Dropping the Connection

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rel8tivity

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A few weeks ago [without any setting changes on my part] my HSDPA connection started dropping on its own. It automatically reconnects when I close & open IE, or type in a new address. The problem is irritating rather than serious at this stage. Is this widespread [i.e. a Vodacom problem], or just my modem [that needs replacing/resetting]? Note: Modem is the Novatel USB MC950D.
 
Have you tried the modem on another PC? Does it do the same connection dropping?

If you can, take it to a VodaCare store for them to test it. See if the same thing happens on their PCs. If so, then they'll need to replace the modem or update the firmware or software on the modem.
 
rel8tivity said:
A few weeks ago [without any setting changes on my part] my HSDPA connection started dropping on its own. It automatically reconnects when I close & open IE, or type in a new address. The problem is irritating rather than serious at this stage. Is this widespread [i.e. a Vodacom problem], or just my modem [that needs replacing/resetting]? Note: Modem is the Novatel USB MC950D.
Click to expand...

I suspect the setting that automatically connects and disconnects the network connection in IE has been ticked.
 
Thanks for the feedback - will try out the suggested solutions and revert thereafter.
 
I have been having the same problem here in Sunward Park, Boksburg.
I just downloaded the latest firmware upgrade, updated my 950D and all seems fine now once connected. But the device often still fails to connect with VC's server on start up. I using Vista business and Vodafone connect lite 3.2.1.
 
Have you tried the VMC 9.3 software? What's your signal level like?
 
nuyork said:
Have you tried the VMC 9.3 software? What's your signal level like?
Click to expand...

Too bulky.
My signal is great.I live 800m from both VC and Telkoms' towers.
But I think the problem was the old firmware maybe combined with VC network upgrading.
All seems back to normal now.
Thanks
 
OK, I've got the 950D as well. Downloaded the software and firmware but haven't installed yet. Should I?
 
PythonFSi said:
OK, I've got the 950D as well. Downloaded the software and firmware but haven't installed yet. Should I?
Click to expand...

I only upgraded the firmware as my 950D has the latest Vc 3.2.1.???
The upgrade takes a while so be patient. Follow VC instructions about upgrading firmware.

Anyway it seems like I have a stable connection now.:D
 
Basilrsa said:
I only upgraded the firmware as my 950D has the latest Vc 3.2.1.???
The upgrade takes a while so be patient. Follow VC instructions about upgrading firmware.

Anyway it seems like I have a stable connection now.:D
Click to expand...

I'll do that. Thanks.
 
UPDATE!

:mad:The problem with disconnects and problematic connections is definately on VC's side. I am in a residential area which has very little 3G traffic during the day. Hence my good and stable connections. At night though the system must be overloading as this is when these problems occur.
So I will have to report it to the VC Helpdesk (aaaaaagggggggg)
 
Basilrsa said:
I only upgraded the firmware as my 950D has the latest Vc 3.2.1.???
The upgrade takes a while so be patient. Follow VC instructions about upgrading firmware.

Anyway it seems like I have a stable connection now.:D
Click to expand...


I checked and I do have ver 3.2.1 on VMC Lite. The firmware for the modem . . . bought it in Aug/Sept last year do I still have to upgrade it though?
 
Basilrsa said:
:mad:The problem with disconnects and problematic connections is definately on VC's side. I am in a residential area which has very little 3G traffic during the day. Hence my good and stable connections. At night though the system must be overloading as this is when these problems occur.
So I will have to report it to the VC Helpdesk (aaaaaagggggggg)
Click to expand...

You're most likely seeing something called 'cell breathing'. This is where the size of the 3G cell shrinks as more users connect.

So during the day the cell is large and you get a good stable connection. At night with more users on the system, the cell shrinks and probable shrink past you, so now you get a low quality signal.

Have you considered trying an external high-gain antenna? It should bring the cell back to you. ;)
 
From Nov till End of Jan, I had a perfect connection, was able to stay connected right through till the next morning. For the past 2 weeks, I haven't been able to stay connected for longer than 5 minutes. I haven't changed a single thing.

Diep River, Cape Town.
 
vodacom3g said:
You're most likely seeing something called 'cell breathing'. This is where the size of the 3G cell shrinks as more users connect.

So during the day the cell is large and you get a good stable connection. At night with more users on the system, the cell shrinks and probable shrink past you, so now you get a low quality signal.

Have you considered trying an external high-gain antenna? It should bring the cell back to you. ;)
Click to expand...

My signal is a constant 4/5 bars - so no problem with the signal strength.
Also I still have a Ext high-gain installed, from my Novatel U740 days. So how do you connect this antenna to a Novatel MC950D USB stick.
Definately problems on VC's side.
This has only happened over the past couple of weeks.
BTW. Check your coverage map for Sunward Park (tower, cnr of Trichardt and Kingfisher, Boksburg) At least 45% of the signal is directed towards an open veld. That's not what I call optimization. And 800m away I am on the fringe.(Sunward Park Ext 5)

"So during the day the cell is large and you get a good stable connection. At night with more users on the system, the cell shrinks and probable shrink past you, so now you get a low quality signal."

Is this not time to upgrade the capacity of this tower then.
 
porn$tar said:
From Nov till End of Jan, I had a perfect connection, was able to stay connected right through till the next morning. For the past 2 weeks, I haven't been able to stay connected for longer than 5 minutes. I haven't changed a single thing.

Diep River, Cape Town.
Click to expand...

Same here in Boksburg
+1
 
Basilrsa said:
Check your coverage map for Sunward Park (tower, cnr of Trichardt and Kingfisher, Boksburg) At least 45% of the signal is directed towards an open veld. That's not what I call optimization. And 800m away I am on the fringe.(Sunward Park Ext 5).
Click to expand...

The site is most likely congested, if you say you have such good signal, but slow through-puts and disconnects. I would suggest trying the 3G external antenna pointed towards Sunward Park tower, and see if that helps. Otherwise, log a call with 082 155, and see if they will tell you when they will be upgrading the site to support more users.

Another suggestion, since you have a 3G external antenna, is to point it towards another tower close by that is less congested. [Corner of Rondebult and Kingfisher?]
 
nuyork said:
Yup, here's the adapter:-

http://www.poyntingdirect.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=ADPT-025
Click to expand...

Will get one for the hell of it, as I still have an ext Yagi antenna on my roof.
But it should not be necessary with a 4 bar signal.
I any case it seems if VC have done some work, as the problem has dissapeared.
BTW: I was at Vodaworld today and a member of their data support team told me that they in fact have network problems but that the technical side are working on it.
 
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