Database Develop

WiFi always on?

I am sometimes in areas where there is no cell phone service. During the weeks to months that i am in these areas, i have pretty constant WiFi access. I would like to be able to disable my cellular radio and have WiFi take the place of it, allowing my Tilt to receive push email and instant messages and skype phone calls like it does when it is connected to the cellular network.
Unfortunately, it seems that wifi is turned off when the device sleeps. How can i avoid this? The only thing i've thought of is to stop the device from sleeping automaticly, and just have the screen turn off and the device lock. The problem with this is that i have to be careful to never hit the power button.
Are there any other things i should know in order to get wifi to replace cellular (with the exception of cellular voice and SMS obviously)?

If you have skype connected at all times, then the "prevent device standby mode when online" will help. Its the 4th option under Menu -> Settings. This is enabled by default.

This topic has been discussed many times.
There is an option available in 'Kaiser Tweaks' to keep WiFi enabled but will drastically reduce your battery life if not on power/charge !

Farsquidge,
I'm embarrassed. I did a search, but obviously not a good enough one. Thanks so much. I did not have the newest Kaiser Tweak update.
I'll disable the cell radio when out of range, how much more juice does the wifi radio use?

while(!(linux)){wm} said:
Farsquidge,
I'm embarrassed. I did a search, but obviously not a good enough one. Thanks so much. I did not have the newest Kaiser Tweak update.
I'll disable the cell radio when out of range, how much more juice does the wifi radio use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have any exact figures for that as I have never used the option but if you disable the phone then it may not be so bad. See what you get out of it yourself and post back here for others.

H, 3G or E

There used to be a mod that kept the phone on E always (for battery saving purposes) until data was required or being used, then it would switch to H automatically. Does that exist for the Tilt? I had it on my old 8525....
thanks

ld-runner said:
There used to be a mod that kept the phone on E always (for battery saving purposes) until data was required or being used, then it would switch to H automatically. Does that exist for the Tilt? I had it on my old 8525....
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps I mis-understand what you mean but here goes... I am not aware of such a mod.
The handset can be operated in GSM (2G) or UMTS (3G). Potentially faster data connection speeds are available (at possibly higher battery drain) when you use the 3G mode (if available to you) - in this case when a 3G connection is available it may be possible to use the HSDPA data connection (automatically demanded by your hanset only when data is required) but that depends upon: whether you have that service available from your providers masts, whether they have enabled for you it and also whether your handset has the HSDPA setting enabled.
On the other hand only GPRS or EDGE (see wiki here) may be available when a 2G/GSM connection is available. EDGE is basically an enhanced version of GPRS but does not match HSDPA speeds.
So you are mixing the EDGE data indication "E" with the HSDPA indication of "H". The only way your handset can go from EDGE to HSDPA (or vice versa) is if your signal received changes to provide HSDPA from EDGE (perhaps as you change location).
Of course you can disable both 3G and seperatly HSDPA - then you are left with either G or E (use the comm manager and/or the various tweakers).
Beware - some ROMS are incorrectly showing the H instead of 3G when no data connection is active and this is a known problem.
Probably too much detail but may help .
Regards

tony.wheeler said:
Of course you can disable both 3G and seperatly HSDPA - then you are left with either G or E (use the comm manager and/or the various tweakers).
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Click to collapse
He needs a program to switch between those modes automatically instead of manually though the comm manager, when he enables/disables a data connection..

VirgilWoods said:
He needs a program to switch between those modes automatically instead of manually though the comm manager, when he enables/disables a data connection..
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Click to collapse
yeah, that is right.

You know what I do. I use Kaiser Tweak or AdvancedConfig to tell it to Disconnect my 3G connection after 3 minutes. Then When a program needs Data it connects to The 3G network, than when It doesn't need it it disconnects after 3 minutes. Phone still works otherwise. And My battery lives for days.

ld-runner said:
yeah, that is right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's see if I get this..
You want to run the handset in 2G (GSM) mode for normal voice comms but when you want data you want to switch to 3G (UMTS) so that HSDPA can be used?
I personally haven't seen anything that can do that automatically and understand the problem is that to change from one band to another actually requires a cycle off of the actual phone. There are plenty of programs out there that cycle the phone mode - perhaps you should put this requirement to Dani who has developed a Comm Manager Pro program - his software does this cycling of modes but based upon time and place (for instance) rather than the trigger that you want which is when a data connection is required. Try looking at this http://www.commmgrpro.com/ and asking Dani who is always on this site with the Hermes forum here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=299070
Good luck .

Gotta be careful forcing the phone to Edge/HSDPA. Particularly if you force it to HSDPA.
I took a 2 hour road trip today and it took me coming back to figure out why my phone wasn't even getting a signal; it was forced to 3G. I set it to Auto in BandSwitch and it had a signal immediately.
Whoops!

speaking of road trips and HSDPA...
i took a trip today with my wife to Washington and had perfect signal the entire time.. until my battery died of course.
but HSDPA all the way..
i live in Jersey and have travelled to the NYC, the UK and Puerto Rico and have yet to get bad reception...with my old blackberry... im damn near posivtive i woulda had lag

JimmyMcGee said:
You know what I do. I use Kaiser Tweak or AdvancedConfig to tell it to Disconnect my 3G connection after 3 minutes. Then When a program needs Data it connects to The 3G network, than when It doesn't need it it disconnects after 3 minutes. Phone still works otherwise. And My battery lives for days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How come I have been to stupidd to figure this one out myself????? I was soo curious how folks were getting great batterylife....
Damn back to school I am.

JimmyMcGee said:
You know what I do. I use Kaiser Tweak or AdvancedConfig to tell it to Disconnect my 3G connection after 3 minutes. Then When a program needs Data it connects to The 3G network, than when It doesn't need it it disconnects after 3 minutes. Phone still works otherwise. And My battery lives for days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i manually control my data connection through comm manager. i always have 3g off too on comm manager. However, my battery sucks ass and it doesn't last longer than 18hrs with normal use. However, my backlight is at full blast because i can't see the screen outdoors if i don't have it set to 100%. Wish i could see the screen outside during the day and i wish the battery life lasted longer.

redbandana said:
i manually control my data connection through comm manager. i always have 3g off too on comm manager. However, my battery sucks ass and it doesn't last longer than 18hrs with normal use. However, my backlight is at full blast because i can't see the screen outdoors if i don't have it set to 100%. Wish i could see the screen outside during the day and i wish the battery life lasted longer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I usually cup my hand to act as a shade around the screen. I can see the screen well enough at the 3rd lowest setting.

JimmyMcGee said:
You know what I do. I use Kaiser Tweak or AdvancedConfig to tell it to Disconnect my 3G connection after 3 minutes. Then When a program needs Data it connects to The 3G network, than when It doesn't need it it disconnects after 3 minutes. Phone still works otherwise. And My battery lives for days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you noticed any kind of lag in your device when using the AdvancedConfig auto disconnect feature? I "feel" that when I have this feature turned on the device lags a bit. So instead I have the long press end key mapped to terminate data connection and I end up having to hit that so many times during the day.

Hello
This is sort of on the same lines. I use the com manager built into the custom rom im using ( L26_Kaiser_Diamond_V9 ) and throttling back from a 3G/HSDPA connection to the Edge signal. Ive noticed a huge difference battery life. Before i would only get about 4-5 hours standby because I had an application running that kept the HSDPA active previously. If you use a messenger service like IM+ I strongly suggest upgrading to a rom like L26 that has the ability built right into its com manager. It more than doubled my battery life with 0 cost to messaging performance. If i have to hop onto the net or tether, its a simple button switch to re-enable 3g

Tasker (or Locale / SetProfiles): Automatically switch to 2G only

Goal: Automatically switch to Use only 2G networks without opening Mobile Networks Settings dialog and checking the box manually
I know that this is not possible on stock, but is there any way to accomplish this for root users or with any of the mentioned apps or otherwise:
I do not want to disable APN, and I've already used APNdroid to much dismay. There is a bug for Nexus One users when restoring APN settings that leaves mobile data disabled.
I've used the apps mentioned in the thread title to automate my phones settings (ringer volume, GPS on/off, bluetooth on when phone ringing, data syncing, etc.), and now I simply want to disable 3G radio connection whenever certain conditions are met and have my network type as "GSM only"
I've searched through different forums here and sorted through a litany of Google search results, so please no lmgtfy because "2G only" returns no results in this section and no relevant results elsewhere; "2g only auto" nothing; "2g only automatic" nothing, but you can flame if you post a solution

fourinthoughts said:
...I simply want to disable 3G radio connection and have my network type as "GSM only" whenever I'm connected to WiFi, and I want to automate this so that I don't forget to do it manually at night when I'm not using my phone.
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Click to collapse
If you don't mind me asking - what is the reason for it? When you switch WiFi on, the data is turned off anyway. So why?

Jack_R1 said:
If you don't mind me asking - what is the reason for it? When you switch WiFi on, the data is turned off anyway. So why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, when your device is connected to WiFi the GPRS service for data is disabled. However, the 3G band radio in your phone is still being used which consumes more power than the global GSM band radio that is used when connected to the EDGE network type. This is always true whether you are connected to WiFi or not. (correct me if I'm wrong)
Regardless, the answer to this would help a lot of android users. This is not specifically tailored for me, because the entire OP relates to battery performance which should be an important issue for all Nexus One users. If this task could be automated it would dramatically improve battery performance during off-peak use (nighttime, work, meetings, etc.) by improving execution and eliminating forgetfulness. Automating this adds to the user experience and would just make your phone that much more enjoyable, period.
I'm simply amazed that I can't find a resolution to accomplishing this.

fourinthoughts said:
Yes, when your device is connected to WiFi the GPRS service for data is disabled. However, the 3G band radio in your phone is still being used which consumes more power than the global GSM band radio that is used when connected to the EDGE network type. This is always true whether you are connected to WiFi or not. (correct me if I'm wrong)
Regardless, the answer to this would help a lot of android users. This is not specifically tailored for me, because the entire OP relates to battery performance which should be an important issue for all Nexus One users. If this task could be automated it would dramatically improve battery performance during off-peak use (nighttime, work, meetings, etc.) by improving execution and eliminating forgetfulness. Automating this adds to the user experience and would just make your phone that much more enjoyable, period.
I'm simply amazed that I can't find a resolution to accomplishing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cellular standby / talk time power doesn't vary much between GSM and UMTS, the difference is less than ~20% in both modes in case of Nexus, judging by official specs. I'll check your assumption that UMTS connectivity isn't dropped to GSM when WiFi connects (most probably correct), but the power gain isn't significant in places that have proper UMTS connectivity (which is not the case for the whole world, I know).
The easiest way I can think of would be to use SwitchPro widget, for example (or any other free widget that has the same functionality), and instead of pressing only "WiFi On" button, press 2 buttons - "WiFi On" and "2G/3G connection" (the same as pressing the "Use 2G networks only" checkbox).
I would suppose that such a plug-in or setting might be available for Locale/Profiles/etc.

2 things that I've found:
1) The connection indeed stays UMTS.
2) Android system prevents the programs from toggling 2G/3G mode, it's only allowed manually. The widgets I've seen only take you to the correct Settings submenu, but you have to click the checkbox yourself.

Thank you Jack_R1,
I appreciate the replies and the confirmation. That is the conlussion that I have been stuck with for a while. I had assumed that there may be a way to control this with superuser permissions.
I guess I'm going to have to dust off my Java, contact some app developers, and start exploring how to come up with a solution myself.
I apreciate your feedback.

You're welcome.
I suppose that this thread might be useful:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=736095
What you're looking for might also be one of the lower level system functions, requiring system permissions, not only root.
Might be worth contacting Cyanogen's team or Enomther, to make an option for it on ROM level and incorporate in the next AOSP-based ROMs.

Jack_R1 said:
You're welcome.
I suppose that this thread might be useful:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=736095
What you're looking for might also be one of the lower level system functions, requiring system permissions, not only root.
Might be worth contacting Cyanogen's team or Enomther, to make an option for it on ROM level and incorporate in the next AOSP-based ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. That post helped. The settings are not accessible in the current framework. When I get enough time this week I think I can start on getting this fixed for root users. I will take your advice and will contact some of the masters here who would know the libraries well.

in addition, one scenario could be:
At home, I do have pretty poor 3G connection with my service provider, so I would like to switch when I am near my WiFi to 2G mode

PseudoReal said:
in addition, one scenario could be:
At home, I do have pretty poor 3G connection with my service provider, so I would like to switch when I am near my WiFi to 2G mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ditto for me.
Surprised that it is so difficult to toggle 2g/3g with tasker...

dew.man said:
ditto for me.
Surprised that it is so difficult to toggle 2g/3g with tasker...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And ditto again.

I have the same desire as the op. It must be possible to do since one can easily toggle 2G/3G from the power control widget in cm6. Maybe if there was an intent that was published tasker should be able to launch an app with that intent to accomplish this.

on a recent trip overseas, I was presented with a very weird situation. I bought a local sim and got a 3g data plan which was 3gb of 3g data and 200mb of 2g data (dont ask i have no idea why they are different). When I plugged it in i could do 3g data no problem but if 3g was turned on i could not make or receive calls. so like the op I wanted an automated way of switching between 2g only and 3g
I was able to do it on my nexus one and tasker with
Toggle 2G/3G
hope this helps you
-208

^ +1 best toggle I've seen and used.

Search for Toggle 2G in the main android forum.

[Q] [Modem] Non-HSUPA Modems?

[Q] Assuming whoever reads this post is familiar with the 4G, 3G, Edge monikers could someone let me know if there exists a modem for the captivate that only uses Edge?
[Reason for Question:]
Yesterday, messing around with settings I noticed that my phone has the ability to change from 4G/3G -> E. Doing this I noticed an immediate improvement with my battery life. I could surf the net, read emails, get notifications, and do everything I could do before. Just now my battery could last for 2+ days.
I am fully aware that a 4G connection can be faster than 3G and a 3G connection can be faster than E.
Although, I thought about the logical progression of events that may occur in my life, and if I ever found myself in a situation where I would need to download a large file it would likely be in response to something premeditated.
Therefore, I would likely be at some location where WIFI would be accessible or, if not, I could always remember to download it before I actually need it.
However, extrapolating that thought process out further, I thought okay well if there is WIFI around then there is a need for it. Therefore devices that can download and process at much faster speeds could be available. If those devices aren’t available I still have the ability to hop onto the WIFI network and download using my integrated wireless NIC.
Using this I have deduced that I do not, or will not ever, need High Speed connections on my phone. I do however like the android operating system and love my phone so I am in a bind. On one side there is the smart phone market and generation saying "faster is better" and on the other side there is me saying, "I want a phone that I can play some sweet games, utilize useful apps, check email, and have a true internet browser experience but at the end of the day I still want to be able to make a phone call damn it".
Don't get me wrong having ridiculously fast internet on my phone is cool but so was smoking when I was 16.

I'm not aware of an edge only modem.
Also there is no voice and data at the same time on edge. So if something is using data at the time you get a call it will go to voicemail. Just putting that out there in case you did not know.

settings>wireless and network>mobile networks> set network mode to gsm only.....
That way if you ever DO need 3g you can turn it back on too!

Thanks BenKranged and studacris .
I decided to go with Serendipity Rom -> http://serendipityrom.weebly.com/
Disabled HSDPA -> http://touristinparadise.blogspot.com/2010/11/samsung-galaxy-s-turn-off-hsdpa-for.html
And if I want to I can only enable Edge as studacris explained.
I now get 2+ days out of a single charge and moderate to light use!
I am satisfied now!
p.s. Plus I flashed the ability to record calls so that is pretty cool too!

[Q] Rogue Robots

I am on my second T-Mo LG G4. Both have exhibited a strange behavior that is rather annoying. I've disabled all automatic sync features and the like - in the same manner as I've done successfully with both a Nexus 5 and a LS990 G3.
So here's the issue(s):
1) Whenever I boot the phone - it automatically turns mobile on. e.g. as indicated by "Data Enabled" quick toggle or the Android Setup slider control.
2) Most times when I enable WiFi, the phone (or whatever) systematically turns on mobile data again - and it's damn repeatable e.g. at ~ 15 seconds after I tap the WiFi quick toggle.
3) Most times when I am running off of WiFi, the mobile data will randomly come on by itself even after I hammered it off that first time in response to manually turning on WiFi.
Zero technical assistance from the obvious sources. LG points the finger at T-Mo. T-Mo points the finger at LG.
I'm starting to think this is related to the Lollipop API change crammed down everyone's throat by Google.
I'm on metered service and have grown accustomed to living off of WiFi. With prior phones I was in full control of what I've been charged. With the G4, it's nearly impossible to manage ...
Any thoughts, shared experiences or recommendations ?

Hmm, there is a setting that can automagically use LTE if the Wifi is detected not to have internet access. I can't think of what it's called at the moment but it's in setting somewhere - possibly WIFI settings.
I would also be sure to disable T-Mobile's "diagnostics" setting in the T-Mobile app and attempt to turn off any other monitoring settings contained within. I think there is a setting that monitors the LTE signal strength and that could be making it pop on.
Other than that, it does seem rather annoying for you! You are on T-Mobile though, didn't you get the 10GB data pass and have the unused data rollover? Another note, why not setup the data limiter in Data Usage to automagically turn off the data after X GB usage. I know it isn't a direct solution but if data usage is a concern, it could work as a workaround!

Hey, thanks for the response and suggestions.
To be clear, I'm on Ting's GSM network - which is serviced by T-Mo.
I'm well versed with Android and prior to this phone I was on a Nexus 5 with 5 .1 .1 and it didn't behave like this.
I've tried all the buried settings to get in front of "enabled" data on two different G4's but nothing is panning out.
And yes, I did think of that T-Mo diagnostics app and it's not enabled - at least not on the surface.
And one more thing, my WiFi is solidly connected when data goes rogue robot.
Hadn't considered the data cap setting. Seems clunky but might help until a custom ROM is available.
rockerrock said:
Hmm, there is a setting that can automagically use LTE if the Wifi is detected not to have internet access. I can't think of what it's called at the moment but it's in setting somewhere - possibly WIFI settings.
I would also be sure to disable T-Mobile's "diagnostics" setting in the T-Mobile app and attempt to turn off any other monitoring settings contained within. I think there is a setting that monitors the LTE signal strength and that could be making it pop on.
Other than that, it does seem rather annoying for you! You are on T-Mobile though, didn't you get the 10GB data pass and have the unused data rollover? Another note, why not setup the data limiter in Data Usage to automagically turn off the data after X GB usage. I know it isn't a direct solution but if data usage is a concern, it could work as a workaround!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse