MiFi 4510L Shortcomings

[cobmsdn]

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:

1. The MiFi unit will intermittently drop its WiFi connection. Another post recommends switching to 802.11g, but this has had no effect.
2. 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.
3. 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.

[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]

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[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...

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.

[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.

[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.    

[Ozob]

Just to clarify, as I have been using this device for over a month; these problems are not just in 4G. These problems are in 3G, EVDO & 1xRTT as well. I have mostly used the device in 3G & 1xRTT areas and it continually locks up. When traveling into a 4G area, Phoenix, it will not automatically switch to 4G. I have to go into the admin page and switch it to 4G (LTE only) manually.

Don't fret, I do the factory reset from time to time when the device is just totally haywire.

Why won't Verizon respond to these problems?

[deloswilbur]

I still hold to the theory this device was rushed to market to help pacify the masses struggling with the other 4G devices, and also Novatel wanted to match the release date of the Samsung.  The fact there hasn't been any firmware update since release and these problems still persist means they were not even near having a stable release and are still trying to complete development (in my opinion.)

Also I have to put in my thanks to Todd Lovebridge (Verizon) for totally screwing me on this whole replacement so not only did I end up with the worst of the 4G devices thanks to his lies I ended up paying more for it....

[Dragoneer]

---

deloswilbur wrote:

I still hold to the theory this device was rushed to market to help pacify the masses struggling with the other 4G devices, and also Novatel wanted to match the release date of the Samsung.  The fact there hasn't been any firmware update since release and these problems still persist means they were not even near having a stable release and are still trying to complete development (in my opinion.)

---

I'm pretty enraged. I have a 4501L as well, and this thing is utterly useless. I can never keep a connection going for more than 60-90 seconds (if I'm lucky) unless I setup a ping to constantly run, and even then it's flaky. Verizon's store associates (Reston, VA) said that the constant disconnects were a "power saving feature" and that it wouldn't interrupt "regular browsing". Which is cool, given I can't do that either.

The worst part about this is I'm stuck in a two year contract on a device I can't use. I bought it for work... and I can't use it.

[kentiler]

If you've been having these issues since you signed the contract, speak with a manager.  I'm on my 3rd device and I flat out told him if this one doesn't work I'm coming back to you and you will let me out of my contract, and he agreed!

--Kent

[BeezNeez]

Absolutely baffled this device doesn't have a firmware update yet.  Verizon/Novatel, **bleep** are you guys doing?

[Farmer-Girl]

I'm also crazy-unhappy with this miserable little device.  We live out in the country, and our only options for internet service are wifi and satellite...  We don't have 4G coverage, but we're in a solid 3G area, so this sucker ought to work.  We've had the 4510 for about two months now - when it works, it's wonderful, but mostly, it's just awful.  It randomly turns itself off - - other times, it goes dormant for no apparent reason (when we're trying and trying to transmit) - - and still other times, the purple light will be flashing, but absolutely nothing is happening (we have a connection with the device, but can't get to the internet).  It also SLOWS WAY DOWN around lunchtime and 5 PM...  when everyone in the world is trying to access the net.

After more than an hour on the phone with Tech Support, they sent me a new device - but there's no difference with the new one.  We've tried everything - taking out/putting back the battery, taking out/putting back the SIM card, pressing the RESET button, navigating into the device to "Restore Factory Defaults" - - and my husband still wants to run it down the garbage disposal.  Some of these things will help for a few hours - but more often, lately, nothing helps, and I end up going to the public library for internet support.  I work from home a few days a week (not today, obviously, since I'm online), and I need something reliable.  Should I "downgrade" to a 3G device, or just make the switch over to satellite????

HELP!!

[sweet52]

The 4510L is total crap. I travel 5 days a week for work, in 4-5 cities per week. I've tried the 4510L for 6 weeks in all the major and minor midwest markets and it is NEVER reliable. It doesn't work long in a stationary scenario and it really craps out while moving. As a network engineer, I did packet captures between my devices and the MiFi and it just plain stops transiting the traffic. The packets go outbound and the responses never come back. 

After 6 weeks of continuous frustration I switched to the Samsung SCH-LC11, which is working flawlessly. I just got back from a road trip accross Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Oklahoma and the device worked exactly as expected on the 1x, 3G, and 4G networks with seamless switching and continous use. I had all three of my teenagers using it the whole road trip down I-35 from Minneapolis to Kansas City and then down to Tulsa and back.

I would highly recommend you ask Verizon to exchange the unit for the Samsung. The Samsung also has a firmware update which I upgraded to before testing. There is an extended battery pack available for the Samsung too.

- Andrew

[jeremybe]

How did you get Verizon to swap for a Samsung device?This unit has been useless and if the Samsung is better I'd swap in a heart beat...My 3G Mifi was great, this one is useless if you're driving at all

[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.