KR1 connection problems

chris234 · Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 9:34 pm Post subject: KR1 connection problems

Got a pair of these today, and have run into a problem. When first booted we get online with no problem, however at some point the connection drops and we can't get back online except by rebooting the box (we can get into the management and do it there, so the unit isn't crashed). Clicking the connect button tries for about a minute and then returns with a failure message.

This is with Verizon and the KPC650. Anyone else seen this problem?

Zorog · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Posts: 135

Are you positive the EVDO connection is where it's broke? Do you get a red status light? Are one of your devices plugged directly into an Ethernet port? If so, can you still access the management menus?

I saw this problem frequently in firmware releases prior to 3.19. (This was supposed to be renamed to V1.0 when it went commercial)

It was a bug in the d-Link 802.11 firmware, related to having an 802.11 wireless device operating too close to the router.

Mackieman · EVDO Junkie Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 453

One of the first things to check is to make sure your EVDO card is correctly provisioned and configured. If you just purchased a new card with the unit, you'll need to first run it in a laptop and activate/configure it. Once you're able to maintain a successful connection on your laptop, KR1 should run fine with it as well.

chris234 · Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 12:20 pm Post subject:

As I said, we can get online initially after the unit boots, and we can still get into the management (via ethernet or wifi).

Mackieman · EVDO Junkie Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 453

Ok so place your card back into a laptop and run it in VZAccess Manager. Allow it to stay connected for a couple of hours to ensure you don't have a card-based problem.

chris234 · Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 7:28 pm Post subject:

The card works fine in my powerbook for hours at a stretch. Hopefully a colleague will be bringing in another 650 tomorrow, and we can do a bit of swapping around, but from what we've seen so far it does appear to be the box. As it sounds like not all that common a problem I'm guessing it may be a bum unit.

greg · EVDO Newbie Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 7

Happened to me. Card is Sprint 580. I'm in a marginal area, and occasionally the connection drops. On my Linux box, the card seems to require that it be ejected before the connection can be re-established, either physically or via software ("pccardctl eject|insert <slot>"). Perhaps the same for the Kyocera?

runswithscissors · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Posts: 1

Just unpacked and fired up my KR1. Worked fine and then after about 30 minutes I ran into the same failure to connect others described here.

Using the webadmin page, it would try to re-establish the connection with the 60 second countdown and then fail. Had to power down / power up and then it worked fine again.

Using the KPC650 which doesn't do this when plugged into my PC at the same location. I've been using the card for, what, about a month now with no problems so its unlikely it's the culprit here.

I'll keep a close eye on this and post here if it happens again.

Not a good start...

Scott · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:42 am Post subject:

This may be of some help...

Limited coverage area issue? The KR1 ships defaulted to EVDO-only on the WAN connection.

Most likely all of you are using the Status>WAN (EVDO) page within the KR1's web configurator to connect/disconnect (though it will connect automatically when first powered up... you'll get an IP address/gateway/DNS, yet still not have WAN access).

Under Advanced>WAN (EVDO) there is a check box to "Allow connection to 2G networks". That is unchecked by default. Unless that is checked, you will not get EVDO or anything in a weak coverage area. At least this has been my experience. So, check the box and try it, or try an antenna. Be sure to click on the Connect checkmark button on the lower-right of the Advanced>WAN (EVDO) page to save your settings.

ljnelson109 · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 19

OK, I am concerned that there is some confusion regarding technology and terminology here. Not sure if Kyocera is using these terms loosely or if there is some other issue.

EVDO = VZW Broadband Access
3G = 1xRTT = VZW National Access
2G = VZW Quick2Net service

Unless Kyocera is confusing terms, you do NOT want 2G. First of all, 2G is only 14.4K It was great in its time. I was proud as can be when I deployed this system at Sprint PCS in 1998-99 time frame. But now, it is a last ditch effort for connectivity. Also note that this service, to my knowledge, is not included in our "unlimited" broadband account.

VZW was using 2G for their WAP services such as Get It Now. Even those services are being supported on 3G now.

So, the question is, does the KR1 not support 3G/1xRTT/National Access?

Michael, your thoughts?

Mackieman · EVDO Junkie Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 453

3G = EVDO (Verizon's Broadband Access)
2.5G = 1X (Verizon's National Access)
2G = QNC 14.4k (Verizon's Quick2Net)

Use of the 2G page or the WAN (EVDO) page is inconsequential for Verizon, Sprint, and other carriers who use MobileIP on their networks. The WAN (EVDO) page is for users who are using a carrier network that supports SimpleIP and needs a username and password to establish the PPP connection.

EVDO runs on the same air link as 1X. Both connections are established by dialing #777. The difference is the traffic channel that is used. EVDO and 1X can do soft handoffs between services when EVDO is not available and 1X is. The router has no clue if the PC Card is running in EVDO or 1X; it is only routing packets through the card. If you're having service issues, I would take the card out, place it in a laptop and see what the signal strength looks like.

t1rash · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 May 2005 Posts: 11

Hadn't noticed this topic till now but the same thing happens to me from time to time also. I'm using the PC5220 and the connection just drops (WAN light goes out on router) and I have to power down/up to get it back connected too. Hopefully a new firmware will come out and fix this.
Oh, and I'm only able to connect to 1xRTT since I'm to far out in the boonies to enjoy the perks that "yall city folk" get from EVDO so maybe it does have something to do with limited coverage (I usually have 3 bars when the card is in my laptop).

pismo · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 2:27 pm Post subject:

i get the same thing on the kr1 some times "red light"

wireless working ok with access to router but had to power cycle to clear.

with amps and external antenna on both evdo and wi-fi

i have seen it up switch from 1xrtt to evdo which would not happen on the laptop.
it takes it a long time compaired to a laptop to connect or reconnect which it does often.

throughput has been pretty good about the same as the laptop.

i am using a kpc 650 on verizon in los angeles mobile in my truck.
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Scott · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 4:21 pm Post subject:

Mackieman · EVDO Junkie Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 453