Database Develop

Data connection never drops

I was away for a week and upon returning my Tilt is exhibiting some strange behavior that's different from before.
Basically, data connections never drop. So once the first ActiveSync, use of Pocket IE, etc, occurs, the connection stays on forever. For example I just checked my phone and the connection has been active for over 16 hours (the phone sat hibernated for most of that time).
I could have sworn that previously, the connection would drop after some period of inactivity. The little H with the signal strength on the title bar would change back to the triangle antenna. But no more. I tried with HSDPA off too and saw the same problem (except I got a little 3G instead of a little H above the signal bars).
I even hard-reset my Tilt and this did not fix it.
What can explain why my data connections used to drop on their own before but suddenly stopped doing so? Basically, my phone used to behave as if the "disconnect after" KaiserTweak was enabled (even though I never enabled it) but it's now behaving as if "always on" is enabled (even though it is not enabled).

So you know about Kaiser Tweak - have you loaded Kaiser Tweak and set the setting? and it still behaves this way?
I cannot explain it - but if Kaiser Tweak fixes it do you still need an explanation?
Bill

whk said:
So you know about Kaiser Tweak - have you loaded Kaiser Tweak and set the setting? and it still behaves this way?
I cannot explain it - but if Kaiser Tweak fixes it do you still need an explanation?
Bill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with Bill... If You have a solution that will work even though you haven't had to use it before, why not fix the problem a new way instead of Dwelling on the problem.
Maybe Check this. In Phone Goto Menu -> Data Tab. Check your Check Box on Disable data connections when device enters Sleep Mode. Soft Reset and see if that will fix it for you.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.
I didn't want to fix this with the KaiserTweak because it comes with a disclaimer that (a) it might not work with all programs and (b) is might prevent simultaneous voice and data calls. The latter seems more problematic; maybe this is not an issue with 3G/HDSPA (and only with the older data technologies)?
I can't find a data tab anywhere. I have a Tilt with stock ROMs... is the menu and data tab available somewhere? I'd like to try that suggestion.

tai4de2 said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
I didn't want to fix this with the KaiserTweak because it comes with a disclaimer that (a) it might not work with all programs and (b) is might prevent simultaneous voice and data calls. The latter seems more problematic; maybe this is not an issue with 3G/HDSPA (and only with the older data technologies)?
I can't find a data tab anywhere. I have a Tilt with stock ROMs... is the menu and data tab available somewhere? I'd like to try that suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't have that tab the option has been "hidden" by the ROM Makers. So Though there is a way to get to it, It is One I don't know.
I would suggest then getting Schaps Advanced Config, Is what I use to put my Data Connections to off after three minutes. I haven't had any problems with simultaneous lovin' with Voice and Data.

Well I turned on the KaiserTweak for this and it works. Maybe I had it enabled before and didn't realize.
One thing I notice is that I always get the "connecting to" balloon pop-up when a connection is being established, even if I tell it to hide. So there's one annoyance, but it's better than having my battery drain down due to the constant connection.
Interestingly this never drop behavior coincided with the switch-over from the behavior of the 3G icon that goes to H only when a connection is established, to always showing the H icon. Could these 2 behaviors be connected somehow, and due to a change on AT&T's side?

You can turn off the notification by going to settings -> sounds and notifications -> notifications tab ->event = connection established, uncheck "display message on screen".

I was just experimenting and I found that enabling the "disconnect after" KaiserTweak prevents simultaneous voice and data. If a voice call is going, I cannot establish a data connection and if a call comes in the data connection drops. If the KaiserTweak setting is not enabled, I can get simultaneous voice and data.
My phone always shows the H icon.
It seems I have to choose between the stock setting of "connection never drops, and drains battery" and the KaiserTweak setting of "can't get simultaneous voice and data connections". Ouch!
Does BandSwitch use a different way to handle forcing the disconnections, or is going to boil down to the same registry setting that KaiserTweak uses for this?

Is there a data flip switch?

Recently, even with "background data" disabled, my Nexus One randomly use EDGE data while it sleeps. This become the problem since when there is ongoing data transfer, I won't be able to receive calls. I didn't notice this until my friends told me that they couldn't reach me.
Is there an app or an option in Android/Nexus One that I can completely turn off mobile data access until needed? I tried APNDroid, but after I turn it back on, mobile data access won't be available until the phone is rebooted.

You can't use data and voice calls at the same time? That's strange. What carrier are you using?
I'm not actually sure if there is an easy way to turn data on and off completely, but you might be able to turn syncing off and then go through all of your applications and make sure they don't automatically update or stay logged in like g-chat. I think disabling syncing only has an effect on the stuff listed under Accounts & sync settings in the Settings menu, (Google and Facebook on the stock ROM).

I'm on T-Mo.
When you're on GSM network, unless BOTH carrier & handset supports some special feature (don't remember the name), concurrent voice/data is impossible. To date, I've only seen one Nokia phone supports the feature.
<rant>
Going through every single app to make sure that it doesn't use data is a pita and not guarantee that no data will be used.
Since N1 WCDMA reception is crappy, I have to rely on GSM quite a bit. Since day 1, I had background data & auto sync disabled (only enabled when needed). --- For some reason, "background data" seems to apply to system/google-related app, but doesn't apply to 3rd-party app.
This sucks big time since it is phone first, computer second, so it kind of annoy me that background GSM data prevents me from receiving calls.
</rant>
I found a way to completely disable/enable mobile data access on N1. It's a bit clumsy, but it works.
Go go Phone, dial "*#*#4636#*#*" to get into N1 Testing app.
Tap "Phone Information"
Tap menu -> more -> "Disable data connection"
Tap menu -> more -> "Disable data on boot" (just to make sure it's not enabled after you reboot the phone)
then... "GSM disconnects" should read "State: inactive ...... fail because No Error"
Some would suggest changing APN name manually or using widgets. But according to Testing app, you will still be connected to data network. Connection attempts will be made over mobile data network, but they won't go through. This doesn't guarantee 100% no data requirement. It just prevents you from hopping on the internet.

Seems like a lot of work to turn off data I agree. I'm just lucky I'm on a carrier that uses another carrier's net so it's roaming all the time. All I have to do is disable "data roaming" and data is off.

Toggle data is what i'm using - it's a free widget button to turn 3G (mms optional) on and off just like the Power widget. I've also seen another widget with a different name, but that was a black button and Toggle data is white.

Thanks. This seems to have the same effect as disabling data via Testing app.
wind0zer said:
Toggle data is what i'm using - it's a free widget button to turn 3G (mms optional) on and off just like the Power widget. I've also seen another widget with a different name, but that was a black button and Toggle data is white.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

try juice defender from the market. it can stop apn connections periodically or totally stop it

Strange data issues. How to track down malicious apps?

Alright, I really need some help from the big boys here.
I have had my N1 since release. I have T-Mobile and no data plan. Everything I do is over wifi.
On Friday, I saw the 3g icon on my phone for the first time. It appeared out of nowhere and just flips between 3G and E since T-Mobile just blocks data for non-plan users. This was killing the battery life of the phone.
I called Google and they ran me through *#*#4636#*#* to disable the data connection. This fixed the problem for a while; However after a while the phone will give a message that there is no service provider and will reconnect to T-Mobile (it has never done this before outside of phone boots). When it is back up the 3G/E cycling starts again. Even worse the data connection still lists as disabled and will not re-enable. I have to pop the battery out while it is running to get back in to disable it.
Google thinks its an app but I have removed everything but Touchdown and K9 which I don't think are the problem. I have used Android OS Monitor and I do see connections to 64.15.75.218 and 209.44.107.13 which are hot beds for malware and when I uninstall any app these connections vanish temporarily. But they come back after a few hours.
Anyone seen this before or know a way to track IP connections to a particular app?

I have no solution for tracing 'malicious' software but it is possible to just disable all mobile data usage.
Settings/Wireless and network settings/ Mobile networks > "Data enabled"
If you unselect this there should be no more data transfer while on the mobile network.

I do not have that option. Google Rep said it was only in froyo.
Problem is I did the same thing for 2.1 but it keeps coming back on. Even with wifi the phone connects to these ips so who knows what it is doing.

3G isn't used only for data, you can do voice on 3G.
Could be T-Mobile expanding 3g into your are where you didn't have coverage before.
Call T-Mobile and make sure you're not actually using data.
As for tracking applications, you can use System Panel Pro of the market to monitor how much data applications are using.

I know I am not using data. The T-Mobile account page is pretty detailed and I am unable to do anything online when wifi is off. 3G has also been available for a while here as I know others that use it.
I will check out system panel.
Thanks.

UmbraeSoulsbane said:
I do not have that option. Google Rep said it was only in froyo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is indeed only on Froyo, however, Froyo is out now, so install it and you'll instantly benefit.

A few more things:
Were you receiving or sending MMS (picture/video messages) when the 3G icon popped up? This is normal and doesn't usually come out of your data balance.
If you'd like to be triple-sure you're not using data, go into the APN settings. Edit the APN name - e.g. change tmobile.com to nomobile.com. Now it *really* shouldn't be able to access data.

Smarphones would be well to do to have a Zonealarm/little snitch type app for this purpose.
Id imagine ad based apps wouldnt be too happy about it. At the least an app that reports IPs times , and IN/OUT info.

I never use SMS or mms and have not gotten any during this time.
My concern is not related to getting charges but with unwanted use of my phone or data. When the data connection auto enables it will go through my battery in a matter or hours and who knows what the phone may be doing.
I know I can turn this off and make sure data is not used - in fact I have already done this. However when smoke enters room you don't just put a towel under the door and forget about it. I want to find the source of this and stop it because the behavior is not normal.
I agree something like zone alarm would be good. You should be able prevent or track an app activities for situations like this. If I knew what was connecting to these IPs and enabling the data connection I could stop it and report the app or submit a bug request. Right now I am just all alone.
I did try system panel which seems like a nice app but it does not give me good information on network usage by app. OSMonitor is better at connection monitoring but doesn't list by app. Why has no one thought to monitor network threads by app?

Try alogcat maybe? Any time you notice the icon suddenly appearing, save a copy of the logcat and comb through it.

alogcat may work. Figured out OSMonitor had something similar and filtered by app.
Now I just gotta wait I guess. Still not enough info to relate to IP though.

You should know that the data connection setting isn't an enforcement for the entire phone. It only acts as a notice to applications on whether or not to use data in the background.
Developers are supposed to respect those settings, but they are not enforced.

There is a free program called Network Statistics which is no longer in the market. I will backup the apk for you and upload it so you can use it. It shows the amount of data used by each app.
I too had a data hungry app issue and this helped me solve it immediately.
I'm just at work ATM, so I'll do it this evening. (Almost midday now here in Australia )
Cheers,
Ross

@JCopernicus
I am aware of this which is why I want to track this problem down.
@Ross
That sounds great. I appreciate the help. Not sure if tracking data usage is enough since I don't think the app is sending a lot of data. But I am willing to try anything.
I should be getting froyo soon so maybe that will help as well.

This is what I do when I want to ensure I don't use Data. Go I. To wireless connections. Mobile Networks, and then access points. Create a new one. I usually call it No Data. The for the apn, I just make something dumb, like no.data.com, and then save. After I'll select that as my apn.

The issue is not about the use of the data connection. I have done this and can guarantee the phone cannot use any cell data network. The problem is an app is trying to use it anyway even when it is disabled. Even if you ignore that as a concerning activity the constant 3G searching reduces the battery life to a mere hours.
I appreciate the help, but my issue is not with how to disable the data connection. Its about identifying malware on my device, and tracking an app calls to a specific IP.

Again,k 3g doesn't mean data. 3g is also used for voice.
If you only want to use "2g" switch your phone over to gsm only through 4636 or through the menu where it says "use 2g only".
You will never see the 3g icon again.
If you wan't to be 100% sure no app is calling an IP, then do a factory reset. Install apps one by one, monitor them through the various options given in this thread already.
You will not be able to prevent an application from "calling home" unless you modify the app itself. Apps use the data connection provided to them by the OS however they see fit.
Every app you install has a permissions prompt that will tell you it want's internet access.

JCopernicus said:
Again,k 3g doesn't mean data. 3g is also used for voice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Android "3G", "H", "E" or "G" icon denotes data. It may also appear temporarily when making the connection necessary to transmit MMS. It does not appear when the phone is using voice over 3G without a data connection.

Actually, this may be a T-Mobile issue - they just enabled the ability to do "pay as you go" data on ALL plans without a data plan, so they may be the ones turning on the ability to do data. You'd still need to authorize it in your browser, and I think it costs about $1/1MB so it is totally not worth it.
May be worth looking into because it wouldn't surprise me if their new "service" is screwing things up.

I am aware of 3G voice but the 3G status icon is related to data flow. I have had the phone since launch and posted this because this behavior is not normal. Even Google was perplexed by what it is doing. And as I said it is not constrained by the 4636 settings.
And I disagree that an app can use the network connection as they see fit. Rights are given to perform its intended purpose; anything else is malicious.

Tasker (or Locale / SetProfiles): Automatically switch to 2G only

Goal: Automatically switch to Use only 2G networks without opening Mobile Networks Settings dialog and checking the box manually
I know that this is not possible on stock, but is there any way to accomplish this for root users or with any of the mentioned apps or otherwise:
I do not want to disable APN, and I've already used APNdroid to much dismay. There is a bug for Nexus One users when restoring APN settings that leaves mobile data disabled.
I've used the apps mentioned in the thread title to automate my phones settings (ringer volume, GPS on/off, bluetooth on when phone ringing, data syncing, etc.), and now I simply want to disable 3G radio connection whenever certain conditions are met and have my network type as "GSM only"
I've searched through different forums here and sorted through a litany of Google search results, so please no lmgtfy because "2G only" returns no results in this section and no relevant results elsewhere; "2g only auto" nothing; "2g only automatic" nothing, but you can flame if you post a solution

fourinthoughts said:
...I simply want to disable 3G radio connection and have my network type as "GSM only" whenever I'm connected to WiFi, and I want to automate this so that I don't forget to do it manually at night when I'm not using my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind me asking - what is the reason for it? When you switch WiFi on, the data is turned off anyway. So why?

Jack_R1 said:
If you don't mind me asking - what is the reason for it? When you switch WiFi on, the data is turned off anyway. So why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, when your device is connected to WiFi the GPRS service for data is disabled. However, the 3G band radio in your phone is still being used which consumes more power than the global GSM band radio that is used when connected to the EDGE network type. This is always true whether you are connected to WiFi or not. (correct me if I'm wrong)
Regardless, the answer to this would help a lot of android users. This is not specifically tailored for me, because the entire OP relates to battery performance which should be an important issue for all Nexus One users. If this task could be automated it would dramatically improve battery performance during off-peak use (nighttime, work, meetings, etc.) by improving execution and eliminating forgetfulness. Automating this adds to the user experience and would just make your phone that much more enjoyable, period.
I'm simply amazed that I can't find a resolution to accomplishing this.

fourinthoughts said:
Yes, when your device is connected to WiFi the GPRS service for data is disabled. However, the 3G band radio in your phone is still being used which consumes more power than the global GSM band radio that is used when connected to the EDGE network type. This is always true whether you are connected to WiFi or not. (correct me if I'm wrong)
Regardless, the answer to this would help a lot of android users. This is not specifically tailored for me, because the entire OP relates to battery performance which should be an important issue for all Nexus One users. If this task could be automated it would dramatically improve battery performance during off-peak use (nighttime, work, meetings, etc.) by improving execution and eliminating forgetfulness. Automating this adds to the user experience and would just make your phone that much more enjoyable, period.
I'm simply amazed that I can't find a resolution to accomplishing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cellular standby / talk time power doesn't vary much between GSM and UMTS, the difference is less than ~20% in both modes in case of Nexus, judging by official specs. I'll check your assumption that UMTS connectivity isn't dropped to GSM when WiFi connects (most probably correct), but the power gain isn't significant in places that have proper UMTS connectivity (which is not the case for the whole world, I know).
The easiest way I can think of would be to use SwitchPro widget, for example (or any other free widget that has the same functionality), and instead of pressing only "WiFi On" button, press 2 buttons - "WiFi On" and "2G/3G connection" (the same as pressing the "Use 2G networks only" checkbox).
I would suppose that such a plug-in or setting might be available for Locale/Profiles/etc.

2 things that I've found:
1) The connection indeed stays UMTS.
2) Android system prevents the programs from toggling 2G/3G mode, it's only allowed manually. The widgets I've seen only take you to the correct Settings submenu, but you have to click the checkbox yourself.

Thank you Jack_R1,
I appreciate the replies and the confirmation. That is the conlussion that I have been stuck with for a while. I had assumed that there may be a way to control this with superuser permissions.
I guess I'm going to have to dust off my Java, contact some app developers, and start exploring how to come up with a solution myself.
I apreciate your feedback.

You're welcome.
I suppose that this thread might be useful:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=736095
What you're looking for might also be one of the lower level system functions, requiring system permissions, not only root.
Might be worth contacting Cyanogen's team or Enomther, to make an option for it on ROM level and incorporate in the next AOSP-based ROMs.

Jack_R1 said:
You're welcome.
I suppose that this thread might be useful:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=736095
What you're looking for might also be one of the lower level system functions, requiring system permissions, not only root.
Might be worth contacting Cyanogen's team or Enomther, to make an option for it on ROM level and incorporate in the next AOSP-based ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. That post helped. The settings are not accessible in the current framework. When I get enough time this week I think I can start on getting this fixed for root users. I will take your advice and will contact some of the masters here who would know the libraries well.

in addition, one scenario could be:
At home, I do have pretty poor 3G connection with my service provider, so I would like to switch when I am near my WiFi to 2G mode

PseudoReal said:
in addition, one scenario could be:
At home, I do have pretty poor 3G connection with my service provider, so I would like to switch when I am near my WiFi to 2G mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ditto for me.
Surprised that it is so difficult to toggle 2g/3g with tasker...

dew.man said:
ditto for me.
Surprised that it is so difficult to toggle 2g/3g with tasker...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And ditto again.

I have the same desire as the op. It must be possible to do since one can easily toggle 2G/3G from the power control widget in cm6. Maybe if there was an intent that was published tasker should be able to launch an app with that intent to accomplish this.

on a recent trip overseas, I was presented with a very weird situation. I bought a local sim and got a 3g data plan which was 3gb of 3g data and 200mb of 2g data (dont ask i have no idea why they are different). When I plugged it in i could do 3g data no problem but if 3g was turned on i could not make or receive calls. so like the op I wanted an automated way of switching between 2g only and 3g
I was able to do it on my nexus one and tasker with
Toggle 2G/3G
hope this helps you
-208

^ +1 best toggle I've seen and used.

Search for Toggle 2G in the main android forum.

[Q] [Modem] Non-HSUPA Modems?

[Q] Assuming whoever reads this post is familiar with the 4G, 3G, Edge monikers could someone let me know if there exists a modem for the captivate that only uses Edge?
[Reason for Question:]
Yesterday, messing around with settings I noticed that my phone has the ability to change from 4G/3G -> E. Doing this I noticed an immediate improvement with my battery life. I could surf the net, read emails, get notifications, and do everything I could do before. Just now my battery could last for 2+ days.
I am fully aware that a 4G connection can be faster than 3G and a 3G connection can be faster than E.
Although, I thought about the logical progression of events that may occur in my life, and if I ever found myself in a situation where I would need to download a large file it would likely be in response to something premeditated.
Therefore, I would likely be at some location where WIFI would be accessible or, if not, I could always remember to download it before I actually need it.
However, extrapolating that thought process out further, I thought okay well if there is WIFI around then there is a need for it. Therefore devices that can download and process at much faster speeds could be available. If those devices aren’t available I still have the ability to hop onto the WIFI network and download using my integrated wireless NIC.
Using this I have deduced that I do not, or will not ever, need High Speed connections on my phone. I do however like the android operating system and love my phone so I am in a bind. On one side there is the smart phone market and generation saying "faster is better" and on the other side there is me saying, "I want a phone that I can play some sweet games, utilize useful apps, check email, and have a true internet browser experience but at the end of the day I still want to be able to make a phone call damn it".
Don't get me wrong having ridiculously fast internet on my phone is cool but so was smoking when I was 16.

I'm not aware of an edge only modem.
Also there is no voice and data at the same time on edge. So if something is using data at the time you get a call it will go to voicemail. Just putting that out there in case you did not know.

settings>wireless and network>mobile networks> set network mode to gsm only.....
That way if you ever DO need 3g you can turn it back on too!

Thanks BenKranged and studacris .
I decided to go with Serendipity Rom -> http://serendipityrom.weebly.com/
Disabled HSDPA -> http://touristinparadise.blogspot.com/2010/11/samsung-galaxy-s-turn-off-hsdpa-for.html
And if I want to I can only enable Edge as studacris explained.
I now get 2+ days out of a single charge and moderate to light use!
I am satisfied now!
p.s. Plus I flashed the ability to record calls so that is pretty cool too!