for a few minutes before it decides to actually kick in. WiFi and everything seemed to not work but after putting it into "Best Wi-Fi Performance" mode it seems have resolved. But the cellular signal drops constantly. I've read that this is quite the common issue with these phones and am wondering how they are so popular if this is the case. Regardless, has anyone discovered the reason for the issue or some sort of jimmy rig to fix this issue?
Phenomin said:
I have an unlocked HTC One S that has major signal issues. When the phone boots, there's no service for a few minutes before it decides to actually kick in. WiFi and everything seemed to not work but after putting it into "Best Wi-Fi Performance" mode it seems have resolved. But the cellular signal drops constantly. I've read that this is quite the common issue with these phones and am wondering how they are so popular if this is the case. Regardless, has anyone discovered the reason for the issue or some sort of jimmy rig to fix this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please mention your hboot , radio , Rom.
I'm having a similar problem. Occasionally I get a signal strength of 2 billion dBm. (255 asu)
What seems to be alleviating a lot of it is a set of mods to build.prop.
ro.ril.fast.dormance.rule=1
ro.ril.gprsclass=1
ro.ril.hsdpa.category=1
ro.ril.hsupa.category=1
ro.ril.hsxpa=2
These settings are the absolute slowest possible, but they do seem to be improving the connection quality.
Same problem to me. I have a new S4 from 2 days, bought "refurbished" from aliexpress at a good price. It's new, looks great but signal and in call audio quality is weak.
Phone works good on "GSM only". If i set GSM/WCDMA, I lose signal and phone stops itself.
I started with stock 4.0.3, phone stops itself.
Updated to 4.0.4, phone doesn't stop but no signal with WCDMA enabled.
Then I unkocked, rooted and tried Miui V5 (4.1), same problems.
After installing Maximus HD, I had signal also with GSM/WCDMA, but immediately I installed newer firmware and signal was lost. (Works only on "GSM only").
Tried also Beanstalk, CM11, MagioRom, SourcE, Slim kat. No signal with GSM/WCDMA.
I don't know if works with Maximus with older firmware, or it was only a coincidence. Don't know what firmware was at that moment.
Went to a bigger city and 3g worked excellent.
Returned back to home, no signal with 3g enabled.
I guess my phone is weak at signal.

Weird issues with my phone after Android 8.0 update

So, to start... My phone is 100% stock, no aftermarket anything or custom anything. After the most recent update to the OS a week or so ago, I'm noticing weird stuff, see below. Anyone have any suggestions? No changes were made to the phone, no weird apps installed, etc.
- Battery drains significantly faster. At 85% it's saying I have 12 hours of battery life.
- Wifi drops outside, despite being only 15 feet from my router. This never happened before.
- Phone will not consistently connect to my Sprint Airave (mini cell tower, Google it). Generally will have one bar of LTE rather than full bars of 3G while on wifi.
Backup everything and reset the phone. Start from scratch. Latest CRC builds are better than 1st CRAP build.
Feedback later.
Good luck
Haven't done the reset yet, but I think the issue with the Sprint repeater is that the Sprint device only runs on 3G, which is fine since at home I'm on wifi. The phone seems to want to connect to the one bar of LTE that I have rather than that. Is there a way to force it to only look for 3G connections instead of LTE? Under the Connections > Mobile Networks section of the settings menu, I don't see it. I recall seeing it there before on this device and other devices.

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