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MiFi 4510L Shortcomings

We're a City IT department, testing the new 4510L MiFi unit for use in our Fire Department. We've been using the 2200 MiFi units for some time with great success. As you can imagine, when the LTE/4G MiFi was released, we were very excited. However, now that we've had time to actually test one of the new MiFi's, we're anything but excited about the quality of the new device.

Here are the three show-stopper issues that we've uncovered. Without resolution, we cannot recommend that our Fire Department upgrade their 2200 MiFi units:

The MiFi unit will intermittently drop its WiFi connection. Another post recommends switching to 802.11g, but this has had no effect.
The E-Ink display is confusing for our users when the unit is powered off. When power is off, the display shows the last status of the device. When the device is powered down, the display should be clear of all information.
Holding down the power button for 5 or more seconds should power the unit off. This doesn't seem to be the case. Only removing the battery can one power the unit off.

Please provide an update as to the availability or timeline for a firmware upgrade for the 4510L MiFi unit.

Thank you.

Comments

deloswilbur

I don't think the problem you mention in number 1 is the fault of the 4510L, have you used any other 4G devices yet? That is actually a most frustrating feature of Verizon's 4G network, it frequently just drops the connection. (Well it keeps the connection it just drops the ability to actually transfer data over it.) They have had that issue since December.

The other two problems you mention are actually device lockups, at least with mine if it truly powers off the display goes dark. However sometimes it will lock up and then the display stays on, even through a few second battery removal. You have to remove the battery for about 10-15 seconds before it will clear. I have been able to power mine off by just holding the power button, but it is flaky as sometimes it comes right back on. So on the very last problem you are probably right, the battery has to be removed completely to keep it powered off.

VL600_Boston

There are several issues to deal with: 4G runs on 700 MHz and 3G/voice runs on 850/1900 MHz. These devices (other than the t-bolt) have only one modem - which switches via software from 3G to 4G (this takes a lot of time and is not seamless). Dual radio/modem devices are not standard so far in the consumer domain. WiFi disconnect issues are common due to interference and differences in implementation. You can also consider using a 4G modem and software based Wi-Fi on a Toughbook running windows 7. The VZ access manager software has it's own problems but it can be easier to control. Sticking with 3G may be a better strategy until coverage and devices improve.

cobmsdn

The reason why we were so excited about the 4510L is the fact that it provides an external antenna connector. That point aside, this unit feels like it was rushed to market before adequate testing was performed.

3G is currently our only option up here for the time being and we've tried just about every combination of settings on the 4510L to attempt to get reliable connectivity between the laptop and the MiFi. Due to these issues, we haven't yet done much testing on the broadband side of the equation.

Very disappointed in the quality of this model.

kentiler

I've been using the 4510L for 2 weeks now. I'm in 4G territory for most the use.

I'm able to turn it off by holding the power for 5-7 seconds. As soon as the display goes blank, I let go and the LED will go out a few seconds later if it's not plugged into power.

The issue I'm having is every few hours it starts blocking internet traffic (port 80). I can be using it during this time, so it's not going into an idle mode to save power. I've even turned the power setting to never turn off due to inactivity.

The strange thing is, when this happens, Outlook is still able to send and retrieve mail from an Exchange server via the Internet.

The quickest solution to fix this I have found is to login to the device from a web browser - click disconnect - and then click connect. That has always fixed the problem quickly. However, it's a pain to keep having to do this every few hours.

Opened up a case - will let you know the results if it gets better.

--Kent

cobmsdn

Look at this from our stand point...

We're supporting the deployment of a number of these MiFi devices. Any "workaround" which entails any sort of technical intervention (removal of battery, webbing into the admin page, tweaking settings) is a non-starter for our crews when they're out on duty. Verizon really needs to address these failings rather quickly if they want this model to be a success.

cobmsdn

Look at this from our stand point...

John_Getzke

Hello,

Here is some feedback on the problems that you posted based on my limited experience with the product:

1. Try resetting the device by pressing the Reset button on the back. If your settings are important then create a backup before you reset and then restore them once the MiFi comes back online. I was having disconnection/drop/blocked traffic issues with mine and ever since I reset the problem has been greatly improved.

2. I would guess that your device is not actually powered down if it is displaying something on the E-Ink. When my device is powered down it looks completely dead.

3. I have to hold down my power button between 5-10 seconds for the device to shut down. I hold down the power button until the LED goes to Yellow and then release. I haven't had to remove the battery with my MiFi yet.

BiffsBiz

I have had the MiFi 4150L for over a month. I am an IT professional. This device is not currently useful to non-IT ppl. It is unstable in 3G & 4G. I would not recommend anyone using this device until all of it's serious problems are fixed. It is definitely not suited to novices or non-IT personnel. A great deal of time is required to get it to work in different areas with different signal strengths. I thourgholy recommend the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 modem, a 3G device, for the time being. The MiFi 4150L is not ready for general use.

Rasengan254

@John

I had a unit that did the same exact thing that the OP experienced.

The unit I had would constantly lock up and not emit a Wi-Fi signal and it would boot my A500 Tablet off of the internet at least 3 times a day even with minimal use. Also like the OP the unit would not allow me to power cycle it, no matter how long I held on to the power button, a battery pull would need to be done EVERY time it locked up.

I have read on other posts this may be an issue with a bad SIM card? Not sure, but I did take the unit back and had it exchanged and the MiFi I have now has not experienced any of the problems I had with the previous unit.

nremtp3070

I just received my 4510 and it drops the wifi connection about every 5 or 10 minutes like several others on here. When it does the only way to get the signal to come back on is to remove the battery because the device appears to be "locked up" and the power button won't turn the device off.

Dwayne

deloswilbur

This device is absolute crap at this time. Compared to the previous Novatel MIFI 2200 it's night and day difference. This device is totally flaky, anytime you want to use it there is 10+ minutes of fighting with it to just get any connection, all bets are off on if it's a 3G or 4G connection, it won't hold one or the other reliably. I so wish I could go back to the USB modems which at least just dropped connection and didn't involve a massive battle to get it back. Unfortunately I am stuck with the MIFI now due to the totally irresponsible nature of customer support and fact though I appear to have now been forced to do an upgrade and renew my contract, I had to send in my old modem so I don't have it anymore. I am so keeping an eye out for any notice of class action lawsuit as Verizon needs to feel a little of the pain we are....

AnthonyTa_VZW

Hello Dwayne!

Having to constantly remove your MiFi battery and constantly losing connections would be a nuisance. I use the same device, but haven't experienced problems with mine, so I'm sure I can get this working properly for you. Have you tried deleting and recreating the Wi-Fi connection on your computer? If that doesn't resolve the issue, I would perform a hard reset of the MiFi 4510L. The instructions for the hard reset on the MiFi 4510L are included in this link.

Let me know how this works for you!

oosillyoo

AnthonyTa_VZW wrote:
Hello Dwayne!

Having to constantly remove your MiFi battery and constantly losing connections would be a nuisance. I use the same device, but haven't experienced problems with mine, so I'm sure I can get this working properly for you. Have you tried deleting and recreating the Wi-Fi connection on your computer? If that doesn't resolve the issue, I would perform a hard reset of the MiFi 4510L. The instructions for the hard reset on the MiFi 4510L are included in this link.

Let me know how this works for you!

Anthony,

After reading your post I see you have no problems with your MiFI, is that true? If so, I would love to get a chance to use your MiFi and see it work without a problem. I will personally cover my own travel to see this "perfect" working MiFi.

deloswilbur

It may be like the one's they have set up in the stores. I was waiting in store this weekend and saw a display with two ipad's and a MIFI sitting between them. I was thinking "wow, maybe they do work well", then I looked at the display and realized there was no devices attached to the MIFI and they were just making it look that way but using the store wifi to connect....

rherman

My 4510L has been working great. I have been in Jacksonville, FL and am currently in Philadelphia, PA and in both cities I am consistently getting speeds of 18Mb/5Mb. That's very impressive. I had trouble with the 4510L until I configured it to use wireless g only. Wireless N was causing a lot of problems for me. I can't say enough good about Verizon's 4G network and the 4510l.

azr8rsfan

I'm about at my wit's end with Verizon supported cra p. I purchased this hw in anticipation of XOOM capability, and no XOOM 4g capability to date.

So I attempt to use 3g with the XOOM and it only works when it's unplugged. WHY IS THAT? Of course the battery life barely tops an hour, so no worries THERE.

Where's the 4g capability for the XOOM ... big red?

Where's the quality 3g hw I can use with the XOOM in the interim...big red?

You're charging me up the wazzoo for stuff that doesn't work consistently.

And now the leakage about data throttling. PRECIOUS.

unknown

Well I definitely understand your frustration with the issues you are having with this device. We don't have exact dates on the 4G upgrade for the Xoom, but you can view information and sign up for alerts here. I have not heard of this issue with 3G not working when the device is unplugged. I have had a Xoom myself since shortly after it was released and never use it while on the charger, and still get 10 hours battery life. Do you have cell phones with 3G in the same area? Are they able to connect to 3G consistently? It sounds like there may be an issue with your specific device, as these issues are not common. I would recommend checking what programs you have running by going to Settings>Applications>Running Services and periodically closing running applications. Did this issue start after installing a new application, if so, I would recommend uninstalling the application.

You can also try booting the device into safe mode which disables any 3rd party applications. First turn off the device. Then press and hold both volume keys. While holding the volume keys, press the power button for about 5 seconds. When Powering on BP appears at the top left, release the keys. Test your 3G connectivity and battery life. If you are having issues in safe mode, factory reset the device. If it is working fine in safe mode, that means you are having an issue with a 3rd party application.

lfirwin

I just upgraded from the 2200 to the 4510L yesterday because the 2200 would go dormant when switching from EVDO to 1xRTT, and basically kick me off the internet. I use my MiFi constantly for work (no other high speed alternatives where I live), and it was a total pain in the butt. Mind you, I travelled all the way across country with the 2200 about 6 months ago, and it worked fine when switching between 1xRTT and EVDO. I worked while my wife drove.

I don't have 4G yet in my neck of the woods, but Verizon is coming this way (bought out Alltel). I'm still experiencing drops in my internet connections, but just did a hard reset on the device and we'll see if that fixes anything.

If the reset works, maybe that's what my 2200 needed.... Oh well. Should have checked here sooner.

Question - does this device not work with the Verizon Access Manager?

SunflowerAnn

Thanks for stating it clearly - this unit is NOT ready for non-IT people nor is it stable. I'm fine with connecting, reconnecting, resetting, resetting and then resetting again while watching the LED and holding the button for 3 seconds, 5-10 seconds, 10-15 seconds or the latest number suggested.

So much for placing the unit and being free to use the wireless devices anywhere within range. One of the five users has to be the assigned baby-sitter and have the unit in arms reach. Business people would go mad.

Home users actually want to check emails, shop, send or receive important data as you would expect to do online. My husband refuses to use the computer now so I'm doing his research and checking his email as well as my own. Had this unit 2 weeks, only 104 weeks left on the contract.

Had to reset and reconnect while writing this post.

SR45

Just have to reply to this thread about the issues with 4G and this MiFi unit. Glad I read up on this new system and sorry for those that are having these issues as early adopters. For me, I wanted a MiFi from Verizon but no more. Not until the glitches are fixed and it does not seem it will be soon either.

Goodness Verizon, get on the ball and fix this. Should not have released it unless it actually works and not put these customers to a lot of grief.

jaguarjml

This device is terrible....Awful performance. Having the exact same problems that everyone else is listing on this post.

Maybe Verizon will get an update out?????????????????

jaguarjml

Furthermore, I have tried every single solution possible found on Google and other forums to help alleviate some of the problems the 4510L has....none of them work.

The device is junk. Very unhappy verizon customer right now.

jwasilko

I'm having similar problems with my 4510L. I 'upgraded' from a 3G usb modem, and I've had so many connection problems I'm at my wit's end. This is obviously not a product that's ready for prime time.

I look forward to hearing how Verizon's going to fix this--either with a firmware update or a recall.

AnthonyTa_VZW

jaguarjml wrote:
Furthermore, I have tried every single solution possible found on Google and other forums to help alleviate some of the problems the 4510L has....none of them work.

The device is junk. Very unhappy verizon customer right now.

jaguarjml,

I do understand your frustrations with the issues on the MiFi 4510L! I am here to assist you.

I know you mentioned you have tried multiple troubleshooting steps, I would like to know if you have tried Hard Resetting your MiFi device? If not, I am including a link below with instructions and screen shots for the reset:

Hard Reset - Verizon Wireless MiFi 4510L

Please let me know how this works out for you!

michjarv

ok......I have been experiencing most of the issues that most are explaning in this thread.....so being the tech geek that I am, I started to wonder, what would happen if I use the old VZ Access Manager that my old 3Gs Mifi device used. (and before anyone says anything, yes I know that the usb port on the Mifi4510L does not work as a modem)

Now, if any of you had the previous 3G Mifi, you will notice that when you start the VZ Access Manager program it will pick up the nearest wifi connections that are in your area(granted that the wifi connection on your laptop is on). I thought what would happened if I connected through the manager with the 4G device. So I connected it, and wouldn't you know it, the **bleep** think worked, got connected to the net.

so my next test was, to see how long it kept a connection. on my inital test, the connection lasted about an hour and 15 minutes before the 4510L disconnected. That is way longer that what I was experiencing with connecting through the Access Manager. after it dropped I reconnected again and since I was in DC area I had to disconnect yesterday because of the earthquake and my bldg. was being evacuated. After I came back in my bldg I connected back on through the manager and I do not recall it disconnecting again for rest of day.

Now I'm still during further testing, this morning I connected, and it disconnected within 10 minutes, not sure what that was about but I reconnected and so far it is up to 22 minutes. I'm not sure if this will work for everyone who is having issues with their device, but hey it is worth a shot to just try and monitor it it last longer than the 30 or so minutes of disconnecting. The other cool thing I like about the manager is that you can set it so it will auto connect if the wireless connections drop, so if the Mifi doe not shut off and the device is still on but the wireless connection drops the manager will re-connect it self.

I wll continue doing test and monitor how many drop connections and all that with using the Access Manager and be sure to check back with more updates.

Hope this helps some folks......

JFennacy

I have had a MiFi 4510L since Feb 2011. I too live in the country with no options besides satellite. I have experienced every issue reported in this thread. I've called Verizon customer support and tech support. I have a trouble ticket open for field service reps to look at the tower. They say something is amiss but cannot/will not give me a timeframe in which it can be fixed.

But the problem is not just the signal. There are times when the unit is hung - have to pull the battery to restart; there are times when everything seems ok but I cannot connect - my best solution to that is a hard-reset; last night the admin screen said Dormant, so I disconnect and reconnected only to have it say Dormant or Disconnecting.

Last night it had 0 to 1 bar with a 1xRTT connection. Today it has 3 bars with a 3G EVDO connection. It varies so much I have no idea what to expect day to day, even hour-to-hour.

Fundamentally it does not work consistently or reliably. I am looking forward to 4G rolling out in this area and am secretly hoping that technology will alter the way the unit works.

whitedog82

My situation is the same as most everyone else here. Overall it seems to me the 4510L has promise but at this time is not a device that actually works. It is more of a complex toy. Connects...disconnects...connects... more or less at random, here in central NC (RDU area). The first day, trying it just outside the local Verizon store, it was super fast. Since then, and even though the green light blinks a lot, it is about the same as my old MiFi 3g except the connection is likely to be dropped at any moment. I guess we can only hope that revised and improved software will be available "real soon now." In the interim, I basically have put the device away and use it if, but only if, I have absolutely no connectivity any other way. So far this 4g device is in no respect an improvement over the older 3g one, and a most frustrating experience.

rherman

Verizon is now showing a firmware upgrade "Coming Soon" to address these issues. The PDFs are posted and the firmware should be 2.16.07. Check it out:

http://support.vzw.com/system_update/mifi4510l.html

rjplatt

Updates are available now. Here are some direct links. Had some trouble getting these through the device as the option was greyed out. Switched IE to compatibility mode and the Update Firmware button worked however their link to the windows version was incorrectly named as .exe. Fixed below:

Windows

http://d23fu4p2g5yz6c.cloudfront.net/Windows/MiFi4510LWin.zip

Mac

http://d23fu4p2g5yz6c.cloudfront.net/Mac/MiFi4510LMac.zip

TechyHead

I've installed this firmware update and am sad to report that this Mifi still: Locks up, won't power off, devices can't connect, and is no different from before.

Here's a 'usefull' workaround for those that aren't mobile: Remove the battery, Plug in the a/c cable, install battery, power on. Now you have a Mif that works perfectly, can be powered on and off, devices can connect, but you can't take it with you.

Edit: I forgot to add that this is my 2nd unit after Verizon quickly sent a replacement. Both units function the exact same way.

cobmsdn

We've identified some issues that can contribute to unreliable MiFi operation:

Any form or "dirty" power such as under-voltage/over-voltage can cause the MiFi to unexpectedly reset. We've found that either directly charging the MiFi from a USB port (using a custom USB cable with the data leads shorted) or by using the included AC adapter via an automotive inverter can help with reliability. Using any of the "cigarette lighter" type power adapters seems to leave the units susceptible to surges or brownouts when in a vehicle.

We still haven't been able to identify a way to prevent the unexpected disconnects (separate issue from 4G->3G transitions).

Hope this helps.

TechyHead

I agree that it's power related. I've been tested while using the supplied A/C adaptor and it's very stable. Running on battery it's very problematic.

kentiler

I disagree. I'm having trouble with this device (I'm on my 3rd one since Verizon keeps insisting it's the device and not their problem). All of them have behaved the same way. No matter if I'm plugged into AC or running on battery - I can't open up new connections after 30 minutes in my current 4G area. 3G seems to work better, but the 4G continually has to be disconnected and reconnected every 30 minutes.

Existing connections, such as Outlook to Exchange, remain connected after the 30 minutes.

Verizon sent me the Samsung model, too, and the exact same behavior occurs there, too.

--Kent

BettyBoopW

I hope I can help someone. My 4510L was pitiful. Most of the time I can not even browse. I was connected. I called Tech Support so many times it isn't even funny. Anyway after talking to Lord only knows how many different people I fixed it myself. One place I went said to update to 2.23. OK did that. Talked to half a dozen more people. When I plug in USB, can't find the device. Talk to 2-3 more. Last 2 was foreigners. I could not make them understand my problem. By this time I am {word filter avoidance}. Call Novatel one more time. He says if my driver is not updated I won't be able to connect USB. Ok, try there remedies. No luck. I decided to see if I could download drivers manually. That worked. Then I downloaded my update, plugged in USB. KaBam, it worked. So I updated my device. Been working great since then.

statdetective

I have also locked my MiFi 4510 into EVDO mode. The speeds are better with 3G than with 4G here in Utah (North Utah County). My device stayed connected and running for more than 7 days (180 hours) when using EVDO. It won't even give me 15 minutes under LTE. And, when it does the speeds are slower than with 3G. Is there a way to just pay for 3G service? The 4G service might be claimed to be here, but it isn't.

Irishtiger

OK, everyone. This is a long and nightmarish journey I've been on. I've read all the posts in this thread. I was experiencing all of the issues mentioned in the thread. Until I came across one here that someone very smart posted. I used it and it worked perfectly.

Basically, I found an old Netgear router sitting in my junk box. I flashed it with DD-WRT, made it a Repeater for my Mifi 4510L, turned off broadcasting on the 4510l and now can do the following:

1. Be free of all "issues of connectivity" stated in this forum.

2. Have as many computers/users as I wish (up to 250 in the Netgear).

3. Have a GREATLY extended range for my signal (10x what the 4510l affords)

4. Continue to travel in my RV all over the country and do my job over the internet at blazing speeds.

I realize most of you are married to the insanely horrible internal router on the Mifi. It's time to get a divorce. I tried every solution here except a repeater and nothing worked. I've been going solid for two weeks now using this scheme. I'm not sure if I ever want to return to using a broadcaster that can only go 50 feet.

So either dust off your old router and check the dd-wrt router list to see if you can flash it or spend 5 minutes and 5 bux on craigslist to find one that does and go to this site: http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Repeater. Then stop whining.

Irishtiger

Oh and I forgot: I also get 802.11 N. Sweet!

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