mifi constantly disconnects

If you return it and wait at least 3 days, you can begin another 30-day evaluation without penalty. (I'm always on the lookout for the "rules and regulations". If you search through the verizon site you'll find what I'm refering to)

Michele-VzW

I'm sorry that you've had to disconnect your service, that's not something we ever want to hear. Unfortunately with any new device there are going to be issues it doesn't matter how much any company test and retests a device there are going to be issues. I hope that in the future we can gain your trust and business back.

IanMacInnes

As a new MiFi owner, I noticed the same problem, and tech support says there's no way to alter the settings for automatic dormancy. I was on the verge of returning the device yesterday but ironically I was deterred by the two-hour wait time at the Verizon store. I decided to try an odd solution which so far has seemed to work. I have an old Apple Airport Express Base station which we've been using to stream audio in the house. I reconfigured it to "join" the network created by the MiFi 2200. Because the Airport is constantly broadcasting its demands to join the MiFi network, it seems to fool the MiFi into thinking there's always an active connection, and it has stopped going into dormant mode.

Of course, this is obviously not an ideal solution, nor one available to everyone, so I hope Verizon finds a way to modify the dormancy settings on the MiFi itself. I'm also concerned that perhaps the MiFi is simply not built to sustain a constant wireless network and will burn itself out. Time will tell. I'd better check the warranty.

SameRain

Although I am using my MiFi frequently & find it good on the whole, I am experiencing the disconnect problem also, & not just when using it wirelessly; the same thing happens when I use it as a tethered air card via the USB cable, & wireless is disabled. I used a Blackberry Curve for several months via the USB tether in the same location, with no disconnects of this sort, so I don't think it is a signal problem. I think it's caused by a hardware or software glitch in the MiFi or VZ Access Manager. And I am not using a VPN at all with this device, so it's not connected to VPN issues.

What I typically see when it's tethered is that occasionally (maybe once per hour, but sometimes more frequently) is that suddenly the Internet connection will seem to freeze for a minute, & then when I look at Access Manager, I see that either it's dropped back to 1x from EVDO, or disconnected completely. If I shut down Access Manager, then use Device Manager to disable the USB connection to the MiFi, unplug the USB connection, then power off the Mifi, wait 10 or 15 seconds, then plug the USB back in, the MiFi will reconnect via EVDO & everything works great... for a while, till the next disconnect.

This really seems like a new hardware glitch. Verizon should put a really smart engineer on this & then send out a hardware or software update before people start badmouthing the MiFi heavily in the forums. The MiFi is a great concept, but Verizon needs to stay on top of tech support issues with it if they want it to be a big success.

At $60 for 5GB, don't expect this device to appeal to the masses, regardless of what good press it gets. It's very expensive--I've been torn between returning it and keeping it, but it's just so darn cool, I think I'll reliquish my $720/year to use the darn thing. I know if I turned it in, I'd miss it.

Hi slandsman,

I have been using the MiFi now for about a month, and I am having the same issues. It is very intermitent, sometimes connection would be lasting for 1 hour or more, before the drop and sometimes it would drop after a minute. It is completely unrealiable as it drops in the middle of a transfer. I have gone through 3 devices now and they all exibit the same behavior. I also connected the device to a Cradlepoint CTR-500 running the 1.6 firmware and it does not drop the connection, nor does it drop when tethered, so it is not the Network or the modem. So it leads me to belive that it is a firmware issue inside the MiFi that controls the connection and Verizon has to push on Novatel to release a firmware update to fix this otherwise this device is useless and its only a matter of time before this hits the web and blogs like engadget and gizmodo ruining the reputation of the device. Verizon please look into this and fix it, this is hard to deal with. I know the Sprint device has been reported to do the same thing.

Regards,

Felix M

SameRain

Thanks for your reply, felix. My disconnects are happening less frequently than you describe, but are still annoying. Even more annoying is that I submitted to Verizon Wireless tech support on June 28 a support request about the Mifi. I did not receive any reply from them until July 7 when they sent an apology & said they would call me, but they have still not called, & it has now been 17 days. I thought Verizon Wireless was committed to improving tech support this year! So much for that corporate commitment, I guess. Here is their email reply:

"Thank you for contacting our Verizon Wireless website. Your inquiry below was received by our technical support department on 06/28/2009. However, due to higher than normal volume we were unable to address it within the 24-48 hour time frame as promised. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience the delay may have caused. In an effort to provide a more timely resolution/response to your inquiry, one of our Technical Support coordinators will be in touch with you by telephone. We assure you that we are working to ensure we are able to meet your online technical support needs in a more timely manner in the future.

"Again, please accept our apology and we truly appreciate your understanding. We look forward to being able to service your online technical support needs, should they arrive. Please note, technical support self help is available on our website at www.verizonwireless.com/data. We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Verizon Wireless.

"Sincerely,

Proncel

Verizon Wireless Data Technical Support"

Jeanie

I also have a mifi 2200 since June 4th. I am having the same problem that everyone else is reporting. It hasn't disconnected yet while I was using it, but disconnects frequently when in the idle mode. I have to reset the device and it appears again in my "wireless list". I do not want to do this everytime I want to go online. It is useless to me if I cannot use it wirelessly since I have other devices which I would like to connect and that is the sole purpose for buying this versus the USB Broadband.

I have returned the device twice and am still having the same problem. I have an open ticket with Verizon Wireless and they told me they will extend my 30 day return policy until my ticket is resolved to my satisfaction. Last night Verizon Wireless told me that they are only concerned about my connection when it is connected to my computer, and since it works well without disconnection as long as I have it plugged into the USB port that the problem is with Novatel.

I sent an email to Novatel Support last night, but have not heard from them as of yet.

Jeanie

I got the following reply from Novatel. It seems to be working for me for the past 3 days - no disconnects.

With you laptop connected to the MiFi2200 in WiFi mode, open the MIFI Web UI using the web browser on the laptop and going to http://192/168.1.1

Go to ‘Advanced>Power’ tab, and change the ‘Enter Standby Mode’ setting to ‘Never’.

Hope this solves your problem, too

Michele-VzW

This is great news! Please keep this thread going and let us know if this work around works for others.

Ladyterrier48

Please help. I am fairly good with computers but am sometimes not familiar with language used by real computer whizzes. When I type in http://192/168.1.1 I get error messages. What is: WIFI Web UI ? Please give more explicit instructions for those of us that are a bit dense sometimes.

Thanks

Ladyterrier48

{edited for privacy}

Message Edited by BradC on 07-26-2009 09:05 PM

bnicklz

I had been having the same problem (unable to stay connected for more than a minute or two) since I got a MIFI about 60 days ago. I am a heavy user and had to have my old card reactivated so I didnt lose connectivity on the road. Tethered through VZ access it stayed connected - via wifi consistent disconnects. After HOURS AND HOURS on the phone with support and two replacement units - mine is FIXED! Turns out there was probably never anything wrong with the hardware.

Finally got a a rep that was a "mifi expert" - no one really appears to be, however this guy was willing to listen to me that I had already trouble-shot the other likely suspects (tower, battery, device). If you are having a problem push for a "mifi expert" - they will at least know what the card is supposed to do.

THE FIX (in my case) - was the change the security from WPA to WEP, also running on 802.11b only (but i am not sure that made a difference). Log in to the card through the browser (192.168.1.1 - using pword admin) and navigate to the security tab (might be under advanced) - change the security to shared WEP and set a new access code.

its only been a few days, but I haven't had a problem since. A bit disaapointed with the battery life, and the signla strength seems weaker than my old pc card - but decent trade off for the ability to connect multiple devices.

GOOD LUCK

Hi bnicklz,

I tried various configurations like you suggested, this includes setting WEP64 and WEP128, and changing to 802.11b only and 802.11g only and no matter what config I pick I still get disconnected at random times, its becomore pretty hard to tell when the disconnect will happen. Sometimes I manage to stay connected for 2 hours or more, but no matter what I do eventually the MiFi in WiFi mode kicks me out every time, I cant have a reliable web conference on WebEx with this device in WiFi mode.

This is definatelly a software bug because like I mentioned in my earlier post I've had 3 different replacements, and I attribute this to Novatel and VZ releasing a device that they spent very little time testing.

My next step is to post this on digg.com because I don't have the patience to call VZ tech support again, as I have called them 5 times about this, and every single agent is totally in the dark about the MiFi and it is just a waste of time talking to them about this problem and trying to get a resolution, as they are not able to help at all.

At least on a website like digg.com it will start making it's way as news around the tech blogs soon, and someone from cnet or engadget may report it as a flaw in some article. There is no other way to get the attention of VZ or Novatel because they don't seem to care too much at this issue.

If anyone from VZ or Novatel is reading this post, please be aware that you managed to release a very unstable and unreliable product, the MiFi2200, and it needs to be solved, via a firmware update to make sure it does not disconnect in the middle of a online session.This device is usless to me as I cannot seem to use it as advertized and its been 30 days no, seriously thinking about canceling VZ as I didn't get this device if I wanted a USB modem, and so far that is the only way I can get it to work.

Regards,

Felix M.

[Deleted User]

felix_morariu, sorry to hear you are experiencing issues with your service. The proper Verizon Wireless point-of-contact has been made aware of the issue and will be in contact soon. Good luck!

Brad

SameRain

Regarding my earlier posts in this thread, I finally was contacted by Verizon tech support regarding my MiFi tech support question, 3 weeks after I submitted the request. Not good... but they finally did give me a decent answer to my question, which mirrored some of the more recent suggestions in this thread. I'm not having problems with wireless disconnects very often now, but do still see my tethered connection drop from EVDO-Rev A to 1X occasionally. I guess I'll submit a new request on just that issue & see if I get an answer in less than 3 weeks this time.

For anyone considering purchasing the MiFi, I'd have to say after using mine for 2 months that a tethered Blackberry Curve is a better option unless you really need to use more than one wireless device concurrently. My Curve gave me an excellent Internet connection wherever I had EVDO-Rev A signal with virtually no tech support issues. The MiFi is less reliable, so I would not depend on it for work stuff.... or for time-crucial financial stuff. It's frustrating to be following a stock price trying to time a purchase or sale, only to have the MiFi suddenly go to dogsled speed.

I have yet to hear from Verizon or Novatel on this problem or a potential fix. I actually went back to my V740 because I have yet to use a device that is so unreliable like the MiFi. I also posted this problem on engadget's forums in the hope that someone would provide a solution. Its funny that VZ markets this for business users, as I can't think of too many business users that would be happy during an online webex session if your device disconnects you from the VPN.

Felix M.

Kiteless

Customer Rant/Plea

I too am getting this problem. To be crystal clear to the mods and support folks who read this: When the MiFi is in WiFi mode it disconnects from the cellular network at random intervals. It does not matter if you are moving data on it or not. I don’t get disconnected from the device via WiFi that works fine, but the device randomly disconnects and reconnects from Verizon itself. This isn’t a “standby mode” problem either. The device isn’t going into “dormant” mode like many cards and USB devices will. It just flat out resets its connection to Verizon. I have a Mid 2009 MacBook Pro (w/ SD card slot and non-removable battery). I also have a 15.6” Asus gaming laptop running 64bit Vista. I have several Wifi enabled media players plus my iPhone. I have a DSi. (Yeah I am a geek and have been a professional geek for over 15 years) I allow guests to connect to it. We all have the same problem. Does not matter if you have 5 bars or 1 bar of signal and it doesn’t matter how many devices are connected to it via WiFi. It is totally and completely random. It also seems slower when in WiFi mode, but I have not tested that thoroughly yet.

If I use it in WiFi via a computer I keep one browser on its web interface at all times to keep an eye on it. I keep it visible on the screen, at all times. http://192.168.1.1 Watch it. In 1 hour of use I will get disconnected at LEAST 4 times and as much as 20 times but on average I watch it drop from Verizon about 10 times an hour.

I took my MiFi into the Verizon store and explained all this to them. Told them I wanted a different device, I wad told my options are exchange it for the same thing, Pay a fee to change devices, or cancel my account. I was right to the end of my 30 days, but still in it. I decided to exchange it so now I am on my second MiFi and have been for a month or so and its all the same old song and dance

I have been using it in USB mode almost all the time (as it works fine in USB mode). I feel cheated and very annoyed that I paid for something and am continuing to pay for something that doesn’t work as advertised. The thing is basically useless in WiFi mode. Every time I use it I am hoping that the VZ Access Manager on my Mac or Windows machine will say “New Firmware update available”. But after all these months of this obviously wide spread problem, it’s still not fixed and Big V is still selling them! I call Verizon tech support and they “have never heard of this problem”, asking me to check the settings on my computer.

I keep as close an eye on this as I can, going to Novatel’s site hoping for some news, but they just say that “my wireless carrier is my first point of contact for my MiFi device. Honestly I would feel a lot better if I just KNEW Verizon had a few people from that massive mob of engineers behind the “Can you hear me now” guy working on this.

Sarcasm aside, I would really like to see this resolved. I am disgruntled and sorry that I entered into a 2 year contract with this device, a device that DOES NOT WORK as advertised. This was my argument when them when I said I wanted to change devices and they wanted to charge me a fee! I suppose I could call tech support and wait on hold for collective hours and hours exchanging device after device after device until I get one that works as advertised, but I don’t have that kind of time and I don’t think Verizon would want that ether.

Please offer a solution. Something.. Please make me a happy Verizon customer again.

There is no fix for this problem folks. It is a problem with the device. I have been troubleshooting this thing for over a month trying different things. The only way you can use this device reliably is by plugging it into a USB port and using it as a USB Mobiel Broadband Modem. This device needs to be pulled/replaced if it's a hardware issue, or a firmware update needs to be pushed out by Verizon/Novatel.

- J

Message Edited by Kiteless on 08-14-2009 10:06 AM

Message Edited by Kiteless on 08-14-2009 10:07 AM

I HATE having to join forums to get support from a company that I pay hard earned money to. But alas I felt the need to chime in, with hopes some pencil pushing lackey is responsible for actually reporting the number of complaints on here to an OBVIOUS hardware/software issue with the Mifi 2200 units since the actual tech support people are clueless.

I have the exact same problem. Constant disconnects and switching to 1xRTT while being used in Wifi mode, despite 5 full bars, signal strengths of -85+, full battery, great location, yada yada yada.

When used in USB mode, no disconnect issues. Fancy that. Same problem as so many others here and elsewhere.

So....this device...does not perform as advertised. There IS NO ARGUING THIS. I am beyond my 30 days now...and of course, this didn't start happening until after. Should anyone have issues with getting exchanged for a different device, or canceling service without any fees incurred, I seriously suggest the possibility of a class action lawsuit. I don't know about you but when you pay $700+ a year for a service on top of the device cost, and it doesn't do what is advertised....and they do not satisfy your desire for exchanges/refunds at THEIR expense....it is time to take action.

I have posted this thread on digg.com I will post the link later.

Just a small update...since I was a bit blunt on my previous post...here are some more thoughts....

This unit gives out a pretty good amount of heat while being used with the wall adapter or running on battery. I never did notice any abnormal heat while hooked up via USB to the laptop.

I am wondering, if the excessive heat is a result of the Wifi chip...since, it is not running the Wifi while being used on the laptop as it is in USB mode working as just a modem.

I am going to hook it up to my mac mini and run it as a modem only and just share out the connection to my Airport and hope this will reduce the amount of disconnects to a minimum, until a final answer on this is presented by Vzw or Novatel.

For fun, I am going to cool down this sucker some how, perhaps between some ice packs (obviously being safe to avoid condensation or moisture)...and see if that does anything for the disconnects. Something tells me it just might.

I will let you all know how that goes.

{keep it relevant} I am am getting really tired of this problem being ignored and the support folks at VZ not acknowledging its a serious issue.

{edit}

Felix M.

Message Edited by WendyM on 08-15-2009 09:03 PM

Update on assumption that heat may be an issue...it isn't. I cooled the unit down by laying it on an iced bag wrapped in a hand towel. It cooled it considerably, no condensation or moisture involved. I allowed it to fully cool down before running it in Wifi mode and operating off of the wall wart.

Same issue. Blazing hot as it runs...or nicely chilled....still the same problem.

Not ruling out hardware issues...just overheating doesn't seem to be the cause with my less than precise testing method. Could be 101 other hardware/software issues....perhaps one day Verizon will fess up to the shody quality control or at least point the finger at Novatel and do something about it.

I sincerely hope it is only a firmware bug or memory leak..something easily fixed. What a great device this could be...if only.

{Discussion of moderator actions}

All this could be avoided is anyone on this forum form VZ or Novatel would provide some relevant information about the problems we are experiencing with the MiFi, we all pay VZ allot of money for hardware and services, it is a shame to see a company so well regarded for reliability peddle a product that is clearly not ready to be released into the wild., and worst yet, advertise it on TV as a business solution.

I am disappointed and completely let down by this company and its MiFi product. Good luck with your MiFi usage in the future, today I have canceled my account and I will be looking at moving to Sprint since I am no longer a VZ customer. I will still follow this forum if this problem is fixed in the future, but for now, I will urge that you don't use this device for mission critical connectivity, it is useless and it will lead to frustrations.

Felix M.

Message Edited by BradC on 08-16-2009 07:38 AM

krelvinaz

Sorry to hear about troubles.

Yesterday, I did an endurance test with a Tekkeon TekCharge MP1800 connected to the MiFi to provide extra power. I wanted to see how long it would run with this combo without having to plug into the wall.

I maintained a constant connection for more than 14 hours before I turned it off. The MP1800 still showed it has more power to go and the MiFi was fully charged, so it would have gone another 3-4 hours on its own.

The test involved a series of repeating web queries to a dynamically generated page (provided weather info from my PWS) and in the latter stages of the test a Slingmedia connection streaming a TV channel.

I don't use VPN often but did have a SSL connection via a Juniper connect to the office for about an hour during the test and didn't get dropped there either.

No drops in connection were seen and as far as I know, I maintained an EVDO Rev A connnection the entire time.

This was done in the Phoenix Metro area and no heat issues were involved.

During the entire test, I had the MiFi sitting on top of a TV tray with the MP1800 connected to its charge port sitting right next to it in the open.

The unit is brand new and perhaps that is part of the success?? but for me this would have been more than capable for my business use in the field.

I am coming from a USB720 which I have used for more than 2 years.

I too had no issues when the unit was brand new. This is what lead me to the heat issue assumption. This device definitely gets hot, and it has been discussed elsewhere.

Such a constant heat issue can eventually lead to solder joints becoming weak....shorts...etc on the hardware side. Theoretically it is possible that is still the problem since this is only experienced when in Wifi mode. If some kind of heat issue leads to the degredation of an IC on the wifi side of the board, for example...the problem may possibly be present only when used in that particular mode. Thinking of it in terms of, for the sake of hypothetical discussion, a sound card in a computer with multiple ports. One of the ports could be faulty...where as the others could continue to work.

Again, this is all purely speculation. If heat is in fact an issue, there is a good chance that regardless of my attempts to cool the unit down, the heat could have already done damage to the board/chips/etc that is simply irreversable at this point.

On another note...you said you did not drop any connections. Sometimes, the dropped connects aren't apparent except as lagging in actual requests out, since the device auto-reconnects. Depending on your particular usage this may or may not cause an inconvenience to you. I don't even think using a streaming device like the Slingmedia would be an ideal real world test, since if I am not mistaken, the buffer on such streaming activities might be large enough where you would not miss a beat if the device did disconnect and reconnect automatically within a reasonably short time (in most cases, it does this within 15 seconds give or take)

You could enable the system log in the Mifi by going into the admin webpage while connected to it via Wifi (http://192.168.1.1), default pass is: admin...and enable the System Log under the Advanced Tab/Settings. Then go under the Diagnostics and view the System Log. That is how you can be sure of whether or not your have a solid and constant connection.

Well amazingly it seems I have been up and running for almost an hour, without any disconnects. So very odd, as this is the first time in weeks it has ran steadily. Maybe this is a carrier issue, and these units are fine. Or maybe they did something behind my back since I started whining about it....hah. With so many possibilities...who knows. I still maintain the opinion that we should all stop having to do Verizon's job to figure it out.

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08/16/09 00:36:05pm> 3G Out of Dormant State
08/16/09 00:35:21pm> 3G Dormant State
08/16/09 00:35:10pm> 3G Out of Dormant State

Message Edited by blacksheepfoto on 08-16-2009 10:35 AM

Tech_Addiction

I know everyone keeps posting the logs that show Dormant state. I have looked at the initial page when you enter the IP address for the Modem and I can watch it go in and out of Dormant state but it doesn't effect my internet connection. When it is Dormant I can still click on a web site and it goes to it right away then says Connected. When people say the Mifi disconnects do you mean you lose all internet connection and the signal icon by the time shows unconnected? I just want to understand what disability you have when it goes to Dormant besides just the log saying it's Dormant. I can't get mine to lose internet connection. In fact I find the Mifi has a better signal at my house then my cell phone does. My cell phone sucks at my house to the point where I was considering the $250.00 extender VZW sells.

timtrain35

Based on krelvinaz's "testing", I wonder if it could be just a power issue, or lack thereof? Does anyone know what kind of battery is in this? Does the device draw power from the USB connection? Has anyone expeirenced the dropouts while connected to external power? What a shame about all this, it seemed like such a great idea.

Message Edited by timtrain35 on 08-17-2009 05:49 PM

dmilne223

I really wish I would have stumbled on these posts before I purchased the MiFi 2200. My USB150 was working fine and I decided to purchase an additional card for my husband's laptop. Instead I was told the MiFi 2200 would work for both laptops. After cancelling our home internet and using the MiFi for about 3 weeks, I foolishly sent in the rebate. Of course within a day or so of sending in the rebate, my MiFi does not work at all in WiFi mode. As a result only 1 person at a time can use the card to access the internet. I can't even stay connected long enough wirelessly to make modifications to the card. After spending about an hour with customer support they determined I needed a replacement device as they've never experienced the disconnect problem. Obviously they don't talk much as from these posts, EVERYONE is experiencing disconnects! I received the replacement device this afternoon and after 2+ hours trying to get it working, still no luck with using the WiFi. Such a waste of time and money. I've been with Verizon for 15+ years and really don't know that I will be staying with them after this experience. Obviously they are promoting a defective product that doesn't do what it is advertised to do.

No, not everyone is having problems. I use my MiFi every day and it performs flawlessy for hours at a time when I use it that long.

AAMOF, I doubt you can count a dozen people here who are having the sort of problem you are experiencing. Keep on Verizon for a fix and good luck.

If there is some issue with the hardware you are using with the MiFI, don't expect too much from support. While I like my MiFi card, support has been dreadful.

I think you'll find you can still return the unit even if you did send in the rebate, unlike other stores. Give them a call about that.

Message Edited by dave1812 on 08-19-2009 01:53 PM

Message Edited by dave1812 on 08-19-2009 01:56 PM

amturnip

I got a MiFi for use with Linux. Linux does wifi really well, but some USB modems are Windows/Mac only, so I thought MiFi would be obvious.

At the Verizon store, the salesman told me MiFi was out of stock and tried to convince me to get a USB modem, but I insisted on MiFi and finally he fetched one from the stockroom.

Unfortunately, my MiFi did not hold onto the Verizon network. I was trying it out in Washington DC. I put it by the window, I pointed it various directions, I plugged it into power, I ran it on battery... in all cases, its wifi worked without flaw and its embedded website said it had great cellular reception, but it often would not connect to Verizon, and often after connecting it held the Verizon connection for only seconds before disconnecting. I got only one good satisfying internet session with it over the course of two days of trying it out. (I found this thread on that occasion!)

I returned the MiFi forthwith and got a USB760 instead. The USB760 reports weaker reception than the MiFi did, but the USB760 grips the Verizon network firmly, at least in my stationary experiments.

KStratMD

I have been using Verizon's Mobile Broadband for internet connectivity since practically before they even had Mobile Broadband. Specifically I used my old Samsung i700 tethered to my Tablet PC and in the old days, is was just part of my regular cell phone charges (no data charges). I also tethered an i730 later, but eventually with data charges found the Novatel USB 720 very useful and have used 2 of them and a USB 727 before just recently purchasing a MiFi, so I think I have a little experience with their network.

My main use for the broadband connections was to use Microsoft's standard VPN to get to my office/clinic software (I am a physician) so I could access patient records, electronically fill prescriptions, etc., while away. I found from experience that I always had a better internet connection by using the VPN tunnel to my office through Verizon (and then from my office to the internet just like I was at my office), as opposed to connecting to the internet from Verizon directly without the VPN connection. This has never been more noticeable however than with the MiFi. I have read through all the other posts and tried all sorts of security settings, etc., but still get so frequent connects and disconnects to the internet (only with WiFi mode) that it didn't seem any better than the Novatel USB 720, meaning I would have to always use a USB connection with the MiFi. I discovered however that if I used the VPN tunnel to my clinic as above, I had a rock solid connection to the internet with Verizon in WiFi mode. In fact it gripped even better then with my other USB devices, including during a recent commercial plane flight this week. However, again without the VPN tunnel though, it was useless in WiFi mode, including different cities (SLC and St. George, UT). I have verified the differences were not due to signal strength, power levels, other interference from cordless phones, etc.

Bottom line. With the above findings, I think it is not a device issue as much as a programming issue with Verizon's network. I hope they get it fixed because there must be a least some latency issues having to go to my clinic first before reaching the "cloud." I hope all those people they show on TV ads will get to work fixing this, as the MiFi seems like a great device otherwise.

KStratMD

dmilne223

Here's an update to my August 19th post....

On August 19th, After spending an hour or so with tech support, I was told a trouble ticket would be opened and I should receive a response to my issue within 6 days. I finally called Verizon on August 31st (12 days later) and was told that no trouble ticket had been open. :smileysad:

After talking with yet another person from tech support (4th so far), she had me do the same reset settings as previously tried and by some miracle, MiFi has been working now for 6 days and with two laptops connecting to it! This leads me to believe that the device itself never had an issue and it is an error or problem with the actual Verizon network. This would explain why it worked for me for the first 3 1/2 weeks after I purchased it but stopped working for a little over 2 weeks (in the wireless state). I'm hoping Verizon has "fixed" the network issues as I really hate to go back to the USB type of connection. I live in the Chicago suburbs and have been using MiFi fairly consistently from the same location the entire time I've owned it including the 2 weeks were it stopped working in wireless mode. I have tested MiFi in the Champaign area (central Illinois) as well as in New Buffalo, Michigan. Both areas didn't have quite as strong of a signal.

mcnameeelectric

" Has anyone expeirenced the dropouts while connected to external power? What a shame about all this, it seemed like such a great idea.

Message Edited by timtrain35 on 08-17-2009 05:49 PM"

This is my 1st time out with the MiFi. I used to run the PCMCIA card with a Top Global Router. Glad to find I am not the only one having this problem.

But yes, this is disconnecting when plugged into external power to me.

I will be reading all post here. I HOPE someone figures something out as it is always disconnecting.

Thanks for this topic all.

Don

dmilne223

I almost always use MiFi with the external power source and yes, it was disconnecting during that time. Also tried unplugging it but had the same result. Now it has been working consistently for 6 days with very limited disconnects (usually after it has been on for more than 6 hours) and it has been connected to the external power source the entire time.

magicswebpage

have u guys try going to 192.168.1.1/powermg.html and under "enter standby mode" set it to never?

i had NO problems and we used our alot..

but really if your not accessing the net for data then it will disconnected to save mb charges and power life.. itz called idle :-p

"knocks on wood"

I am glad I found this thread. I was thinking seriously about buying a MiFi, but will now definitely steer clear. Other than this device or a tethered cell phone, what is the best/most reliable USB or card device for connecting my laptop to the Verizon network? I'm thinking about going that route and then getting a CradlePoint router for use at home. Thanks.

you made a smart choice not getting the MiFi. if you have mission critical applications you need to use on the VZ mobile network, then the MiFi will fail you greatly and will lead to massive frustrations, all it does is drop the connection every 2 minutes randomly, worthless device. I would get the Novatel V740 express card, it is rock solid and never ever drops a connection. The MiFi, is a great idea, not properly executed and worst of all, tested. Stay away from the MiFi, all you will end up with is headaches.

Thanks for your response. I'll probably start with the v740 and the 5 GB plan. If all goes well and I like the service, I'll drop Charter cable and try to survive with 5 GB and a CradlePoint router. If that's not possible, I'll get an additional 5 GB plan.

jradi72

Someone had recommended switching from WPA to WEP. I just tried it and it worked WONDERS for me. Fastest connection my mifi has ever had, zips from link to link, no latency yet.

what settings on WEP? 64 bit or 128bit? encryption?

What do you mean "no latency"? there is ALWAYS latency. If it's under roughly 30ms it will feel pretty "zippy". :smileyhappy:

jradi72

I switched to WEP 128bit. I also hid my SSID (since WEP is less secure). The security issue isn't too huge a deal with the mifi since it has a much smaller broadcasting radius compared to normal routers (I only get about 30 feet).

Also, "latency" was the wrong word, but I couldn't think of the right word to say. Basically, when I click I get the new page nearly instantly. Before, I used to watch my explorer/firefox icon spin for about 10 seconds before it would seem to "catch" and start loading the page. It was as if every time I clicked on a link my mifi would wake up, reestablish the connection and start downloading.

magicswebpage

question if ur worried about hackers, why dont u locked the mifi down with a mac address list??

lonseidman

Add me to the list of connection problems. I'm looking at a full signal strength connection right now and the device is disconnecting from the Verizon network and reconnecting constantly. Totally unreliable, although it's no better than the USB720 I was using previously. It too would disconnect randomly (and often) during use.

TheObserver

Its now October and Novatel has yet to fix the instability in maintaining a connection.

2 months and no news.

Its a good thing I waited to get this, now I know it'll probably be a few years before this is fixed and I can cancel by subscription before my 30 days is up.

I love the size of the device, no complaints. But the software is horrible.

The battery is dead every day despite not being used and turning it off.

The connection lasts a few minutes. In the last week only once has the connection laster over a hour.

I am aways amazed at how corporate america can release products that are unusable.

Ford, Chevy, GM... sigh.

Swap your mifi for a USB760 modem. If you need wifi, get a CradlePoint router.

I hate to say it, but this is exactly the reason why companies get away with producing and selling garbage. We have become complacent about our technology, we allow them to use us as beta testers, and we allow them to pass the buck to someone else to solve. Why cant we have a MiFi that work as advertised? why do I have to buy 2 devices because a company refuses to fix the software for a divice they advertize as a mobile hotspot? Make no sense at all. This is not a solution.

It's a great solution. Why suffer with a device that doesn't work when you can get one that does work.

ibjot

For those who have had no problems, congrats!

For those of us who have had problems, it has been very annoying. The idea about setting standby to "Never" didn't work for me. Keeping it plugged in to the wall for power didn't work, either. And besides, that kind of defeats much of the purpose.

However, the suggestion to change security to WEP seems to have solved the problem. When it works, this is the best thing since sliced bread. Hope it continues to work.

Thanks for all of your help and advice.

ibjot

OOPS! May have spoken too soon.

While the security fix fixed the wifi problem, my mifi now will not connect via WWAN when plugged into the computer. When I try to connect WWAN, it says, "Connection Failed - The remote computer did not respond. Error 678."

I'm still working on it. Anyone have any ideas?

Anyone want to estimate how much this is costing us in bandwidth? The constant disconnects/reconnects?

If I have to constantly reload a page, that did not finish to load and/or cache, I am being essentially double billed for that usage. I am going to dispute this with them tomorrow as I have frequently gone over my cap and therefore been charged accordingly. However I am willing to best at least 20% of that is from me having to repeatedly reconnect to things, refresh pages that failed to load, etc.

It is evident that pages are not loading from cache when visiting. Also, I imagine each time it reconnects, or at least more often than not, a new IP is assigned resulting in possibly new cookies, and forced redownloading of what should have been cached objects. Am I wrong on this?

DocHoliday

Iike with any wi-fi router, there are going to be issues with finding the sweet spot. I suggest changing the channel to 6 or 1 if you are dropping the connection to the router. Additionally you may want to change the IP address to something other than the standard one that came with it. Thats the same IP as all the Linksys routers in the world.

I got mine today, and obviously dont have any issues with it yet, but I can tell you that I have no intention of letting some setting stop me from getting full use.

If you dont know how to get into your router configs, open your internet and go it 196.168.1.1 and the password is admin. Change the name of your router, the password, the channel and the IP number. Plan on rebooting your computer just to make sure. Write down your changes too.

Good Luck.

magicswebpage

haha they dont just locked ip to brands thats just common ip with all routers!

also the problem people are seeing disconnection from vzw net when using it in a long period of time..

It's been months and i still have the disconnection issue. Are you guys still experiencing the drops? Should I call for a replacement?

Felix M.

najach

I had the same problem with the mifi when I was at Sprint... (I miss Sprint...) I think it's probably just the device itself. I can't remember the exact model mifi, only that it was silver in color to match Sprint. Still, I do get a lot of disconnects with my usb dongle with Verizon... though what ticks me off is that the access manager insists that I am still connected, or that I have a great connection, or that I've gone dormant (even though I was in the middle of using my connection).

jasee

I read through all 9 pages of this and went through frustration, then got excited, and frustrated, to hopeful. I just purchased our family the MiFi a few days ago and experienced the issue with the WiFi connection disappearing. I didn't do any testing or investigating yet, because from experience I "figured' it was a setting on the portal of the device (hence why I went up and down with frustration reading these 9 pages).

I came from using a PC Card and sharing it between my wife and my laptops. That worked great but her laptop had to be present and on-- so the MiFi was a sweet concept when I found out about it.

I was used to being able to leave her laptop on all the time and it would be connected and ready (out of dormant mode) when needed, so it was natural for me to plug in the MiFi after I set it up and connect our laptops wirelessly and then forget about it. I had to reset it once within a idle time-frame away from our laptops for a few hours, and then I found I had to reset it again in the morning when I discovered the wireless connection was gone again from the available networks list. Resetting would work each time, but one step that is more cumbersome for us than anything.

I plan to check the version of our firmware when I get home from work tonight, and that's where I'm hopeful that it's 1.25 so that there's a chance that the 1.35 update fixes that WiFi connection loss. Otherwise, I'm well early enough to take it back.

I've been a customer of Verizon's for almost 10 years, and have not had one problem-- literally. I'm proud to be their customer, and am treated well since I buy cell phones every 3 months almost. But the tech support communication is a bit disturbing.... It's easy to assume the worse though....

Ok, I'll try to post back when I have had a chance to try the options within this 9 pages of MiFi posts. Sorry for long post.

GregIthaca

I'm having the exact same problem with my MiFi 2200. I tried downloading the latest VZAccess Manager (7.0.10 2364a) and installing on my (nominally supported) Windows 2000 machine. The installation wiped out the old VZAccess Manager, but won't complete -- it gets most of the way through, then encounters some kind of problem and "rolls back" the install, leaving me with no VZAccess Manager at all installed.

I proceeded to go to the Verizon Wireless store for tech support at this point, but was told that they couldn't actually help me because they are prohibited from plugging devices in to their computers. So much for the "bring it in and have them do it at the store" option for upgrading. They sent me home with the phone number of a phone support person who does not answer his phone or his voicemails.

Next, I loaded it on another machine (Win XP) and it installed successfully. I went ahead with the firmware update as it suggested, and followed the instructions to "not interrupt the process" -- until it failed with an "Error 36". At this point, VZAccess manager wouldn't detect the device, and I discovered I could not even turn off the power.

I finally managed to reboot the device by taking the battery out, but it is still running the old firmware, so I'm still having my disconnection problems.

Am I cursed, or is this just the worst supported device in the history of technology?

Greg

Tech_Addiction

I had no problems running the VZ Access manager on WIn 7 RTM. Win XP is not the most user friendly OS for plug and play. Win 7 regonizes the device and loads the drivers instantly and VZ Access manager updates perfectly. I didn't even uninstall the previous version first and it never even hesitated. I know everyone is not capable of upgrading their OS right now but if you can swing it I highly recommend Win 7. Best Buy has a family 3 computer pack upgrade for $149.95.

BarbieLee123

I bought a Verizon MiFi 2200 about 2 months ago and it worked wonderfully. There is a brick wall between our office (where MiFi is located) and the family room and it connected to a second computer with no problem whatsoever. During the past week, we could not connect to a 2nd computer and couldn't get the first one connected with WiFi; when we did get a WiFi connection, we kept getting booted off the internet - all the while the transmission was "excellent". 1st computer is usually in our office (laptop).

This week, we began having problems. I called Verizon and they told me it was a "reception" problem. He had me try to connect from the kitchen and there was a definite connection. I have made no changes to this room (office). It has the same TV, same wireless telephones, etc. That we had a month ago. Has anyone experienced this?

Also, I only have Firmware v1.25 and everytime I ask Verizon Access Manger to get the latest updates, it says I have the latest update (there is a v1.35 Firmware out there, right?). Has anyone figured out whether this help with connectivity problems?

Would much appreciate your help! Barbie

JohnDroid

We just purchased a MiFi 2200. We are experiencing disconnects for what appears to be a different reason than other forum members who are making posts in this discussion. When we switch users on our Windows Vista computer, the action disconnects the wireless connection between the computer and the MiFi device. Anyone else experiencing this same problem?

KrisBrilliant

Finally got this figured out - I think.

Point your browser to http://192.168.1.1 The password is admin. Go to Advanced tab, Power. Set Enter Standby Mode to Never.

lookinforanswer

May be too little too late, but if you connect and log into the interface, there should be a WWAN configuration selection. If you can find the Power Management section, you need to verify that the power down if idle for ..... is only set at NEVER.

If it goes dormant before this, you can press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to wake it up.

This should fix going dormant but coming out of it when data attempts to start. Also, go through the security setup again and then change the name of the SSID to something different, when you save it and the device restarts, you will be prompted by your wireless notification showing the new name, connect to this one since the wireless cards sometimes get confused if the preferred networks has the same name and you may not get the changed one.

If it's too late for you, maybe it will help someone else.

Offroader

I've been having this same problem for quite some time and it appears that it rears its ugly head mostly when multiple users are connected.

I've done the firmware upgrade and the power settings to Never, but neither have fixed it.

Changing the SSID name will not have any effect on the device maintaining an EVDO connection. I believe that there are two possible issues;

- First, how the device handles switching between the wi-fi side and the EVDO side, it gets confused and drops the connection.

- Second, how the Verizon network handles the traffic flowing from the device when multiple devices are connected or present. Even though, by networking rules, there should be no difference in the traffic as the hardware address should be the same for all traffic, I wonder if VZW is getting confused and killing the connection.

Anyhow, I've tried to have these discussions with VZW tech support but have never gotten to a high enough level of support where they understand the differences between computer networking and macaroni and cheese.

DROdio

The MiFi disconnect issue has been FIXED by Verizon. To see the fix (and the story about how I emailed the CEO of Verizon to get the fix) see http://go.DanielOdio.com/MiFi

PDCLarry

DROdio wrote:
The MiFi disconnect issue has been FIXED by Verizon. To see the fix (and the story about how I emailed the CEO of Verizon to get the fix) see http://go.DanielOdio.com/MiFi

Nope. Your fix (which you didn't post here, but is in your blog - neat way to get people to read your blog - NOT) is to upgrade the firmware. Which did not fix it for me. I upgraded when the latest release (v159) came out almost 6 months ago, and the problem has not improved.

warrensander

And still no response from VERIZON.

I guess they don't monitor their forums.

I want someone from Verizon to acknowledge and hopefully give some information on their attempts to fix this problem.

DocData757

There is little doubt that there is an unresolved issue with the device. I too have the disconnect issue. It never does it when it is use but if it sits unused, I lose the connection. I have it set to 'Never go dormant and I changed the security protocol to something other than the default and the problem persists. I upgraded to this device from the UM175 so I could get the10GB bandwidth but sure wish I could go back to my 175 and router and keep my 10GB limit but....

Dave

CountByte

I travel all over the U.S. In my motorcoach during the summer and have had great success with the MiFi. A few locations don't have EVDO so I have to live with the slower access. I have been an IT professional for over 35 years and recently retired. I am very familiar with current technologies and love troubleshooting problems.

My problems started when I got back home and disconnected my DSL to exclusively use my MiFi. I started experiencing most of the problems listed in this thread.

1 - My first fix for reestablishing an Internet connection while was to unplug the A/C power, wait a minute to reconnect to the Internet, then plug it back in. It's frustrating, but it works for me. I use the MiFi to connect four other devices so using VZ Access really isn't an option. I occasionally connect to check my data usage and look for firmware updates. Occasionally I still experience problems, but I don't believe it's related to the device itself. I believe it's due to signal strength.

2 - I connected to my devices' router settings/configuration (198.168.1.1) and logged on. Your user manual will show you how to do this. One caution though...change your password so others within range can't hack in. Next, I clicked on the "Advanced" tab, then on the "Diagnostics" option. Finally, I clicked on the "Modem Diagnostics" option. One of the threads I read on another forum stated your signal strength should be under the -95 dBl to -125 dBl range (No signal). I checked my signal strength several times and it fluctuated. I then took the device and positioned it all over the house and rechecked signal strengths. I found a location with the best signal strength I could get and it was EVDO -84 dBl and 1x -91 dBl. I checked several more times during the day and would occasionally see the signal strengths move into the -95 to -125 dBl range. That's when I lost my Internet connection.

3 - Next, I wanted to check my signal strength when I disconnected my A/C power source. What a surprise, I got much better signal strength without my A/C power connected. Now I'm considering getting a cellular amplifier and antenna. I researched vendors and found quite a bit of useful information at www.wilsonelectronics.com . They have amplifiers that work wirelessly with cell phone and cellular data cards. I believe the only one that doesn't work is with Nextel. I'm considering ordering the Wilson model 801241 so I can take it with me on the road and also use it at home. It has three different power connections available...A/C, D/C and USB. Claims to work on CDMA, TDMA, GSM and 3G cellular networks--not sure about 4G yet, so need to contact them.

4 - Seen several comments about their signal strength bars being good and not a problem. I think I'd rather check signal strength using the method listed above to see it that may be the culprit for connectivity problems. Checking signal strength in several locations and at different times of the day may be more useful. Also, check for firmware (software) updates for your MiFi often.

Good Luck and I hope your connectivity problems get better. The MiFi is still one of the better mobile/dual-purpose solutions out there until we see the 4G network expanded.

PDCLarry

Before you invest, note that I have problems with constant disconnections even with an excellent signal (-64 dbm). I just waiting for my contract to be up so I can switch to another carrier.