Project WIFI - Cellular to Wifi Solutions - General Topics

I wanted to start a thread to be a collective of solutions this community has been developing to use cell phones and cellular solutions to provide WIFI to homes and small businesses. I have ready many posts and solutions for this but have not been able to find a collective that contains multiple solutions across various cellular providers, cellular equipment and hard ware solutions.
I want to thank all the mods/devs and individuals who have contributed to this site. I have been hanging around these boards for quite a few years now and have rooted, reprogrammed and installed quite a few ROMs on phones since the late 90s early 2000's and the information that I get here is always helpful. I dont even think I have posted but a handful of times because 99% of the time if you do the work the answers are already there.
I have gone from full-timing in an RV travelling the country for over 4 years to now living in the mountains of Washington State in the US and getting data services has always been a challenge. I have been working through Cellular to WIFI projects for the past 6 years or so.
I am certain many people hanging out in these parts have a same or similar project and I thought this General Topics forum would be a good place to start these discussions as it is not pertinent to a specific phone, carrier or device.
If there is already another thread supporting this somewhere on XDA or if this is the wrong sub-forum to post this in please feel free to move this or post a link to the other thread.
Thanks.

I have been a SPRINT customer since the 90s and have had the account forever. I have also used Verizon, T-Mobile and ATT over the years but have maintained the Sprint account and my current challenges are with the acquisition of Sprint by T-Mobile. My hardware for the home WIFI is currently as follows -
1. Cellular Device - SPRINT Samsung Note 8 with a T-Mobile SIM. Currently using a 2nd APN with DUN for the unlimited tethering. This has worked flawlessly with Sprint but since switching to a T-Mobile SIM (Regretfully as now I wished I had waited longer more on that in a minute) it has been more challenging. Still working as of today anyways. Seems like T-Mobile pushes updates to its towers and devices almost weekly these days.
2. Router - GL-iNet Travel Router (GL-AR750S). Basically stock at this point. I have tried installing WRT and got it working on this device but had a performance issue and haven't really had time to play with it so I am back to stock and it is working well at this point.
3. Repeater - ASUS RP-AC55 - Not the best but it was cheap and does what it is supposed to. I have reverted to the base firmware version that shipped with this device 3.0.0.4.382_15250 as that has the best performance network wise compared to the newer versions of firmware for this model.
I am in a pretty remote location but was lucky in that I have direct line of site to the one cell tower in our little town just over a mile and a half from the house. The cell phone sits in a window facing the tower and while I used to get downloads of close to 100mb and uploads in the 20mb range when I was on the SPRINT network, T-Mobile has since cobbled all the LTE bands here and the best I can get for downloads is T-mobile B2 (1895mhz up and 1975mhz down) with 40mb download and 1mb upload but I am typically on Band 25 (1912.5mhz up, 1992.5mhz Down) with 15mb upload and <10mb for upload speeds as I need the upload bandwidth for work. So much for T-Mobile bringing faster speeds to the Rural areas.
With the setup I have we cover the entire house and just about half an acre outdoors. Some areas with better performance than others. All of the outdoor space (2+ acres) is covered with cellular connectivity as well and I just make sure I have wifi in areas where we would sit outside and use a laptop. We use about 300gb of data a month on the WIFI (I have 4 teens in the house with mobile phones) and it works well. Lately T-Mobile has enforced the default APN and while you can still add a second APN with DUN, as of this month it takes a little bit of finagling to get the 2nd APN to take after you hit your hotspot cap for the month. This is the first time in 6 years I have had an issue with getting the APN to take and I have also noticed that now the option to turn off the default APN is grayed out.
Im currently looking to replace the Note 8 with a device that can be rooted so I can find an alternate solution for the wifi tethering. Starting to look at possible 5G devices. I honestly wouldn't mind using T-Mobiles unlimited wifi device but that is not currently available here in the mountains and not sure it will be anytime soon. The only other solution where I live to get internet access is either DISH network or a DSL line from the local phone company. Both of which average less than 3mb up/down.
Interested to see what others are using for solutions to get WIFI to remote locations.

Reserved**

Related

Crowd Sourced Coverage Maps

I've created an Android (for now - maybe other platforms in the future) application called Coverage Mapper (http://www.coveragemapper.com), available in the Market. It logs signal strength data while you're moving around, uploads it to my server, and generates maps.
It started in the WIND Mobile on hofo, because WIND is a new cell carrier, so their coverage isn't as broad or consistent as carriers that have been around for decades.
Take a look at the website and the maps, and if you want to try it out, download the app and turn it on the next time you go driving around.
Also, it only works for GSM-based phones for now.
Keep in mind, it's still what I would consider a beta application, but I think most of the serious issues have been eliminated.
There are several similar apps out there, none of them particularly fit into the same niche... This is pretty cool sounding though, I will run it.
As with most apps I assume that one needs to be on 2G for it to reliably work? I still don't understand this limitation, as I used several cell tracking programs in Windows Mobile on 3G, but 2-3 similar things in Android read weird data if on 3G.
I haven't used it yet, but is there any tracking of cell tower locations and estimations of those tower locations based on signal and GPS location? Ideally as it gets more data, the estimation is updated. I ask because there's a tower near my wifes old workplace that has eluded me and it drives me nuts not knowing where the thing is. Otherwise I know where all of the towers are in town from previous mapping, but back to your app would be interesting to see the actual coverage.
EDIT: So far in the maps I only see "road coverage", no interpolation of area coverage. And the terms? Tsk..
khaytsus said:
There are several similar apps out there, none of them particularly fit into the same niche... This is pretty cool sounding though, I will run it.
As with most apps I assume that one needs to be on 2G for it to reliably work? I still don't understand this limitation, as I used several cell tracking programs in Windows Mobile on 3G, but 2-3 similar things in Android read weird data if on 3G.
I haven't used it yet, but is there any tracking of cell tower locations and estimations of those tower locations based on signal and GPS location? Ideally as it gets more data, the estimation is updated. I ask because there's a tower near my wifes old workplace that has eluded me and it drives me nuts not knowing where the thing is. Otherwise I know where all of the towers are in town from previous mapping, but back to your app would be interesting to see the actual coverage.
EDIT: So far in the maps I only see "road coverage", no interpolation of area coverage. And the terms? Tsk..
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It works fine for me on 2G and 3G. I don't know why something wouldn't work on 3G.
I am logging the cell's LAC and Cell ID, but I'm not doing anything with the data yet.
For now, all you'll see are the paths people have travelled. The data is all accurate (i.e. no interpolation). I could probably add another layer to guess actual coverage, but one of the purposes of this app was to show carriers where dead spots are. There are definitely areas with a bad signal where a few hundred metres in all directions, you have a great signal. I don't want to interpolate a good signal in spots like that
Related to your tower issue, however, can you not get a list from the FCC? I know in Canada, all that data is public, and updated monthly, allowing things like http://www.candiancow.com/wind
Wow what an awesome Idea! Great way for us to get really accurate coverage maps! Thanks!
If you would consider making it store the data offline and sync it when in wifi range I'd probably install it.
I do not have a dataplan, so 2G/3G would be a bit too costly
minus30 said:
If you would consider making it store the data offline and sync it when in wifi range I'd probably install it.
I do not have a dataplan, so 2G/3G would be a bit too costly
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It does do that...
Does anyone use this now? Its been a year now.
I just found this app now (Late to the party) but have already started running it.
Only question i have is I am on Virgin mobile and not sure if my data will appear properly on the map (runs off Sprint Network)
ja5219 said:
Does anyone use this now? Its been a year now.
I just found this app now (Late to the party) but have already started running it.
Only question i have is I am on Virgin mobile and not sure if my data will appear properly on the map (runs off Sprint Network)
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I also replied to your email, but for the benefit of everyone else:
CDMA devices are notoriously bad at reporting their network ID. About half do it, and half don't. There are a bunch of hard-coded conversions to get it working for some devices/networks, but I'll try to get it working for yours later this week.

Opinions Sought - Stay With Sprint SERO, or Jump to AT&T MVNO

I've had Sprint SERO for years. I live in the SF Bay Area, and even though the coverage is bad (it ALWAYS drops calls on the Bay Bridge), and the data is slow in most place, it's only $59 per month (with taxes, etc.). Of course, I've always had the hope that it will get better. Those hopes have now been bolstered by the Softbank deal.
Now that I have a Nexus 5 that can be used on multiple carriers, as a test, I got an AT&T Straight Talk SIM ($45 per month) and have been using that for a few days. It's night and day - calls go through and don't drop, data is fast - it's RELIABLE! Although Straight Talk has gotten (deservedly) bad rap for throttling, recently they changed their policy and published a 2.5 GB limit at which point you get throttled. That's enough for me, and, in the rare case that I go over before the end of the month, I can pay the next month's $45 early and get a new 2.5 GB. And, if ST goes bad, there's always AIO or other AT&T MVNOs.
But, I'm reluctant to switch. If Sprint really does get a good LTE network going and I can use unlimited data to watch Netflix without worry, that would be a nice thing. And, once I cancel the SERO plan, there's no going back.
Of course I've hung on for years because I thought Sprint would get better, and it never has. But, with my luck, the month after I cancel my SERO plan Sprint will improve 1000%.
Any thoughts? I can't be the only person going through this.
(I use Google Voice so the (perhaps) temporary change of carrier is not notice by people that call me, except there is no MMS.)
I just dumped Sprint and paid a $140 ETF. It was worth it friend. I did not have the SERO deal, but I now know what it's like to have real phone service. I switched to a Go Phone plan and could not be happier. Living in NYC and being with sprint was BEYOND painful. Each morning, I would try to listen to NPR on my way to work. It would take forever for the stream to get going on LTE and when we would reach a spot in my commute where it had to hand off to 3g, the stream would just die. I would then have to toggle airplane mode until I finally found a usable signal. So yeah, now that I have Go Phone as my provider, even on 3G I can stream my liberal news to my hearts content. Not to mention, that I have LTE almost everywhere I go with actual LTE speeds. Dump those suckers.
AliLaPointe said:
I just dumped Sprint and paid a $140 ETF. It was worth it friend. I did not have the SERO deal, but I now know what it's like to have real phone service. I switched to a Go Phone plan and could not be happier. Living in NYC and being with sprint was BEYOND painful. Each morning, I would try to listen to NPR on my way to work. It would take forever for the stream to get going on LTE and when we would reach a spot in my commute where it had to hand off to 3g, the stream would just die. I would then have to toggle airplane mode until I finally found a usable signal. So yeah, now that I have Go Phone as my provider, even on 3G I can stream my liberal news to my hearts content. Not to mention, that I have LTE almost everywhere I go with actual LTE speeds. Dump those suckers.
Click to expand...
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No car radio?
More seriously, how many GB do you have from Gophone - and can you listen to NPR and not burn up all your GB?
Go to s4gru, donate a couple bucks and look at the map for your area.
Maybe read a little and educate yourself on how sprint is improving their network.
After you do that you can make an informed decision based on facts rather then asking for opinions here.
---------- Post added at 09:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 PM ----------
AliLaPointe said:
I just dumped Sprint and paid a $140 ETF. It was worth it friend. I did not have the SERO deal, but I now know what it's like to have real phone service. I switched to a Go Phone plan and could not be happier. Living in NYC and being with sprint was BEYOND painful. Each morning, I would try to listen to NPR on my way to work. It would take forever for the stream to get going on LTE and when we would reach a spot in my commute where it had to hand off to 3g, the stream would just die. I would then have to toggle airplane mode until I finally found a usable signal. So yeah, now that I have Go Phone as my provider, even on 3G I can stream my liberal news to my hearts content. Not to mention, that I have LTE almost everywhere I go with actual LTE speeds. Dump those suckers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no you can only stream 2.5gb worth assuming you do not use data for anything else.
lafester said:
Go to s4gru, donate a couple bucks and look at the map for your area.
Maybe read a little and educate yourself on how sprint is improving their network.
After you do that you can make an informed decision based on facts rather then asking for opinions here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may sound stupid, but what exactly is the different between s4gru map and the one from Sprint? That said, I look at the Sprint LTE map before and the current Sprint LTE signal is weak. There are many area in LA county(not city) that even though it show LTE on the map but I only have 3G. And yes Sprint 3G is suck. That said, I'm looking forward to try the Spark(tri-band LTE), which as far as I'm concern, most of the place I'll be around had good WiMax. So if things goes smoothly(meaning I'll have LTE signal like I used to have when I got WiMax), I will be happy to stay w/ Sprint SERO-P. Then again, this is my experience. My term w/ Sprint isn't up yet anyway. So, I will use it and try Spark when I have Nexus 5 until the term is over then decide.
I am in the same boat, no LTE in my town but I am supposed to have LTE at work in Midtown Manhattan. I get an LTE signal on my N5 with Sprint at work but when I do a speedtest I am getting .25Mbps down and like .01 up. I hear Verizon is no better in Midtown and now that they have publicly admitted it, they are not even a consideration. So that leaves ATT or Tmobile, I will not go with Tmo so that leaves ATT. Went to an ATT store on Park Ave close to my office and ran a speedtest on one of their display LG G2s and only got between 1-2mbps down.
So none of the carriers are good for me now in Midtown, but ATT and Verizon would be good at my house, but I am on wifi at my house so coverage at work is more important. I have been waiting and waiting for Sprint and I know their LTE network is going to be great when it finally gets here, but when will that be? How long can you wait and keep paying them for crap service, it is very frustrating.
I agree that you should do some research on S4gru, but that will only take you so far. Sprint was promising a great network back in the Wimax days and that stuff fell apart. They then promised LTE and I have been having spotty coverage for more than a year. I'm really happy after my switch to Go Phone. No issues here. Also, nowhere near to close on my data allotment. I dont use a car radio because, well, I live in NYC and take public transit.
AliLaPointe said:
I agree that you should do some research on S4gru, but that will only take you so far. Sprint was promising a great network back in the Wimax days and that stuff fell apart. They then promised LTE and I have been having spotty coverage for more than a year. I'm really happy after my switch to Go Phone. No issues here. Also, nowhere near to close on my data allotment. I dont use a car radio because, well, I live in NYC and take public transit.
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Click to collapse
Maps can only take you so far. For example, the maps show a strong signal (Sprint calls it "Best" voice signal at my house, and calls constantly drop. There are other places on the maps where a strong signal is shown and the calls always drop. The fact that in the entire course of its existence Sprint has not been able to figure out (or hasn't bothered to figure out) how to not drop calls consistently for people driving across the Bay Bridge is amazing. There are places on the map where strong data coverage is shown and the data is so slow as to be unusable.
So, the real thrust of my question was whether Sprint is going to change its spots and have consistent and reliable service, not whether it can show a map which covers a large area but in reality is full of holes.
I'm sure there are a lot of us in this position.
I have this n5 with two SIMs two, AT&T works great just about everywhere I go, Sprint , junk. And now that LTE won't work at all until the 3G/4G towers have been fully completed, more bad news, from bad planning by Sprint.
I like the Google voice integration with Sprint, and my number is not eligible to be ported to Google voice.
It seems that Sprint is always promising a better service is just around the corner. They're doing this again with this 'spark' talk, which really won't do much.
They should their time implementing LTE 1900 Mhz, before they get ahead of themselves and offering LTE 2500 Mhz too, they need to walk before they can run.
I was thinking about using net10's 2 line family plan, over Straight talk, not sure of the different between the two, the same company.
If t-moble had coverage, i'd consider them too.
The S4GRU site will show you the Sprint tower locations, not the coverage.
Edit: One blog post here: http://seth.killey.me/?p=1049
I had sero on sprint and just ditched them for tmobile and could not be happier. I have been hanging on to sero for years waiting for coverage to improve and it has only gotten worse. I finally gave up and have not looked back since.
Sent from my GT-P6210 using Tapatalk

Aio wireless?

Has anyone heard of it? I know they are a sister company to att and they use their towers. But I have a sprint Nexus 5 if I switch and put their sim in my phone will it work?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
AIO is AT&T's prepaid subsidiary and yes it will work. All Nexus 5's are the same no matter where you purchased them from. There is no carrier branding or carrier locking on the N5. From what I hear, AT&T severly throttles date for AIO customers, so if data speed is important, you might want to consider T-Mobile prepaid or StraightTalk.
I use it now. As you probably know, they have a $40, $55, and a $70 plan, with data amounts of 250MB, 2GB, and 7GB, respectively. You get throttled to 2G after you hit your soft cap. Unlimited texts and minutes are included in all plans.
I've had it for 4 months now and can't complain. Their service in my area is good, and the speeds are up to snuff what what I need at least. The most data-intensive thing I do is stream "High quality" music from Pandora One, and it does that without a hitch. Can't comment on streaming video because I never do. One thing to keep in mind though, they cap your data speeds even before hitting you soft-cap. From their website:
If you run out of high speed data access in a given month, your access speeds will be reduced for the remainder of your month of service. But once your next month of service begins, you will once again have access to download speeds up to 4 Mbps on our 4G HSPA+ service or up to 8 Mbps with our LTE service.
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So no matter what, the fastest download speeds you can get is up to 4Mbps on HSPA+ and 8Mbps on LTE. Again, if that affects you then that's something to consider. It is good enough for me though.
I've used their $70 plan now for 2 months on the N5. It works fine except for at work. It's known at my work that att frequency is blocked by the buildings structure (metal walls, ceiling and metallic tinted windows) so I literally have 2 bars outside and zero signal inside. I will be switching to T-Mobile because of this. If it weren't for that I'd definitely stay.
Cool thanks for all the help. I might be getting a job at an Aio store and they have an employee plan $55 for 5gb so I was thinking if I get the job I might switch cuz sprint sucks haha
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
vwgti18 said:
Cool thanks for all the help. I might be getting a job at an Aio store and they have an employee plan $55 for 5gb so I was thinking if I get the job I might switch cuz sprint sucks haha
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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Heh I didn't know they even had brick and mortar Aio stores...
I switched from Verizon (had unlimited data) to AIO and have been enjoying it for 3 months now with no issues. Speeds are fast and I love it. I'm on the $55 a month plan.
I should tell you though that ATT is about to roll AIO into the Cricket brand. ATT owns Cricket now and it will be nationwide LTE just like AIO (if it's not already).
I have the $55 plan and service has been great, LTE at home, work and the commute. Streaming music and tethering works fine. Customer service has also been great as they helped me with the APN settings, which should be posted on their website, but are not. Some negatives are the slow ping on speed tests, a few second delay for the connection on phone calls and the Cricket factor.
Sprint and T-mobile signals are non-existent at work, so my options were limited.
what's the speed of the throttle
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I just got off phone and online chat with AIO customer service... It is the worst, they couldn't get mms to work on my Note 2 and made me power cycle thinking it would work. I am done and want to warn everyone I can.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk
I considered the $55 AIO plan when I got my nexus 5, but ultimately went with the $60 AT&T GoPhone plan instead. Same amount of data, essentially the same price, same AT&T network, and no throttling of speeds.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I too have AIO, after finding out they don't allow VPN on cellular data I'm probably going to switch to AT&T Go Phone after I get my free month unless one of the other "unlimited" prepaid carriers that uses AT&T towers supports VPN usage. I don't often go over the 2GB amount, but I did about 1/3 of the time on VZW with unlimited, part of that was tethering due to slow hotel internet and stupidly fast LTE and unlimited data. So guess I'll put in chat sessions with tech support to find out if VPN is supported over cellular data before I commit.
Also, going to chime in and mention that it took me about 10 minutes of back and forth with tech support on the phone to get them to understand what my problem was. Also, setting up SMS was slightly annoying as they didn't tell me the exact correct thing to put into the phone. However, I simply had to click "Refresh" then "Update" for the SMSC(?) number to self populate and then work fine. Prior to that I had MMS working fine both ways (after inputting the APN settings from around the web and now their site).
I'd consider T-mo but I go to many rural areas where they simply don't have coverage for work and would like to be able to stay in touch.
METDeath said:
I too have AIO, after finding out they don't allow VPN on cellular data I'm probably going to switch to AT&T Go Phone after I get my free month unless one of the other "unlimited" prepaid carriers that uses AT&T towers supports VPN usage. I don't often go over the 2GB amount, but I did about 1/3 of the time on VZW with unlimited, part of that was tethering due to slow hotel internet and stupidly fast LTE and unlimited data. So guess I'll put in chat sessions with tech support to find out if VPN is supported over cellular data before I commit.
Also, going to chime in and mention that it took me about 10 minutes of back and forth with tech support on the phone to get them to understand what my problem was. Also, setting up SMS was slightly annoying as they didn't tell me the exact correct thing to put into the phone. However, I simply had to click "Refresh" then "Update" for the SMSC(?) number to self populate and then work fine. Prior to that I had MMS working fine both ways (after inputting the APN settings from around the web and now their site).
I'd consider T-mo but I go to many rural areas where they simply don't have coverage for work and would like to be able to stay in touch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you found any that will allow VPN? I'm on Straight talk ATT currently and it does not allow VPN either.
I cannot speak to what AIO's actual policy is on VPN traffic but I can say that I've been on their network for almost 2 months now and have had no issues using VPNs. Perhaps they just have not caught it yet but so far so good. YMMV.
Edit: So I've been looking through their terms and can't find anything specifically mentioning VPNs or tunnels but they do have some pretty standard clauses about only using your data connection for approved activities. This certainly gives them the right to block types of traffic they don't approve of but it doesn't mean they are actively policing it either. Would love to find a more solid answer on this.
Data Services  Permitted Uses
Aio provides wireless data and messaging Services, including, but not limited to, features that may be used with Data Services and wireless content and applications (Data Services). Our Data Services are intended to be used for the following permitted activities: (a) web browsing; (b) email; (c) intranet access; (d) uploading and downloading applications and content to and from the Internet; and (e) using applications and content without excessively contributing to network congestion. You agree that Aio may engage in any reasonable network management practice and that you will use Aios Data Services only for these permitted activities.
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Well, the one rep I spoke to on the phone said they didn't allow it. I will try talking to a chat tech when I'm home again and can test it. I know I have the VPN working because I can connect over Wi-Fi (not at home) and it works perfectly. I've tried to connect over cellular at home, and on the road, never worked. I've got all the APN settings correct and SMS working, so I don't believe it to be a configuration issue.

Serious wifi calling problems, all kernels share the same problem

So I moved to a new house which has basically no LTE and lower cellular coverage. My old house was a highrise with a literal t-mobile tower on the top, so I never even considered using wifi calling as my LTE coverage was perfect.
So here I am, with my Note 5, thinking I can rely on wifi calling in my new house. The house has excellent wifi coverage that can still achieve decent speeds even on the exterior. I use an Asus AC router that I've completely opened up to the world while troubleshooting the problem. Sitting in my living room (where my most recent call was dropped), I'm pulling down 74mbps and uploading 13mbps according to the speedtest app on the note 5.
My phone shows that it's connected to wifi and that Wifi calling is enabled. I've also changed it to "Wifi calling preferred" so it doesn't even attempt to use the limited cellular network that I can get in some rooms occasionally (depending on air density).
However, I basically miss all inbound calls, outbound calls only occasionally connect, and when I do have a successful call, it drops in and out as though I'm on an actual spotty cellular network.
I've tried Arter, SkyHigh and stock rooted kernels, all with the same results. I'm basically at my wit's end and getting ready to abandoned t-mobile. I read that exynos does not handle these handoffs and transitions as well as qualcom SOCs, but I'm reluctant to give up my great note 5 for a ****ty LG just to test this theory.
Can anyone provide some guidance or advice on how I can deal with this? I'm on the original jump plan + unlimited data and I really don't want to abandon t-mobile, but working voice is essential.
apols said:
So I moved to a new house which has basically no LTE and lower cellular coverage. My old house was a highrise with a literal t-mobile tower on the top, so I never even considered using wifi calling as my LTE coverage was perfect.
So here I am, with my Note 5, thinking I can rely on wifi calling in my new house. The house has excellent wifi coverage that can still achieve decent speeds even on the exterior. I use an Asus AC router that I've completely opened up to the world while troubleshooting the problem. Sitting in my living room (where my most recent call was dropped), I'm pulling down 74mbps and uploading 13mbps according to the speedtest app on the note 5.
My phone shows that it's connected to wifi and that Wifi calling is enabled. I've also changed it to "Wifi calling preferred" so it doesn't even attempt to use the limited cellular network that I can get in some rooms occasionally (depending on air density).
However, I basically miss all inbound calls, outbound calls only occasionally connect, and when I do have a successful call, it drops in and out as though I'm on an actual spotty cellular network.
I've tried Arter, SkyHigh and stock rooted kernels, all with the same results. I'm basically at my wit's end and getting ready to abandoned t-mobile. I read that exynos does not handle these handoffs and transitions as well as qualcom SOCs, but I'm reluctant to give up my great note 5 for a ****ty LG just to test this theory.
Can anyone provide some guidance or advice on how I can deal with this? I'm on the original jump plan + unlimited data and I really don't want to abandon t-mobile, but working voice is essential.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure of a solution but I can tell you that I use Wifi calling all the time on the Note 5 and do not experience any of these issues.
We would need to know more details to help further.
Are you stock? If not, which rom?
When was the last time you wiped your phone?
Anyone else have Tmob in the home?
I understand your frustration but I dont think its Tmobile. Chances are its something with your internet connection or a software issue of the phone.
DeeXii said:
Not sure of a solution but I can tell you that I use Wifi calling all the time on the Note 5 and do not experience any of these issues.
We would need to know more details to help further.
Are you stock? If not, which rom?
When was the last time you wiped your phone?
Anyone else have Tmob in the home?
I understand your frustration but I dont think its Tmobile. Chances are its something with your internet connection or a software issue of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! Not stock, using Darthstalker V11 rom. Only person living here, but I do have a verizon iphone for work. I just moved here, and prior to moving, I had an enterprise level firewall in place, which meant I had to open up the right ports to allow for wifi calling. Since I've moved, I haven't even put it in place, so I'm just using an Asus router as a router & AP with no firewall functionality.
Phone was last wiped a couple of months ago when installing the latest version of Darthstalker. With each kernel I've tried, I've wiped the cache multiple times post-install.
apols said:
Thanks for the reply! Not stock, using Darthstalker V11 rom. Only person living here, but I do have a verizon iphone for work. I just moved here, and prior to moving, I had an enterprise level firewall in place, which meant I had to open up the right ports to allow for wifi calling. Since I've moved, I haven't even put it in place, so I'm just using an Asus router as a router & AP with no firewall functionality.
Phone was last wiped a couple of months ago when installing the latest version of Darthstalker. With each kernel I've tried, I've wiped the cache multiple times post-install.
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Was the Wifi calling working before you moved?
DeeXii said:
Was the Wifi calling working before you moved?
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I never had to actually rely on it, so I'm not sure. I used it here and there when visiting low-coverage areas, but now it's basically my only option. For reference, I moved from the DC area to a smaller town in Central VA that only recently received t-mobile LTE. That being said... in certain areas of my house I get enough t-mobile LTE to pull down 30Mbps, but the upload portion is incredibly asymmetric and only pushes about .1 mbps up... Given that I get decent LTE in some places in the house, but it drops off as soon as I turn the corner, I've configured wifi calling to prefer wifi over cellular, which leads to another odd thing....the phone basically needs to be rebooted once leaving a wifi calling network, as it'll never switch the LTE radio back unless I reboot. It'll just stay on 3g/edge otherwise.
As for my wifi coverage, I get great speeds when testing basically anywhere in the house, both upload and download. However, when I'm on a call that is clearly being routed through wifi, it'll start pinging me and warning that the call may be dropped in place where I'm still getting excellent wifi coverage.

note 5 on Nextech Wireless (Similar to sprint???)

It was suggested in the Noob section that I post here because I have a Note 5 with a Nextech Wireless (small carrier in Central Kansas) who has a roaming agreement with Sprint's rural co-op; I am not sure if this is the right place as nextech does have it's own network and maintains it's own towers within Ks. I also think the network is more similar to that of US cellular but with a larger coverage area in Kansas, that is based on my limited understanding of cell networks so I am probably wrong.
I am familiar with flashing ROMs on none data activated (wifi only) devices becuase i have been doing it for years, tablets and none activated phones alike; but moving to modding a handset that is on a service plan (out of contract/warranty) is new for me and I am trying to understand the issues I might face doing this. I am interested in putting Lineage OS on it with TWRP; I am sure I would be fine testing this as long as I took a backup of the current ROM but I still want to make sure I know the ins and outs. This also brings up the question of what carrier ROM can I use or do I have a bunch of work ahead of me to make it function?
If this information exist somewhere please feel free to link me to it, again this is a new area for me and I am trying to be cautious moving forward.

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