Huawei E220 Connection stability problem

[wheunis]

I am in need of some suggestions and/or help with my Connection problem.

I'm using a neutral software Hauwei E220, Win XP sp2, on Vodacom.

At random intervals, sometimes a few minutes, sometimes a few hours... My connection stops receiving data. Sending/transmitting still works fine. The connection stays up infinitively, and does not disconnect by itself. Even when left in this state for 3 hours, receiving of any traffic still has not resumed.

The only way to fix it is to manually disconnect the connection, close whatever software I'm using for the connection, plug out the modem, and then start again.

I have tested the sending-not-receiving issue by checking traffic to a machine in my office with good logging set-up. When i ping and or make any requests to the machine at office, the requests go through, but no data makes it back to me at all.


This really becomes a problem for me when I'm playing online games, as it sometimes keeps happening every 5 minutes, regardless of what i do, don't do, install, change, whatever.

I have tried all the possible combinations between Vodafone and Neutral software, both standalone and flashed to modem, as well as Ginggs' utility. I have tried 5 different Firmware versions. I have tried using a friend's E220 to check whether it is a problematic/faulty modem. I have tried my modem on another Vista as well as an XP machine too. I have tried upgrading to XP sp3, formatted...

In short, please don't mention the obvious small checkpoints. I have even gone as far as to toy with TCP settings such as MTU, Window Size, etc.


Any decent response as to how i can improve/eliminate this situation would be greatly appreciated. I also realise this COULD be network related, but so far none of the 12 calls I have made to Voda CC produced anything more than "please try this next step as I'm sure we haven't wasted your time enough already".

V3G, please chime in as you see fit.



EDIT: My signal never drops below -93dBm, and only ever that low when I'm playing from the bedroom.

 

[vodacom3g]

I am in need of some suggestions and/or help with my Connection problem.

I'm using a neutral software Hauwei E220, Win XP sp2, on Vodacom.

At random intervals, sometimes a few minutes, sometimes a few hours... My connection stops receiving data. Sending/transmitting still works fine. The connection stays up infinitively, and does not disconnect by itself. Even when left in this state for 3 hours, receiving of any traffic still has not resumed.

The only way to fix it is to manually disconnect the connection, close whatever software I'm using for the connection, plug out the modem, and then start again.

I have tested the sending-not-receiving issue by checking traffic to a machine in my office with good logging set-up. When i ping and or make any requests to the machine at office, the requests go through, but no data makes it back to me at all.


This really becomes a problem for me when I'm playing online games, as it sometimes keeps happening every 5 minutes, regardless of what i do, don't do, install, change, whatever.

I have tried all the possible combinations between Vodafone and Neutral software, both standalone and flashed to modem, as well as Ginggs' utility. I have tried 5 different Firmware versions. I have tried using a friend's E220 to check whether it is a problematic/faulty modem. I have tried my modem on another Vista as well as an XP machine too. I have tried upgrading to XP sp3, formatted...

In short, please don't mention the obvious small checkpoints. I have even gone as far as to toy with TCP settings such as MTU, Window Size, etc.


Any decent response as to how i can improve/eliminate this situation would be greatly appreciated. I also realise this COULD be network related, but so far none of the 12 calls I have made to Voda CC produced anything more than "please try this next step as I'm sure we haven't wasted your time enough already".

V3G, please chime in as you see fit.



EDIT: My signal never drops below -93dBm, and only ever that low when I'm playing from the bedroom.

Can you try to run a background ping to see if this stops the symptoms?

Are you using ginggs' dash?. When the downlink stops, can you check (with ginggs' dash) what your up / down profile is?

 

[wheunis]

Keeping an active ping open has had no effect to further or shorten the problem, sadly i have tested that to boredom as well.

My up/down profile is currently 3584:1408 (down:up). I "upgraded" the service to see if it would make any change, no changes in problem with or without 3.8 active.

EDIT: When link goes down, (just did literally 2 seconds after posting), it remains the same profile, at HSDPA. My connection only ever is not HSDPA while its not connected, while connected it stays HSDPA at all times.

 

[vodacom3g]

Keeping an active ping open has had no effect to further or shorten the problem, sadly i have tested that to boredom as well.

My up/down profile is currently 3584:1408 (down:up). I "upgraded" the service to see if it would make any change, no changes in problem with or without 3.8 active.

EDIT: When link goes down, (just did literally 2 seconds after posting), it remains the same profile, at HSDPA. My connection only ever is not HSDPA while its not connected, while connected it stays HSDPA at all times.

Bit surprised at this, it wants to show that the link is always active. Can you check with a download meter? Don't think it's related but it should go into idle (3G / Blue light) at some point.

When the downlink "stops', does it stop completely or do you get a very, very low throughput? Maybe ping with a small packet size?

 

[wheunis]

Bit surprised at this, it wants to show that the link is always active. Can you check with a download meter? Don't think it's related but it should go into idle (3G / Blue light) at some point.

When the downlink "stops', does it stop completely or do you get a very, very low throughput? Maybe ping with a small packet size?

Does not go into idle mode, stays whatever-the-heck-kinda-light-blue color that is for the light, remains HSDPA.

When it "stops", it stops incoming packets COMPLETELY; outgoing still trickles at a VERY low rate, but at least still goes.
In this "state", the ping requests do reach the machine on the other side (as with my tests to machine at office), but the replies never make it back, once it goes dead.

This is what vexes me so darn hard. Its been prevalent since day 1 (about 3 months now i think, maybe 4). At first i thought it was just network and will eventually sort itself out. After a month i started conducting small tests, and further on from there.
I haven't been able to find anyone in my area using Vodacom internet, so I'm unable to say if they're having similar problems.

If it helps you any, tonight i was playing all the way from 06 Jan 15:30 through to now, 07 Jan 04:05; which coincidently i stopped playing due to another such "stop". I can PM you the relevant SIM details if that will allow you to look at logs at all.


EDIT: something i forgot, the reason my connection would always be active is due to the fact that #1 thing i do when i connect is open Ventrilo (voice conference software we use when playing WoW), and that maintains a constant open connection. Even if that's not running (rare as it may be), #2 i use is WoW itself.
Between those 2, my connection would never have a reason to Idle anyway.

 

[vodacom3g]

Does not go into idle mode, stays whatever-the-heck-kinda-light-blue color that is for the light, remains HSDPA.

When it "stops", it stops incoming packets COMPLETELY; outgoing still trickles at a VERY low rate, but at least still goes.
In this "state", the ping requests do reach the machine on the other side (as with my tests to machine at office), but the replies never make it back, once it goes dead.

This is what vexes me so darn hard. Its been prevalent since day 1 (about 3 months now i think, maybe 4). At first i thought it was just network and will eventually sort itself out. After a month i started conducting small tests, and further on from there.
I haven't been able to find anyone in my area using Vodacom internet, so I'm unable to say if they're having similar problems.

If it helps you any, tonight i was playing all the way from 06 Jan 15:30 through to now, 07 Jan 04:05; which coincidently i stopped playing due to another such "stop". I can PM you the relevant SIM details if that will allow you to look at logs at all.


EDIT: something i forgot, the reason my connection would always be active is due to the fact that #1 thing i do when i connect is open Ventrilo (voice conference software we use when playing WoW), and that maintains a constant open connection. Even if that's not running (rare as it may be), #2 i use is WoW itself.
Between those 2, my connection would never have a reason to Idle anyway.

The thing that you see it consistently but we're not getting similar reports, does want to point to something on the desk-side. But it still could be a desk-side/network-side combo.

Maybe post your exact firmware, dash, OS, etc. version numbers.

One thing that might be good to test is protocol dependency. I'm wondering if some protocol on your system is not confusing the network firewalls and they then break all sockets back to your IP. WE see this every now and then when a protocol is not behaving the way the firewalls expect (or it's a bug) and then they'll drop the connection.

The fact that you can get an IP packet out, implies that the radio connection is up but somehow the incoming IP packets are blocked. So I'd sniff around (pardon the pun!) the firewalls first.

See if you can stop ALL outgoing IP connections and with maybe only ping, check if the symptoms disappear.

Also, try the unrestricted APN if you can.

But try disabling the Ventrilo software first.

 

[wheunis]

Maybe post your exact firmware, dash, OS, etc. version numbers.

A bit tough seeing as I'm sitting on literally a myriad of different dashes and software, but here is whats currently going on with my numbers etc:

Hauwei E220, Hardware Version: CD33TCPU
Firmware: 11.117.10.00.00
Dash: Ginggs 1.0.0.27a; VMC Lite 3.2.1.156; Hauwei Mobile Connect (i really cant find version numbers on this thing, its the latest off their site)
OS: XP Pro /w sp2

Lemme know if there's more I can give you,my head is too flat too think right now.

The fact that you can get an IP packet out, implies that the radio connection is up but somehow the incoming IP packets are blocked. So I'd sniff around (pardon the pun!) the firewalls first.

My first instincts already had me there plenty times. Even tried on my PC clean after format, only Ginggs and Huawei drivers installed (I'm not kidding i didn't even load graphics drivers), and still same problem.

See if you can stop ALL outgoing IP connections and with maybe only ping, check if the symptoms disappear.

As mentioned above, i tried on my machine directly after formatting, so Ping was pretty much the only thing i had to test with, sure enough it took 2 hours before the first time it stopped, but sure as heck it stopped.

Also, try the unrestricted APN if you can.

I'm VERY opposed to doing this... I will try it however, might take a day or 2 to post back on that topic, remind me.

But try disabling the Ventrilo software first.

Yup, done and done and tested over and over. At one point i thought it was Ventrilo Specifically and even uninstalled it completely. At one point i even thought it was WoW...

 

[vodacom3g]

A bit tough seeing as I'm sitting on literally a myriad of different dashes and software, but here is whats currently going on with my numbers etc:

Hauwei E220, Hardware Version: CD33TCPU
Firmware: 11.117.10.00.00
Dash: Ginggs 1.0.0.27a; VMC Lite 3.2.1.156; Hauwei Mobile Connect (i really cant find version numbers on this thing, its the latest off their site)
OS: XP Pro /w sp2

Lemme know if there's more I can give you,my head is too flat too think right now.




My first instincts already had me there plenty times. Even tried on my PC clean after format, only Ginggs and Huawei drivers installed (I'm not kidding i didn't even load graphics drivers), and still same problem.



As mentioned above, i tried on my machine directly after formatting, so Ping was pretty much the only thing i had to test with, sure enough it took 2 hours before the first time it stopped, but sure as heck it stopped.


I'm VERY opposed to doing this... I will try it however, might take a day or 2 to post back on that topic, remind me.



Yup, done and done and tested over and over. At one point i thought it was Ventrilo Specifically and even uninstalled it completely. At one point i even thought it was WoW...

Maybe you just have a dud modem?

Overheating maybe? Try and put a fan on it. Had similar reports from others who drilled the E220 casing full of holes to get stability.

 

[wheunis]

Credible, it does get hot, but no hotter than any other E220 i have also tested with. I'm in the privileged position to have quite a supply at work to test with (i work in retail, we sell the things hehe).

That said, i doubt its a heating problem in this case, seeing as all it takes is literally manually disconnecting the session, unpluging and replugging the modem, and connecting again.
If heating was the problem, it would normally follow an increasing trend, ie: first disconnect at say 1 hour, then again 20 mins later, then again 5 mins later, etc (As it usually does with any component with heating problems).
Thing is this problem is COMPLETELY random. Sometimes I play for hours on end without even the slightest problems; Other times it happens every 10 mins and then suddenly for no reason, with no changes made, it will keep working for hours again.

I have tested my modem on other PC's and notebooks with different setups, OS, firmware, etc; At the same time I also tested other E220's on my Notebook, wife's desktop, work pc, Playstation 3 (with linux)... The only thing i have not tested it on is MacOS (Anybody wanna "loan" me a Macbook? LOL!)

To be entirely honest, i have narrowed the problem down to either (or a combination of) the following:

A) E220 inherent problem when using realtime continuous transfer applications over extended periods of time (such as WoW, Vetrilo, Skype, other online games, etc)

B) Network related limitations (resetting connections? heck i dunno), allthough unlikely.

C) Tower related? Maybe the towers in my area is not up to scratch?

Option C does seem the most credible. Working as tech support in a VERY large retail outlet, i get to know the majority of the users of V3g services in Nelspruit. Sadly, the only person THAT I KNOW OF (very important part that, not making claim that they dont exist, just to my knowledge), that also uses V3g similarly to myself... is my wife

Then again, option A also seems equally credible, seeing as I have tested with some other modems and the problem stops when i use other modems.


I have forwarded this problem on to Huawei directly, one repeat email once a month, with no response at all.


I guess what I need to come to, is this:
What do I need to give you, in order for you to maybe look at logs NETWORK SIDE as to how/why these "stops" occur.
Would it help if i log the times at which these "stops" occur, and post them to you along with my SIM details?

I have tired all resources on my side to eliminate the problem, I merely wish to achieve anything past level 1 or 2 Vodacom call centre support, as they really do just keep running it over to "something on your PC, please try this".

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Is it possible to try another make of Huawei router/modem?

Also, have you tried using the "special" cable which allows the modem to get power from two USB ports?

 

[Jovs]

A) E220 inherent problem when using realtime continuous transfer applications over extended periods of time (such as WoW, Vetrilo, Skype, other online games, etc)

Then again, option A also seems equally credible, seeing as I have tested with some other modems and the problem stops when i use other modems.

You can scratch this option, have been playing WoW (US and EU), using Skype and Vent on my Huawei E220 for almost two years now and accept for some latency issues atm it's running the above mention software without problems.

 

[wheunis]

Is it possible to try another make of Huawei router/modem?

Also, have you tried using the "special" cable which allows the modem to get power from two USB ports?

1: Yes, other models solve the problem, Other E220's don't however

2: Yes, but the cable does not have any effect towards the problem

 

[wheunis]

Overheating maybe? Try and put a fan on it. Had similar reports from others who drilled the E220 casing full of holes to get stability.

Went all the way and bought a USB cupcooler *very nice btw* and put the modem on that to keep it cool.
Sadly, no improvement or any change for that matter.

 

[fugglefeet]

Hi all,

I have managed to get the main gist of the problem here. May I ask if it has occured to anyone that the power to the modem is erratic, thus causing this behaviour? My modem (not even a month old) started disconnecting from the 3G network (MTN) randomly. I also started scouting around for answers, by doing firmware upgrades and downgrades, changing settings and the like. I am currently testing a hardware patch alluded to in this forum:-

http://forum.huawei.com/jive4/thread.jspa?threadID=323666

Currently my modem is running cooler and have just tested it for the last 1 hour 20 min. In the past I could cook eggs on the modem itself.

Hope this info helps.

fugglefeet.

 

[wheunis]

Well...?
The problem is seriously just getting worse. The stops are getting more and more frequent, no matter if i test from home, work, or friend's house.

Anything i might have missed, please open up.

 

[vodacom3g]

To recap;

1- Other modems don't show the problem? Which have you tried?

2- Any E220 show the problem on your setup? -

3- Any E220 show the problem on ANY hardware platform? Not just your own machine?

4- You only see this in your location? Or have you tested in another location?

5- Have you taken your machine / modem to a Vodashop to swop out with their modems / hardware / etc?

 

[wheunis]

1: i forget the model numbers, tested 2 others, black usb flashdrive-like one, and white flashdrive-like one.

2: This one, as well as 2 others i have tested with

3: Continued testing this modem on my laptop, desktop, server, ps3, work pc

4: Tested at home, work, and friend's house; All 3 in separate coverage zones

5: Work in retail store with Voda-booth in store, thats where i got other modems to test with.


In all seriousness, I believe the problem is related to Network here in Nelspruit. Not just a feeling though. Toying around today, doing something i havent done before... I did a *111#,1,6 from Ginggs' dash, and for 3 pings immediately at that moment, the requests came back while the connection goes into this "stop".
Did this again 4 times at 1 minute intervals, result constant.
When connection "stops", doing USSD commands jolts the connection back to life for a very brief stint, but then returns to stopped.

 

[wheunis]

PS: Currently the network is on a permanent "stop" here.
Exact symptoms as what i describe, just long term, and restarting modem, dash, pc, etc, does nothing. Started around 9pm, now 9:15, still now throughput from Voda.

Currently posting from my MTN cellphone.

 

[wheunis]

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=2451549&postcount=3634
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=2456903&postcount=3647
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=2457001&postcount=3648


Possible that Nelspruit might just be suffering this problem intermittently at more frequent intervals? Im REALLY starting to think so.

What really annoys me at this point in time, is that you Vodacom places the burden on ME for the product not working. Why is the burden of proof MINE to carry? I am paying YOU, burden is on YOU to prove its not YOUR problem, NOT the other way around.

Clearly there are problems similar to mine, even though mine is more frequent. Why is the burden on ME to prove to YOU that other people suffer similar problems?

 

[sproetniek]

I have similar problems with my E172 model. Keeps disconnecting by itself, sometimes bombs out the software totally, not only dropping the connection. Vodacom has tested my system at home, found everything to be in order. So they went checking the local tower, and found a problem. Fixed that, and the problem more or less went away. But now, scarcely a month later, it's back.

I have noticed that the problem is worse when a strong wind is blowing. Alerted Vodacom to that, but don't know if they found anything related. Still waiting for them to investigate further.