Is this over usage throttling?

I just got a MiFi the day before New Years Eve. Prior to that I was using a PC5750. I was on an unlimited plan which was previously Alltel. The local Verizon store talked me into a MiFi 2200 and said it would not affect my unlimited plan. In fact, my receipt specifically states "Unlimited".

Here's my issue - I live in a fringe reception area, but generally have had little problem with signal strength. The MiFi 2200 is running at about -85 dbm for EVDO. When at that level, download speed is about what I was getting with my PC5750 and is satisfactory. However, in the last couple of days, while on-line, I am noticing very frequent drops into 1X speed or less. When I check signal strength, it has dropped to around -115 dbm for EVDO. But, if I disconnect (using the internal web pages) and reconnect it goes back the around -85 dbm. This is happening very frequently - every 5-10 minutes. And, every time, reconnecting brings it back to a useable signal level.

Has anyone noticed this type of "control" or should I be looking to swap out my MiFi for another new one?

Accepted answers

Natashia86

I have provided some information below that may help.

Step 1. Relocate the device and check signal strength (something in the immediate area could be affecting the signal received).

Step 2. Update the device using VZ Access manager. Instruction below:

http://support.vzw.com/clc/devices/knowledge_base.html?id=14636

Step 3. Disconnect, unplug the device, restart the computer, and try another USB port (if applicable and tethered).

Step 4. Deleting and recreating dial-up connections.

http://support.vzw.com/clc/devices/knowledge_base.html?id=23830

Step 5. Uninstall / Reinstalling VZ Access Manager http://support.vzw.com/clc/devices/knowledge_base.html?id=17019

I hope this helps.

All comments

thepres69

It is hard to tell without actually trying other devices to check which towers you are hitting... but It sounds like you are having a problem where the device is hunting for a better signal and wil lock on to another tower at -115. Try adding a signal blocker around the modem (I made several for friends out of cardboard and aluminum foil). See if you can direct the signal to improve level and block the other tower. They currently aren't limiting access by attenuating or blocking signal level.

Natashia86

I have provided some information below that may help.

Step 1. Relocate the device and check signal strength (something in the immediate area could be affecting the signal received).

Step 2. Update the device using VZ Access manager. Instruction below:

http://support.vzw.com/clc/devices/knowledge_base.html?id=14636

Step 3. Disconnect, unplug the device, restart the computer, and try another USB port (if applicable and tethered).

Step 4. Deleting and recreating dial-up connections.

http://support.vzw.com/clc/devices/knowledge_base.html?id=23830

Step 5. Uninstall / Reinstalling VZ Access Manager http://support.vzw.com/clc/devices/knowledge_base.html?id=17019

I hope this helps.

molaker

Two things happened that seemed to have resolved the problem. I'm marking Natashia's posting as the answer because her suggestions were very close to what it took to fix it.

1. The Service number was set to an Alltel number instead of Verizon (I was an old Alltel customer) and the closest tower was 1x only. Because of the wrong Service number, I was getting the wrong PRL. When the siganl would get weak enough to switch to 1x, it would lock onto the 1x only tower and would not switch back when the 3g signal was good without disconnecting and reconnecting. Verizon tech walked me through changing the Service number and that seemed to resolve the problem of not switching back to 3g when the signal strength came up.

2. Signal strength - I relocated the MiFi to a window facing the direction of the 3g tower. Actually, I was not aware the closest tower was 1x only and had been making my orientation changes based on it's location, which was not optimum for the 3g tower at a greater distance.

Althought the 3g signal is now good constantly (4-5 bars), I will be receiving a Wilson Sleek Cradle this week which hopefully will make the signal level even more solid.

Thanks for your help.

limo1464

I have decided that because I am a heavy user that my Mifi has to be charged a lot. I think that when the Mifi gets hot the speeds decrease. So i have been keeping it plugged in to a minimum and it has beeb working great. So with all my testing and observing that is what I am coming to a conclusion that the MIFI when it gets overheated by being plugged in speeds decrease.

Thanks

Lance Ervin

ClarDold

Do you ever get a blue status LED?

I occasionally would get the blue LED when I roamed onto a different carrier's network, and I think that either didn't work at all, or was very slow.

I recall that updating the PRL, in combination with a conversation with support, prevented it or improved it.

Clarence

limo1464

I have got the blue status led when I was raoming haven't seen it in a long time though.

Lance