Child Item

Site Totals

61487 Questions Answered 271 Categories

4510 can't stay connected - intermittent reconnects

What is WRONG with this device. It is always dropping and reconnecting....every few minutes, in different locations around the country. ...both 3g and 4g. If I were to simply surf the web, one would probably never notice it. However, it's problematic for keeping connected to various chat engines....and LiveMeeting/webinar sessions are PAINFUL. I've had other broadband devices from Verizon in the past, and have had similar issues. Verizon just seems to keep sending out replacements that have the same problems.

Any ideas?

Comments

wherder

Good luck. This is the same behavior I've been experiencing, and it is in my opinion even worse. Often it drops and does not reconnect without a power down/up. It's very disruptive for all types of use and IMHO makes the product not fit for use. Verizon has been essentially of no value whatsoever in resolving virtually a single one of the symptoms.

John_Getzke

Hello Guy,

I would suggest starting with the basic solutions and working your way up from there. Here is a list that I have compiled with the most common solutions. Feel free to let me know if you need the specific steps for any of them.

Common solutions:

1. Update firmware to 2.23

2. Lower your MiFi to B/G down from B/G/N

3. Lower your MiFi to 3G only connections

4. Reset your MiFi to the defaults

5. Reseat your SIM card

6. Attach an external Antenna

7. Purchase a car booster kit from Wilson Electronics

8. Power down your MiFi when not in use

9. Store your MiFi in an area where it is not exposed to extreme heat or cold

10. Try different locations and look for consistencies or gaps in service

11. Replace the MiFi under warranty

Your two best help suggestions at this point are to update the firmware and reseat the SIM card. Give those a shot and see if you can find any sign of improvement.

JustAGuyInNC

John,

I haven't updated the firmware to your suggested 2.23 version. 1) It's not an option given to me, as the 'update firmware' link is greyed out. 2) I've seen on some other forums where it wasn't recommended to do so in the first place, as it's potentially unstable. That being said, I'm reluctant to go too far out on a limb, as I don't want to introduce more problems than what I started with.

I've done most of what you recommended below - and I appreciate the guidance.

In talking with a support guy, he mentioned that it looks to be the wifi connection between the device and the laptop (though the wifi works well on my laptop.) I'm aware of a hack to "tether" the device and will go down that route and see what happens.

thanks for the advice!

-aaron

John_Getzke

While its true that some have had issues since updating the firmware, the general results have been positive. The most common issue with the firmware update is the software when running from a Mac, VM, or Win7 machine. If you have the opportuntiy to update your firmware on a different OS then I suggest giving it a chance. Otherwise a Verizon store rep can handle the proceedure for you too.

The direct download link to the firmware update can be found here:

http://production.4510.verizon.mifiupdates.com/Windows/MiFi4510LWin.zip

In instances where the MiFi is dropping its wireless signal between the laptop and itself most users can find relief by lowering the wireless signal from B/G/N down to B/G. It has something to do with wireless drivers not being completly compatible with the new wireless N signals. The older B/G formats appear to be much more stable.

I'm not aware of any hacks that allow you to truely teather a MiFi connection through a USB cable. In my experiece the only thing you can do is set up your MiFi to charge and broadcast through a USB cable at the same time. The most recent firmware version allows you to do that without any modifications/hacks anyways. Your connection to the MiFi will still be wireless though. If you can figure out a way to turn your MiFi into a USB modem then share your steps with us. I'd like to know and I'm sure others would too.

JustAGuyInNC

John,

Thanks for the clarification and some additional proposed steps to resolution. I'm getting a new device, which I'm hoping will solve, or at least minimize some of my issues. Once I get the new device, I'll update the firmware as you suggested. Frankly, I would much rather be able to use my device in a wifi capacity, while at the same time having it plugged in and charging - without having to find a wall outlet. :smileywink:

thanks greatly!

-aaron

Child Item