Wi-Fi vs. 3G

[WorldBuilder]

Hi all,

So I'm reading that my precious R2D2 here will connect to a wireless network, such as the one in my house. Cool... So let's say I go home tonight, whip out R2, and configure him to connect to my WLAN. Here are my questions...

• Once configured, does connecting to it kill/suspend the regular VZW data connection?
• If so, will that return if I disconnect from the W-Fi-or in another way get out of range of the it?
• If not, how does the phone know when to use which connection?
• In a nutshell... How does the phone handle multiple data connections, and what do I need to know to handle it?

Thanks!

Chris

 

[BobD]

I'm not an expert by any means, but I do exactly what you are describing. I use Locale to dedect when I am home. It will then turn on wifi and connect to my home network. 3G does get turned off, or at least the 3G icon doesn't show up any more. Then when I leave the house Locale turns off wifi and 3G automatically kicks in.

I found the spead to be quicker this way and some claim that it helps on battery. Since I was having a lot of issues with battery until yesterday I can't make any claims about that.

 

[Ascotthowe]

I have used wireless a few times, and when I do the 3G icon is no longer there, rather the wireless network icon is. So I'm assuming that for data is transferred through your wireless. (webpages, marketplace, etc)

When I disconnect, the 3g icon reappears.

Idk if that will help or not, it's fairly straightforward all you have to do is connect to wireless or disconnect from wireless.

 

[WorldBuilder]

So I will have to manually connect and disconnect each time? It's not automatic? If that's true, it seems reasonable. Get home, whip out R2, turn on wi-fi. Leave home, whip out R2, turn off wi-fi...

 

[alostpacket]

It's automatic and really easy. The phone will remember your home connection. If you can, try and set your wireless router to use WPA 2.encryption. WEP is crap.


.

 

[messenger13]

Answers below in RED.

Here are my questions...

• Once configured, does connecting to it kill/suspend the regular VZW data connection? Yes.
• If so, will that return if I disconnect from the W-Fi-or in another way get out of range of the it? Yes. Your 3G icon will reappear once the DROID loses it's wireless connection.
• If not, how does the phone know when to use which connection? Your DROID will use the 3G connection until it finds a "remembered" wireless connection.
• In a nutshell... How does the phone handle multiple data connections, and what do I need to know to handle it? You do nothing, the DROID will handle everything. Smart little guy. Unless you need to put in a password if the wireless connection needs one.

Thanks! You're welcome.

 

[messenger13]

Yea ... forgot to add. I turn OFF the wireless on my DROID when I am nowhere near a WAP (wireless access point). This saves on battery. I do the same for the GPS receiver. Install the power control widget on your desktop and you're golden.

 

[BobD]

So if I understand this correctly I don't need locale to let Droid know when to connect to my home network? It will just know when I get home that it shoud connect?

 

[WorldBuilder]

BobD, that's a good question. Messenger, do you know?

Also, the "power control widget" you mention. Is that built-in or do I have to get it from Marketplace? And if so, what's it called specifically so I can find it in there?

Thanks! Droid... Android... You guys in this forum... All rock!

Chris

 

[BobD]

For the power widget, just long press anywhere on the screen and then select widgets. You should see it there for selecting.

 

[WorldBuilder]

Got it, nice. OK, so what do these icons mean? Some are obvious, but indulge me... Do we all see the same thing? 5 icons...

Starting on the left, I assume this one is for Wi-Fi. On/Off. That simple?
To the right of that, Bluetooth. On/Off. Simple as that?
What's this one in the middle? 3G? I turned it off to test, but nothing seemed to happen...
The next one is sync, I believe... What's with that?
Finally, on the far right is brightness. Pretty basic.

Chris

 

[BobD]

You got them correct. The one your missing is GPS.

 

[WorldBuilder]

So each of these merely turns that particular service on or off? If that's true, why did 3G stay on (seemingly) after turning it off? Same with sync?

 

[messenger13]

The power control does not turn on/off 3G. Only the wireless card - Bluetooth - GPS receiver - Sync - Brightness control.

3G will toggle on/off by itself ... unless you dig through the settings and disable it altogether (but why would anyone do that?).

 

[messenger13]

So if I understand this correctly I don't need locale to let Droid know when to connect to my home network? It will just know when I get home that it shoud connect?

As long as your wireless card is enabled, once you have a network setup, your DROID should automatically connect to it every time it sees it. When I go home, all I do is enable my wireless on the control widget, my 3G shuts off, and my WiFi connection is established.

 

[WorldBuilder]

OK, I'm going to do some serious Droid-Playin' this weekend, the first full weekend of ownership. My God, this thing is cool... Skynet, here we come!

 

[WorldBuilder]

as long as your wireless card is enabled, once you have a network setup, your droid should automatically connect to it every time it sees it. When i go home, all i do is enable my wireless on the control widget, my 3g shuts off, and my wifi connection is established.

n.i.c.e.
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