ironass

(If you are unsure of the model of your phone, go to Settings > About phone > Model number)


What is a Modem?

A modem, (sometimes referred to as a radio or baseband), is a driver that controls the sending and receiving of your mobile Network signals as well as switching between GPRS, 3G and HSDPA. It does not control Wi-Fi or the switchover between mobile signal and Wi-Fi. That is the job of the kernel. To locate your current modem details, go to... Settings > About phone > Baseband version.

Modems are not firmware specific.*** You can install any modem for the Galaxy S2 to any firmware, (*** T variants have their own modem version for network compatability), unlike kernels and ROMs. The only thing that I have found is that some, "area", modems do not work well for me in Europe, i.e. DX = Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam or ZS = China, Hong Kong or JP = Arabic, Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria. For details of country designations, see here.

There is no such thing as, "the best modem". It depends entirely on your location, operator and signal strength. The latest modem may not be the best for you, as I have found out. These are the one's that generally work... KE7, KH3, KI3, KI4, KL1, LPS, LPX, NEKF2, NELP2, NELP3 & BVLP7.

Why is a good modem important?

If your phone has to constanly search for signals and lock on to them it not only gives you a poor call and data quality but also drains your battery.

For more information on modems and their uses, see this excellent post by geko95gek over on the xda forum here.



Installation instructions (please read carefully and thoroughly)

You will need to be rooted, see here, and have ClockWorkMod, (CWM), installed.

Before doing anything further you should do a nandroid and Titanium backup.

You should also install Root Explorer, or a similar file manager, and use it to navigate to the, "/efs", file in the root directory of the phone and make a copy of this and put it on both your external SD card and PC as its loss or corruption in future could render your phone unusable and require a Samsung repair.

These are your, "Get out of jail FREE" cards in case anything goes wrong, now or in the future.

(N.B. Please note that a nandroid backup and restore does not include your modem. Therefore, to change your modem you will need to re-flash.)


Modem download sources


There are a number of places to obtain modems...

Modem+RIL CWM Installers by Hawker. As the link suggests, these incorporate the RIL, (Radio Interface Layer), mentioned below.

(*** Whilst the modems are interchangeable between GB, ICS and JB, you must use JB RIL's on JB firmware only... GB and ICS RIL's are interchangeable.)

Latest i9100 modems

Galaxy S 2 Shipped Modem Collection

Index of Radios

*** T variant modems, see here.

Modems that are getting good reviews from Canadian network users are... UGLD3 and XXKG6.


Download the .zip version of the modem and place it on your external SD card, safest place, (if you downloaded them using your phone they will be in... "/sdcard/Download"), and then go into CWM Recovery and select, "install zip from sdcard", followed by, "choose .zip from sdcard", and then navigate down the menu until you get to the modem name and install it and then reboot your phone.

After installing a new modem, I carry out the following procedure...

1. Settings > Wireless and network > More > Mobile networks > Network operators.

2. Let the screen populate with all the available carriers.

3. Select a carrier that is not your own. You will be told, after trying to connect, not allowed or No way Jose.

4. Repeat this with one or two other non carriers.

5. Finally, select your own carrier, Automatic, and reconnect your phone again.

This procedure should ensure that your phone locks on to the strongest signal for your carrier.

I normally give a modem 1 or 2 days to, "bed", in before deciding if it is any good or not. As well as testing it in various locations and different times of day.


App's for modems

GetRIL from the Play Store, attempts to match RIL, (Radio Interface Layer), with your modem for a more efficient operation.

Network Signal Info free from the Play Store. Very useful for testing, "most", modems on network and Wi-Fi signals. However, it does sometimes have a problem with the SGSII in getting a reading other than -85dBm on certain modems.

Speedtest.net free from the Play Store. Great app for testing your download and upload speeds.


(Whilst I have taken every care in compiling this guide, I cannot be held responsible for any damage that may occur through its use and the decision to use this guide lies with you, the owner. This guide is written solely for, and on behalf of, Android Forums and may not be reproduced, in part or whole, without permission)

ironass motto... "Flash in haste... repent at leisure"

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Dummies Guides:- Jelly Bean update * Rooting Galaxy S2 * Siyah kernel * Modems * Battery Saving

Last edited by ironass; Today at 05:17 AM. Reason: JB update

Shotgun84

As requested by ironass his dummies guide to flashing modems has been copied into my op of this thread.

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Oh well, whatever, nevermind!

Hawker

I would have thought it would be better to keep the 2 separate Shotty, but instead of ironass's post itself in your Post#1 here, link to ironass' guide. The dummies guide links to here, so it would be wasy to switch between the two.

This way you won't have to be the middle man if ironass wants to make any amendments to his post.

Have a word with the old man mate and see what he thinks.....He'll probably say for me to crawl back into my Welsh cave as usual!

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Last edited by Hawker; July 24th, 2012 at 05:12 AM.

Shotgun84

I think his reasoning behind it was that there would be a lot of questions asked about the performance of the modems which had already been answered in this thread. I did suggest putting his post as the op of but he wanted to be able to crack the whip when I wasn't keeping up to date with my thread.

ironass

B*ll*cks!

It hurts me to say this Shotty, especially after you have been so obliging, but the old Welsh Wizard might be right.

I say this as he has PM'd me with a couple of suggested minor amendments that I'm going to make to the Guides.

Sorry mate... just trying to keep everything in one thread... but it won't work.

Apologies for messing you about.


(What can I say mate... seemed like a good idea at the time!)

Last edited by ironass; July 24th, 2012 at 06:30 AM.

Shotgun84

No problem mate. Although why do I get the feeling you did that on purpose?

ironass

You're giving me far too much credit for thinking Shotty!


Actually, if the Dummies Guide was wrong... I wanted you to be responsible....

Oh! and get on your case about being tardy with the modems.


Honestly Shotty, it wasn't me! Girl Guides honour!


God help us if they ever build a bridge across the River Severn to link Wales with England...

oh, wait a minute!

ironass

Just thought I would add the BVLP7 modem to the list of modems that seem to work for a lot of people.

This modem is from the Orange, UK, firmware for the, "P", variant but works great on the GT-i9100 as well.

FirebirdStud

I installed this GetRIL app and it says that "RIL/baseband doesn't match." Should I download and install RIL as suggested by the app? What exactly does this change, and what is the benefit/downside of doing this?

Your how-to guide didn't explain that part... sorry if it is a dumb question.

__________________
Samsung Galaxy SII I9100 mobile from Vodafone (UK Edition) running on the AT&T network in the USA
Currently running NeatRom Lite 4.3 & Jeboo 2.1+ kerenel
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi only (USA Edition)
*retired* Rooted Motorola Droid X on Verizon

ironass

For a layman's explanation of the RIl, (Radio Interface Layer), see, here.

FirebirdStud

Your threads are most helpful! I for one am really glad you are on this board. It is people like you that make everyone else have phones that work slicker than snot and don't have to live with a shitty stock phone.

Thanks mate!!

FirebirdStud

Ok, now that I updated the RIL I have another issue! See the attached screenshot. What does this mean?





I sent an email as instructed, but I was wondering if you have seen this before??

ironass

Luckily for you, I have a quicker way of getting a matching RIL and kernel for MUGLD3!

Thanks to our very own resident boffin, Hawker, I can direct you to his xda developers thread, entitled, "Modem+RIL CWM Installers", which has both the MUGLD3 kernel and matching RIL that you can download and flash via CWM.

Just go to Hawker's thread and download the combo from there.




(Whatever you do... do not thank Hawker. He'll gloat and be unbearable for weeks )

FirebirdStud

Worked like a charm! We shall see how it performs now.



Thanks again!

Hawker

Don't rely on GetRIL to report if modem/RIL matches, as its database is out of date and logic incorrect for several combinations.

Following the modem/ril xda thread, the developer of GetRIL has said he will use the thread to update the app shortly.

FirebirdStud

I did go over to xda and download that modem/RIL package. So his database is up to date for that package anyway since the GetRIL app comes up green.

FirebirdStud

I am curious, since I upgraded to Android 4.0.4, I imediately put the UGLD3 modem with matching RIL back on the phone. I am no longer getting H+, where I used to running android 4.0.3. Is it true that I should now only be trying modems that are pulled off of 4.0.4 now? If so, how can I reinstall the factory modem that came with the update? Over at XDA they are not showing the modem that matches my baseband: BULP8.

So which modem should I use now if I cant reinstall the modem that came with this update?

Last edited by FirebirdStud; November 5th, 2012 at 11:00 PM.

ironass

Post #1

The latest firmware for North American/Canadian GT-i9100's is Android 4.0.3 which contains the UGLD3 modem. If, for whatever reason, this is no longer performing as expected, you can either revert back to Android 4.0.3 or its just a case of starting from scratch to see which modem works best for you.

As for re-installing the modem that came with your updated firmware, just Google which modem it was and flash it as per post #1.

Last edited by ironass; November 6th, 2012 at 06:32 AM.

FirebirdStud

Ok. If I wanted to revert to 4.0.3, is that a case of factory resetting the phone and using odin to install the file? (I already have it from before, but the OTA update took hold as soon as I turned the phone on.)

I tried the google search and it didn't bring up that modem, only other people's request for it on different forums. It did bring up some German and Spanish sites, but I cant read what it says so I dont know if the modem is contained there or not.

Can I install a 4.0.3 modem onto the 4.0.4 operating system? Or does that cause issues? You first post doesn't make that distinction, as it currently reads I should be able to install any modem with any operating system. I just want to verify this before I do it.

sntaylor

I'm Pretty Sure You Are Safe To Instal Even A Gingerbread Modem With A Jelly Bean ROM, Its Just That It Might Not Work As Well As A Jelly Bean One Would... But It Is Really Just Trial And Error To Find The Best One For You :-)

FirebirdStud

Great! So the only real issue is making sure I get the properly matched RIL and modem packages to flash, correct?

sntaylor

Its Better If You Can, Otherwise, You Can Flash The Modem Them Use Get Ril, Though I Believe There May Have Been A Few Issues With It Recently...... I'm Sure Someone Will Correct Me If I'm Wrong On That.... But If You Can Find Full Package To Flash, Go For It! :-)

ironass

Modem+RIL link in post #1.

Last edited by ironass; November 7th, 2012 at 03:37 AM.

Nagrom

Hi Guys.

Thanks Iron Ass for this, as a new modem had been recommended to me to fix my video problem. I just can't figure out which is the right one.

I'm in the UK, and on Vodafone. I needa sock modem for the 9100.

Which is the right one?

Thanks in advance.

Andy

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ironass

See thread, JB ROM or ICS ROM?, post #10 onwards.

FirebirdStud

LOL yup I already knew where to download them, I wanted to make sure that 4.0.3 and 4.0.4 were interchangeable, just like my post asks.

ironass

As per post #1, in bold type and my reply to you in post #18...

I really am at a loss as to how I can make it any clearer.

FirebirdStud

I guess I should update or delete my post, as I already figured this out a couple days ago. I apologize if you thought I was still seeking an answer ironass.

I must say, you are excellent at answering posted questions. Your help has been infinitely valuable to me, and Im sure to countless others as well. Thanks for doing what you do, mate!

As an update, I tried another modem, and Im getting H+ again. So happy!

Sydney99

Been on lp7 for a few months, been fab with great reception. Then all off a sudden stopped getting h+. Switched to lpe and I can get it again. Back on lp7 and no sign of h+.

Why would a modern that had been fab suddenly start misbehaving?

Is there some technical explanation to do with masts and signals??

ironass

Yes.

Sydney99

brevity can be a wonderful thing

ironass

What... you want chapter and verse?

parag1dubey

Ok ironass, I just opened the Google page on stock browser and the signal did indeed fluctuate. It went from -89dbm to -97dbm while the page was loading. I am on 2G network (EDGE, I think). What does this mean??? :P
I noticed that you ignored my second question entirely.... Point taken...

Posting in the correct thread

ironass

What second question?

It means that you are receiving the slowest/weakest signal of all, EDGE, 2.5G. Lower than 3G, HSDPA or HSPA. The higher the -dBm the worse the signal. The higher the ASU, the better the signal. So -97dBm 9asu is worse than -67dBm 16asu.

Therefore it is your signal that appears to be the problem and no ROM or modem will change that I'm afraid. I would suggest finding a carrier with a stronger signal in your area as your web browsing etc; must be very slow on EDGE. As you can see from the screenshot below, the transfer speed on HSPA is 21.6Mbit/s. On 3G it is only 384kbit/s.



This is a good HSDPA signal

Last edited by ironass; November 22nd, 2012 at 01:47 AM.

parag1dubey

[IMG]F:\Pictures\Screenshots[/IMG]
Here is a screenshot. i understand that EDGE is the weakest signal of all. Let me tell you something. In India, 2G network (GPRS/EDGE) is the most common signal. 3G and HSPA or whatever that is, is a rarity. I am deliberately using 2G network because it is the only signal which will give me network connectivity in the first place. 3g is available in a few areas, but is generally not as strong and apart from that it is quite expensive, frankly. And the present screenshot is from when I HAVE data connectivity. The problem is that there are sometimes when i have "NO INTERNET CONNECTION" despite full signal bars. Deduce, from this what you will and tell me. I think it is time to switch carriers, though. Thank you.

parag1dubey

In India, 2G or EDGE is the most common way to connect to the net (through mobile). However, I quite see that this may indeed be a carrier problem. I will soon switch carriers and post results on this thread. Thanks for all the help Ironass.

dynomot

papag1dubey if I connect to the net on my SGSII on a 2G or EDGE signal, even a good one, the browser either does one of two things. More often than not it will "time out", but then reload the web page OK or it will take a good 30 seconds to load.

I'm telling you this because even if you found an Indian carrier with the best 2G/EDGE signal ever for your area you might not see an improvement in browsing experience.

I know how lucky we are in the UK to have HSPDA in lots of places. In fact it is a measure of how I personally take it for granted that if I'm sat in the van at lunchtime and only have an EDGE or 2G signal I'll drive less than half a mile in any direction and I can always get the little "H" or better still the "H+" sign next to my signal strength.

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parag1dubey

Dynomot, You guys are truly lucky to have such great connectivity. Do you have to pay different rates for a better signal (say 3G or HSPDA or whatever it is) We have to recharge our accounts with a higher rate in order to get 3g connectivity. Sometimes (very rarely) my network shows "H" next to the signal bars.. Which network is this?

dynomot

HSPDA = High Speed Packet Data Access.

No, 3G (or more accurately HSPDA) is exactly the same cost as 2G (GSM). Most phone contracts on a pay monthly basis have at least 500meg of data thrown in. Pay as you go (ie you top up your account and use the credit) costs around £5 (UK sterling) for 500meg.

Twinn

I`m getting same maximum speed on H and H+. Any idea why it`s not higher on H+?

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Modem: BVLS2

parag1dubey

I pay 98 Rupees ( 1.1027 British pounds sterling) for 1GB of data per month at 2g speeds whereas for 3g i will have to pay Rs.252 ( 2.8354 British pounds sterling) for 1GB data per month. so its more than twice as costly.

ironass

It seems that you are not the only one to express your dissatisfaction regarding the Indian networks, parag1dubey. See post #1099, here.

I am afraid that if your networks are this bad, no amount of modem tweaking is going to change that. The best you can hope for is to resign yourself to the EDGE signal and set the following to conserve battery... Settings > Wireless and networks > More settings > Mobile networks > Network mode > GSM only.

You could then try the following from post #1...

parag1dubey

Ironass, I am glad to report that after flashing neatrom lite JB, my data connectivity is dropping far less frequently. the reason for the drops is still a mystery to me, but it is very likely that this is a carrier problem rather than anything to do with modems or kernels so switching carriers could be the best option. Thanks for all the help, mate.

Sydney99

The XXLS6 modem is behaving very nicely indeed so far with neat Rom. Getting a much better signal than before in the hills of Yorkshire on Vodafone

dynomot

Indeed Syd. Reporting from just down the road I can confirm that its working very well on Vodafone in South Yorkshire and the north Midlands.

Hawker

That must be the only thing that works properly in South Yorkshire!

dynomot

One more thing than the whole of Wales then? Eh Hawker?

parag1dubey

Hey ironass,
I just changed my carrier to Vodafone India and boy am i regretting it already.. Very poor network in some rooms at my home on XXLS6 modem... I wanna try out some other modems but in the Modem+RIL thread on XDA it is written "Don't flash these on 4.1.2 as they wont work properly" ... Now what?? Am i stuck with LS6?

ironass

No harm in just flashing the modem without the RIL.

Seems that you're not the only one on Vodafone, India, with modem problems...

Galaxy S2 unable to register to network, no signal

As far as I can tell, there is no Vodafone specific firmware for the Indian SGSII. The JB firmware you are using is European based with a European, XX, modem.

The latest stock firmware for India is XWLPW on Android 4.0.4. It might be worth installing that after a nandroid backup, to see if your signal improves as I'm guessing it has a DD modem. Alternatively you could just try flashing the 2 DD modems, here.

Not knowing your exact location, here is the Vodafone India Network Coverage Guide to check what they, "say", it should be.

Last edited by ironass; December 15th, 2012 at 04:57 AM.

parag1dubey

Errr, has anyone else had a problem with Philz recovery? I was about to flash the aforementioned modems, ironass, and i got an installation aborted error thrice... dunno whats wrong...